Our Case Studies
STRATEGIC REVAMP & 5 YEARS PLAN FOR CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
Multi-billion International Corporation
CARBON NEUTRALITY
NATIONAL Non-for-profit Org
ESG GOVERNANCE, KPI SYSTEMS & REPORTING
Global Cleantech Solutions
DEI ROADMAP & DEPLOYMENT
Renewable Energy
GHG EMISSIONS BASELINE & INVENTORY MEASUREMENT
ManufactUring
Strategic Revamp &
5 Years Plan for Corporate Sustainability
Multi-billion International Corporation
Automotive
Background & Objective:
As the corporation is developing their new five-year plan, the Client wanted to seize the opportunity to revamp the existing sustainability program to elevate it to the strategic level. CHS was brought in to provide expertise on reviewing the objectives and corresponding KPIs from a multi-angle approach, and to solidify the corporate sustainability governance in order to enable continued performance improvement and engagement over time.
Results:
- Objectives & KPIs were adapted to set the Client on the right path to sustainability, considering inputs from multiple fronts: investors point-of-view (POV), industry benchmark, standards & frameworks, internal stakeholders, and enterprise risk management assessments
- The revised governance structure enabled internal champions to have the right information at the right time, to prioritize actions directed at improving their Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) performance and rating, and to quantify the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) results generated
- Internal stakeholders, including management, now have a solid foundation and understanding of Sustainability as a Strategy, and the importance of embedding it at the strategic planning level to influence future business decisions
Key Take-away:
CHS helped the Client to transition their sustainability program from traditional CSR to a more forward-looking and strategy-oriented sustainability role. A new language was adopted across the corporation to address sustainability at the core level.
Carbon Neutrality
National Non-for-Profit Organization
Sports
Background & Objective:
To be aligned with the organization’s commitment to contribute to the global efforts in addressing climate change, CHS was commissioned to help the Client assess its first carbon footprint in order to achieve carbon neutrality as part of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
Results:
- CHS produced the Client’s first ever greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report, in which it defined the Client’s nation-wide organizational and operational boundaries, GHG inventory scopes and the roles and responsibilities (R&R) for information management going forward.
- The GHG inventory report paved the grounds for future measurements, allowed the Client to set reduction goals and track progress within the scope of their organization, and compensate their remaining GHG emissions to achieve carbon neutrality.
- The Client took action on climate change as part of the organization’s movement on sustainability, one of the three major pillars of their 2020 Agenda.
Key Take-away:
The Client has been recognized as one of the climate leaders in its industry and was given the Carbon Action Awards as part of a global initiative which aims to recognize and accelerate effective climate action in the sports industry.
ESG Governance, KPI Systems & Reporting
Cleantech Solutions Company with Global Footprint
Renewable Energy
Background & Objective:
The Client had completed their 1st ESG report in the previous year which provided a good overview of the company’s material issues. For the second report year, the Client needed help to set up processes to collect data and perform measurements of ESG metrics, and to establish the related governance. CHS was hired to manage the project and to produce the company’s 2nd ESG report.
Results:
- Measuring: CHS conducted a high-level exercise to review material issues and translate them into relevant KPIs through a multi-angle approach: ESG questionnaires from investors and Clients, interviewed internal stakeholders, review of recognized standards and frameworks. From there, available KPIs, data gaps and reporting scope were identified in order to perform raw data collection (including but not limited to GHG inventory & calculations). A process mapping was then created to support future data collection.
- Governance: A cross-functional ESG governance structure was established to support the monitoring and reporting of related issues, and to ensure the continuity of sustainability efforts and performance improvements. Works included organizing an ESG committee, performing individual interviews to select and engage all members, creating a charter with defined roles and responsibilities, and facilitating the initial meetings.
- Reporting: Following the KPI owner interviews and the data/KPI collection, CHS produced the company’s 2nd year ESG report which included relevant data and metrics.
Key Take-away:
A robust foundation of ESG metrics and processes was established with a limited initial scope to set the stage for a company-wide expansion to other global sites in the following year. This groundwork prepared the company for future integration onto digital reporting platforms, allowing them to further embed a sustainable development model that integrates economic growth with social and environmental responsibility at the core of their strategic decisions going forward.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Roadmap & Deployment
Cleantech Solutions Company with Global Footprint
Renewable Energy
Background & Objective:
During the client’s initial materiality assessment, questions on DEI arised from their main investor, key clients, board members and internal stakeholders. DEI related work had not been initiated and limited relevant data was available when CHS produced their ESG report, hence no quantified elements were included. However, the importance of DEI was mentioned throughout the report and highlighted as a main improvement focus for the following year by the ESG committee.
Results:
- In the first year, CHS reviewed current DEI related policies across the client’s global operations, performed groundwork for survey readiness and scope for company-wide application, facilitated a DEI statement creation workshop with individuals across functions and seniority, created a roadmap for their DEI program deployment, and facilitated a global data collection of gender diversity by employee category. We included these progress elements and data points in their subsequent ESG report.
