Rotterdam school of Management, Erasmus University compact logo
  • Date

    Wednesday 21 October 2026

  • Time

    14:00 - 15:00 CEST

  • Where

    Online webinar (open to all)

  • Topics

    Sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship

Many organisations still see sustainability as a regulatory challenge or an additional cost. Yet some of the world's most successful companies are proving the opposite: sustainability can drive innovation, strengthen customer relationships and create long-term business value.

In this webinar, hosted by the Online Master in Sustainability Management, guest speaker Bas Fransen will share the entrepreneurial journey behind EcoMatcher and explain how sustainability can become a competitive advantage rather than a business trade-off.

Through real-world examples and insights from building a global impact-driven business, you'll discover how technology, transparency and purpose can work together to create both environmental and commercial success.

This webinar is open to all, simply register to attend.

Agenda
  1. Welcome and introduction
  2. My entrepreneurial journey
  3. EcoMatcher: from idea to global platform
  4. Sustainability as a business opportunity
  5. What's next for EcoMatcher
  6. Q&A session
Why attend?
  • Gain insights from a successful entrepreneur and business leader.
  • Discover practical examples of innovation-driven impact.
  • Learn how sustainability can create business value.
  • Understand how technology can increase transparency and engagement.
Who should attend?

This webinar is designed for professionals who want to create business value while driving positive environmental and social impact.

Whether you're already working in sustainability or looking to incorporate sustainable thinking into your role, you'll gain practical insights from a founder who has successfully turned purpose into business growth. This session may be particularly valuable for:

 

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in building purpose-driven businesses
  • Business professionals looking to understand how sustainability can create competitive advantage
  • Managers and leaders responsible for driving sustainability initiatives within their organisations
  • Marketing, innovation, and strategy professionals exploring new ways to engage customers and stakeholders
  • Professionals considering further study in sustainability management
  • Anyone curious about the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental impact
Connect with industry experts

This live webinar is designed to be engaging and interactive. Throughout the session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share comments and participate in the discussion. Our speakers will respond in real time, giving you direct access to their expertise and insights.

A gift for every attendee

As a thank you for joining this webinar, every attendee will receive their own EcoMatcher tree. Through EcoMatcher's TREES+ initiative, you'll be able to follow the journey of a real tree planted as part of a certified carbon project. Unlike many tree-planting programmes that report impact at forest level, TREES+ provides visibility into the individual tree and the local community behind the project.

 

Supported by internationally recognised Verra and Gold Standard carbon certifications, TREES+ combines verified climate impact with exceptional transparency. You'll be able to track your tree's growth, learn more about the community caring for it, and even visit it in person.

 

Learn more about TREES+ here.

Speakers

Bas Fransen

Founder and CEO of EcoMatcher

Guest speaker

Zuzana Michálková

Associate Director of the Online Master in Sustainability Management at RSM

Host

"Helping brands respond to the climate crisis – one tree at a time.”

- Bas Fransen, CEO of EcoMatcher

My message is clear: sustainability is the ultimate business opportunity of our time. Too many companies still view it as a regulatory burden or a cost center. They need to wake up. The most forward-thinking companies, from Unilever to the startups we partner with, have realized that integrating sustainability is a powerful strategy to win market share, build brand loyalty, and increase market capitalization. Consumers, especially the younger generation, actively support brands that align with their values. Combating the climate crisis is a collective effort, and businesses that provide transparent, engaging ways for people to participate will not only help the planet but will also be the commercial winners of tomorrow. - Bas Fransen, CEO of EcoMatcher

About EcoMatcher

EcoMatcher was founded on a simple belief: sustainability and business should grow together.

Using innovative technology, EcoMatcher enables organisations to plant trees with complete transparency. Every tree is geotagged, photographed and traceable, allowing businesses and individuals to follow its impact over time. 

Beyond reforestation, the platform helps organisations integrate sustainability into gifting programmes, loyalty initiatives, employee engagement activities and carbon reduction efforts, creating meaningful connections between people, business and the planet. 

EcoMatcher is B corp certified and their company HQ is in Hong Kong.

Learn more at EcoMatcher.

Sign up for the webinar

About the Online Master Sustainability Management

The Online Master in Sustainability Management is a fully online, part-time master programme, designed for working professionals who are passionate about tackling sustainability challenges. Throughout the programme learners will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining the expertise to lead complex sustainable transformations.

  • Format: 100% online, 24-months, part-time (ability to join from anywhere in the world)
  • Delivered in: English
  • Taught through: both live sessions as well as independent study material
  • Degree: Master of Science
  • Next intakes: March 2027, September 2027
  • To be eligible for this programme you do not need prior experience in sustainability to apply. However, applicants are required to have a minimum of three years of overall professional work experience.

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