ESG at KAEFER: a behind-the-scenes look

What has a tank of fuel got to do with a bank loan?
At KAEFER, more than you might think.

Today we’re publishing our 14^th annual ESG & Sustainability Report. For some, it’s a dense read of numbers and frameworks; for others, it’s a testament to transparency and progress. But what often goes unnoticed is the story behind the data – the people, passion and precision that drive the process.

This time we’re flipping the script. Instead of just focusing on the results, we’re taking you behind the scenes – to see how something as simple as company car mileage can impact the cost of our ESG syndicated loan. Yes, really.

So, buckle up as we follow the surprising journey – and explore how everyday decisions shape KAEFER’s global sustainability footprint.

Why tracking data matters

Without a clear system for tracking data, incentives cannot be set and nothing will change. This kind of stagnation isn’t just bad for business – it’s bad for the environment. At KAEFER, we know that every data point counts. It’s not just about reporting; it’s about making meaningful progress towards sustainability.

KAEFER is only one piece of the puzzle. We’re part of a global system where every organisation, every individual and every action contributes to the collective impact on our planet.

A tank of fuel and a chain reaction

Let’s start small. Imagine one of our insulation technicians driving to a customer site in a company car, tools and materials loaded in the back. The engine starts. Fuel is burned. And greenhouse gases are emitted.

Simple? Simple enough. But the impact goes far beyond the roadside.

Because that fuel consumption is recorded and becomes a data point. That data point is calculated into a carbon footprint. It’s tracked and verified and is passed on to our financial partners – where it even influences the interest rate on our syndicated loan.

Suddenly, a single trip becomes a thread in a much larger tapestry.

It’s more than just fuel

Of course, vehicle use is only one piece of the puzzle.

How much waste we produce, how often we travel for business, how much electricity we use – all these things also have an impact on our carbon footprint. And of course, we cannot just set consumption to zero, because we need it to do our work and run our business. But we have to create transparency. And to get a full picture of KAEFER’s emissions, a robust reporting system has been developed over the past few years.

It allows us to calculate ‘our’ emissions, yes – but what results in a few figures in the final report doesn’t reflect the complex, time-consuming and intensive work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s a massive effort involving people across the business – and it’s what keeps the wheels of ESG turning.

The people behind the process

And those wheels are powered by real people. There’s Claire, the colleague in the UK & Ireland coordinating vehicle data. Icaro in Brazil reporting electricity consumption. Our HSEQ specialist in South Africa who validates waste figures. Together they feed information into a system that helps us measure our impact – and our improvement.

This spans departments, countries and time zones. Supply Management, HSEQ, HR, Finance, Fleet and Facility Management, Compliance, Communications and more – everyone contributes.

It’s not just about being accurate. It’s about being accountable.

Data with direction

The numbers you see in the report don’t appear by magic. They’re the result of structured systems, constant coordination and a lot of hard work. And they’re not just for show.

This data helps us make smarter decisions, benchmark progress, win client tenders, and shape our Group’s ESG practices. It’s our way of turning talk into action – and ambition into results.

And as ESG reporting requirements increase in many countries, our agility and teamwork are more important than ever.

Everyone plays a part

You may not work in ESG. You may never open the report. But if you travel for work, manage materials or simply turn off the lights, you are part of it. And that’s the heart of it: Sustainability isn’t just a corporate imperative. It’s a shared responsibility. It’s built on everyday actions, thoughtful decisions and a shared commitment to doing better.

So, the next time you hear “ESG”, think beyond the buzzwords. Think about the journey of a tank of fuel, the efforts of your colleagues and the global impact of local actions.