Actionable ESG Policy for a mission-driven organisation
Nederlands-Vlaams Bijbelgenootschap (NBG)
Client context
The Nederlands-Vlaams Bijbelgenootschap (NBG) is part of the global network of Bible societies under the United Bible Societies (UBS). Beyond their work in the Netherlands and Flanders, NBG plays an influential international role by funding Bible translation and distribution projects in developing countries.
NBG is a forward-looking organisation: they offer digital Bible tools, produce podcasts, and are exploring AI capabilities to help users engage with biblical texts. With their strong mission and global partnerships, they sought to integrate sustainability into their governance and operations in a professional, credible, and future-fit way.
The question
The NBG aimed to professionalize its sustainability policy in line with the principles of double materiality and the current ESG expectations of key stakeholders, such as the CBF (the quality certification for NGOs). To do so, NBG sought clear insight into the concept of double materiality, to identify which topics are material to them, translate these into long-term objectives, KPIs and actions, and ultimately formalize everything in a concrete ESG policy.
Our approach
We designed a tailored four-session approach, and followed international sustainability guidelines, fully adjusted to NBG’s size, mission and operating model.
1. Mapping the Value Chain & Partnerships
We mapped NBG’s activities, international partnerships under UBS and the global translation and distribution projects they support. This provided a clear picture of where impacts and responsibilities sit across their chain.
2. Size- and Operations-Adjusted Double Materiality Analysis (DMA)
Together with NBG, we performed a size- and operations-adjusted DMA, assessing relevant impacts of NBG on environment and society, as well as the risks and opportunities facing NBG’s continuity and growth, both in their own operations and in the international projects they fund.
3. Targets, Actions & KPIs
For each material topic, we developed practical short- and long-term targets, related actions, KPIs, and monitoring. These were refined during an interactive workshop with NBG’s team.
4. Drafting the ESG Policy
We combined all outcomes into a complete, organisation-specific ESG policy that reflects NBG’s mission and was formally adopted by their management.
The collaboration
NBG’s professional and open way of working made this a meaningful project. Throughout the process we remained flexible, adjusting our workflow and tools to their organisational culture and timelines — ensuring the final policy is not just compliant, but usable, realistic, and aligned with NBG’s mission.
The Result
NBG now has a clear and practical ESG framework, complete with material topics, targets, actions, and KPIs. The new policy strengthens their governance and supports responsible international partnerships. Above all, it gives NBG a sustainability compass that aligns their mission with measurable progress.
