How do you build a successful framework to set sustainability goals and measure your success? Riwal has found the answer.
In order to take its commitment to sustainability to the next level, Riwal looked for a solid framework. Yara Abou Karam Corporate SHEQ Specialist for Riwal, said: “The best place for us to start was to go right to the top – and in my view, the very top when it comes to sustainability is the United Nations.
“We had a clear idea of what we wanted to achieve as a company, but I wanted to properly connect it to a framework that was both internationally recognised and highly regarded.”
Riwal has adopted the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to provide this framework. “I was attracted to the SDGs because they offer really clear guidance on how to focus on key environmental issues,” she said.
The UN describes the SDGs as ‘the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’. They cover a wide range of topics, from poverty and education, to energy and the environment. Within environmental sustainability, Riwal has selected the following goals:
SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation - This goals states that “sustainable management of water resources and access to safe water and sanitation are essential for unlocking economic growth and productivity”
SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy - This goal states that “energy efficiency and increase use of renewables contribute to climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction”
SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities - This goal states that “resource-efficient cities combine greater productivity and innovation with lower costs and reduced environmental impacts, while providing increased opportunities for consumer choices and sustainable lifestyles”
SDG 12 Responsible production and consumption - This goal states that “one of the greatest global challenges is to integrate environmental sustainability with economic growth and welfare by decoupling environmental degradation from economic growth and doing more with less”
With its goals now established, Riwal turned to creating a framework and process for setting specific targets, as well as a plan on how to reach those objectives. Yara has established the Global SHEQ KPI Framework to fulfil this purpose.
“The KPI Framework includes our priority KPIs, along with specific targets,” said Yara. “This enables us to all work together to achieve our goals.”
The framework is divided in 3 parts:
People (Health and Safety)
Planet (Environment)
Prosperity (Quality)
Riwal has operations in 16 countries, spanning Europe, the Middle East, India and Kazakhstan. The framework provides each country with the room to define goals that are specific to their geographic region.
“We try to work as uniformly as possible but still enable each country to adapt its objectives to meet local needs,” added Yara. “We maintain a strong focus on our Group policies and values, as we strive to be the most sustainable rental company in the industry.”
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