“ We ’ re advocates of environmental stewardship . This includes optimal use of natural resources and ESG management across business operations ”
AMANDA O ’ DELL CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER ,
BLACK & VEATCH
Amanda O ’ Dell
Extending sustainability commitments to clients With its long track record of sustainability experience , Black & Veatch is well-placed to support clients on their ESG journeys .
The company ’ s Director of Environmental Solutions , Ajay Kasarabada , handles client-focused ESG strategy , helping businesses embed compliance into commercial processes .
“ When it comes to sustainability on the project execution side , we can test on our own projects first , and then share what we learned with our clients ,” says Kasarabada . “ We implement our own policies and processes for designing and engineering projects , as well as how we procure equipment and use it in construction .”
This provides Black & Veatch with firsthand insights to share , allowing its clients to leverage sustainable sourcing with a procurement and construction strategy that has already been applied in their industry . The result : manufactured goods are produced with lower carbon emissions , staff are treated fairly throughout the supply chain , and transport emissions are reduced .
Kasarabada also notes there has been a shift away from the previous industry strategy — cost optimisation and profitability — to a triple-bottom-line approach that also includes a social and environmental impact .
“ This now comprises a major portion of our client process ,” he says . “ Profit is important , but there is more emphasis on the importance of having a sustainable mindset towards construction .”
He adds : “ The biggest challenge is investment in sustainability and ESG . This does not directly result in a price increase of suppliers ’ products , because price is dictated by market forces . They have to think about how they justify cost in terms of impact .”
54 October 2022