- In the second year, CHS continued to support the client on their DEI journey with the creation of an employee education & engagement plan, generated DEI data collection surveys adapted to each jurisdiction, and planned a cross-functional team building activity to bring down silos. CHS also performed an industry-specific gender baseline assessment by seniority, leveraging data collected the year prior.
Key Take-away:
These efforts established a solid DEI foundation, provided the client with new perspectives on how they could proactively address challenges and drive change from within, as well as defining a path to continue progressing on their DEI journey.
This was both a timely and critical reflection as DEI is one of the client’s priorities in terms of creating a more equal and inclusive workplace.
Net Zero Roadmap & GHG Inventory Report
Retail Investors Focused Fintech Company
Finance
Background & Objective:
In order to set the foundation and focus the client`s efforts, CHS was mandated to create its Net Zero roadmap, support the measurement of its baseline GHG emissions inventory according to the GHG protocol standard, identify reduction initiatives, generate a report, identify recognition options and provide recommendations for associated internal and external communications.
Results:
- We created a Net Zero roadmap and provided high level explanation and guidance with actions and timeline for each step. For their baseline GHG emissions inventory, we solidified the scope, consolidation approach, identified data types and data gaps, supported the team on data collection and estimations where necessary, identified emission factors and performed the conversion to GHG emissions.
- Given the nature of the client’s operations, its inventory measurement efforts were predominantly on Scope 3, including some estimates related to its cryptocurrency activities. We structured and wrote the data collection and estimation processes, created a tailored calculation tool and trained the internal team on its usage and maintenance in order for the client to become autonomous for future measurement and reporting.
Key Take-away:
This work enabled the client to understand the components of GHG emissions measurements and reporting, gain internal expertise and tools to handle and improve on future calculations, and methods to engage their entire staff in contributing to their Net Zero journey in pragmatic ways.
GHG Emissions Baseline & Inventory Measurement
Industrial Equipment OEM with Global Footprint
Manufacturing
Background & Objective:
The client had already initiated ESG related work with the completion of their materiality assessment and the release of their first ESG report. Climate was identified as one of the key issues to report on, and thus some GHG inventory efforts had been engaged. CHS was hired to provide support in establishing a solid framework, methodology and process for data collection, measurement and reporting of the client’s baseline GHG emissions inventory of its global manufacturing operations.
Results:
- In the first phase, we started by performing an assessment of the company’s current progress on its GHG inventory baseline, then created a plan that clarified the current state, scope, data collection process & methodology in order to eliminate reporting gaps and standardize ongoing collection efforts.
We mapped the emissions sources in-use for each site, and assessed data availability and where estimations would be needed. We summarized the action items needed to perform the GHG emissions inventory measurement for their global operations, and folded it into a comprehensive climate plan.
- In the second phase, we created a calculation tool and established mechanisms for data collection and conversion to GHG emissions (Scope 1 & 2) for their global operations. We built processes to bridge data gaps and increase internal capabilities to manage and solidify future GHG emissions measurement and reporting.
We also identified a number of software solutions that could generate additional efficiencies, and for which we can support the client as their integration partner.
Key Take-away:
Through our work, the client has built knowledge and capabilities to perform GHG emissions measurement aligned with the GHG protocol standard, and identified ways to improve the quality of its reporting to enable performance comparison against industry benchmarks.
ESG Baseline & Materiality Assessment
Engineering Services & Industrial Equipment Supplier
Industrial Machinery and Goods
Background & Objective:
The Company stands at the inception of their sustainability journey and is eager to integrate ESG considerations within their business model. CHS was hired to provide insights into the processes, structure, and programs to reach such goals. Our work began with a comprehensive baseline and a materiality assessment, laying the grounds for the creation of an ESG integration roadmap.
Results:
- Baseline Understanding: We began with stakeholder alignment of the Company’s ESG intentions and objectives. CHS further assessed the company’s existing policies, initiatives, and prior efforts which provided a foundation for the establishment of a comprehensive ESG governance structure.
- Materiality Assessment: CHS performed a materiality assessment using a multi-angle approach that considered an industry benchmark, internationally recognized standards, and the result of the baseline assessment. We shortlisted relevant material issues and gathered key stakeholder input through a survey to prioritize the material topics.
- ESG Integration Roadmap: CHS collaborated with the internal team to align on the key components of the high-level roadmap and create an action plan to set the stage for future ESG Reporting. Key components included KPI suggestions used to initiate the measuring and monitoring of their ESG performance, and guidance on sustainability integration for their products and services.
Key Take-away:
The baseline determined that the Company’s ESG journey has a strong foundation of good governance and corporate culture to build on. Moreover, the result of the materiality assessment has offered a comprehensive perspective on the essential ESG topics for both the company and its stakeholders. This double materiality assessment enables the focus of future efforts with a pragmatic ESG integration action plan that will guide the company for the years to come.
There is only one thing standing between you and securing long-term success – the leap into sustainability. We’ve been behind-the-scenes with over 100 businesses who successfully incorporated sustainability into their core strategy. Let us help you get there.
