In October and November 2024, we engaged in a dialogue with our neighbors through an online survey. As many as 783 residents from the wider area around our Ghent site shared their opinions about our company, our communication, and any potential nuisance. Your feedback helps us to better meet your expectations and to work together towards a pleasant living environment.

Main results

  • Strong Recognition: 97% of people are familiar with our company. Our image is largely positive, primarily due to our role as an employer and an economic contributor. However, there are concerns regarding our environmental impact.
  • Communication scores well: An average of 7.2/10. The neighborhood magazine 'Staal in je buurt' (Steel in your neighborhood) and social media are well-received, but could be more widely known. Neighbors primarily request more information about sustainability, investments, and practical updates regarding potential nuisance.
  • Nuisance continues to be a concern: 17% experience nuisance, mainly from dust and noise. Notably, only 23% of those who experience nuisance know where and how to report it.  

What do our neighbors expect?

Neighbors and employees appreciate our company's economic contribution, but their main request is for ongoing investments in sustainability and open communication. There is a clear demand for more information regarding environmental and sustainability initiatives, innovative investments, and how our company operates internally. 

Our promise

We take this feedback seriously and continue to actively commit to an open dialogue with our neighbors. We do this through various initiatives: from environmental moments to transparent communication online and on social media. Our renewed website – including the extensive Neighborhood Info page and the possibility to subscribe to Neighborhood Info updates - is an important part of this.

In addition, we take every complaint seriously and investigate it thoroughly. We continuously monitor nuisance and take physical measures where necessary to limit the impact. 

Thank you!

Thank you to all participants for your valuable contribution. Your feedback is very important and helps us to better meet your expectations and to work together to create a pleasant living environment.