Head of ESG at GraydonCreditsafe Hind Salhane hopes policy can build a better, greener society
Growing up in Dilsen-Stokkem, surrounded by the lush landscapes of Limburg, Hind Salhane developed a deep love for nature. Surrounded by lush green forests and lakes, she spent her childhood playing outside with her brothers.
“I enjoyed the beauty of nature while playing football or biking with them,” she says. “A big passion for Mother Earth has always been there and I would like future generations to be able to enjoy that nature as well.”
Those formative experiences inspired her to pursue a career that centered on sustainability. Alongside a former role in HR, she had a brief foray into politics when she stood for an election for a federal seat in 2019. Despite not winning, she remains as committed to sustainability and climate action as ever, and is now Head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at GraydonCreditsafe.
Hind believes that businesses are closely tied to the most pressing societal challenges of our time, such as inequality and well-being, and have a significant role to play in addressing these issues. “To me, the holistic approach is key,” she says, emphasising that ESG should not be reduced merely to CO2 emissions or electric cars. She stresses the importance of the ‘S’ in ESG, which often gets overshadowed. At GraydonCreditsafe, she has found a place where she can truly live her passion. “Everything I’ve done in the past – HR, consulting, politics – comes together in one department,” she explains, highlighting how her diverse experiences converge in her current role.
Hind describes the goal of ESG as “ensuring that our grandchildren can be happy and healthy doing what they love in an inclusive society”. This vision underscores the importance of sustainability in all aspects of life and business.
She is aware, though, that national policies are required to increase action on sustainability. The European Climate Law has set a legally binding goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with a 55% reduction target by 2030. “The past has shown that, unfortunately, sometimes it takes laws and frameworks to motivate people or companies to do the right things,” says Hind. “A lot of business leaders were doing sustainable business long before the green deal. That number will increase now.”
Drawing a parallel to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Hind sees the potential for the ESG framework to bring sustainability to the forefront of business operations, just as GDPR did for data privacy. This regulatory push can ensure that sustainability is not just a buzzword but an integrated practice within organisations.
Looking ahead to her appearance at Love Tomorrow, Hind aims to provide hands-on tools that any entrepreneur can use to create impact. She emphasises that sustainability is not limited to large production sites saving on energy. Social entrepreneurs also play a crucial role by offering opportunities at ESG-driven companies to people from demographics that struggle to access work. “That too is sustainability,” she asserts.
Hind is also excited to attend presentations by other speakers at the Love Tomorrow conference. On her wishlist are thought leaders such as Elena Doms, Rutger Bregman, Jessica den Outer, Dr. Steven Laureys, and Dirk de Wachter.
Hind Salhane’s journey from a nature-loving child in Limburg to a passionate advocate for holistic sustainability in business is inspiring. As she continues to champion ESG principles, her work serves as a beacon for those looking to make a positive impact on both society and the environment.
Hear Hind Salhane and other inspirational speakers at Love Tomorrow 2024 – get tickets now
