Introducing our Head of ESG, Sara Roberts
We are delighted to introduce our new Head of ESG, Sara Roberts
Find out more about ESG and what it means for KAEFER UK & Ireland by reading our interview with Sara Roberts.
When did you join KAEFER UK & Ireland?
I joined KAEFER 6 months ago, in mid-2024. It’s a great time to get involved with the company as we’re expanding our focus on sustainability and ESG. I’m excited about KAEFER’s commitment to meaningful change. The company’s ambition to lead in ESG while growing its business is both inspiring and challenging.
Why did the company decide that a Head of ESG was needed?
The decision to bring on a Head of ESG was driven by the growing importance of sustainability, responsible governance, and the demand for transparency in business operations.
ESG stands for: Environment, Social and Governance, but I prefer to think of it as ‘People, Planet and Prosperity’. Customers, investors, and regulators are placing increasing emphasis on environmental and social accountability. KAEFER recognises that having a dedicated ESG strategy is crucial for future-proofing our business, enhancing our brand reputation, and meeting regulatory expectations. By creating this role, the company ensures strategic focus on ESG that aligns with our long-term goals and company values.
What are you and the team currently focusing on and working towards?
I’m working towards building a comprehensive ESG strategy that will drive KAEFER’s people and planet impact agenda forward. Reporting to Phillipa Recchia, HSE Director, and collaborating closely with the HSE, and collaborating closely with the HSE team, we’re aligning our efforts with broader corporate goals. Key focus areas include:
- Climate action: Reducing carbon emissions and setting science-based targets.
- Sustainable supply chain: Ensuring ethical sourcing and minimising environmental impacts in our supply chain.
- Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI): Promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
- Transparency and ESG reporting: Providing the company and our customers with clear and accurate reporting on our ESG progress, risks, and impacts.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensuring that we meet or exceed the latest ESG regulations and frameworks.
What have you achieved so far in the short time since starting with the business?
Despite being with KAEFER for a relatively short time, we’ve made solid progress.
Key achievements include:
- ESG Committee: We’ve conducted a comprehensive review of the ESG Committee, establishing a new Terms of Reference, creating formal responsibilities within the committee, and a renewed agenda for our quarterly meeting to identify key areas of improvement and opportunity.
- Energy Reduction Initiatives: We’ve begun working with the Transport and Jarrow Head Office teams to implement energy efficient measures, laying the groundwork for long-term emission reductions.
- Supplier Engagement: Working with the Supply Chain team, we’re developing new relationships to ensure our suppliers align with our sustainability standards and ethical practices.
- Improved ESG Reporting: We’ve begun streamlining our data collection process, which will help us report more effectively and transparently in the upcoming annual sustainability report.
What is your vision for the future of ESG at KAEFER?
My vision is for KAEFER to be recognised as a leader in our responsibility to people and the planet, setting benchmarks for others in our industry. I want to ensure that our ESG initiatives create long-term value, not only for the business, but also for the planet and society at large.
What is one takeaway you’d like to share about ESG?
ESG is not just a buzzword – it’s a critical part of how we build a resilient, future-proof company. Not just for our current employees, but for the next generation too. It’s an exciting time to be part of a company that is ready to make a real difference.
