Integrating sustainable practices into overall business strategy
Raveshni Naidoo is ESG manager at Sun International Group
What does an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) manager do?
An ESG manager is responsible for helping a company focus on and improve its environmental, social and governance practices. This includes creating and implementing policies, monitoring compliance with sustainability standards, collecting data, engaging with stakeholders and integrating sustainable practices into the overall business strategy.
What form does this role take at Sun International?
Part of this role is to identify new projects and initiatives to support our overall business strategy. In 2023 we rolled out our first on-site renewable project at Sun City, a 1.6MW peak plant. This supports not only reducing our carbon emissions but also securing electricity supply and minimising the effect of load-shedding.
We will be rolling out further projects in 2024. Being a water-scarce country, we need to ensure a reliable and clean water supply, therefore in 2022 we installed a reverse osmosis plant at Boardwalk [Hotel, Gqeberha] to supply our hotel and casino.
From a social perspective we undertake numerous projects in our surrounding communities.
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
I am a consistent team player with excellent communication skills. I am always willing to share my knowledge and skills with those around me to assist them in tapping into their best potential. On the flip side, if I am lacking in a specific area I am comfortable to acknowledge a gap in knowledge and seek out and collaborate with the experts to assist me.
What are some of the challenges your company faces?
Similar to other companies, we acknowledge there are challenges in keeping up with the ever-evolving framework and standards in the ESG landscape, which makes it a challenge when it comes to managing diverse reporting requirements. With ESG being all about the data, we are transitioning to an electronic data management platform that can present difficulties when setting up and affect the accuracy and completeness of the data.
What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to be an engineer. I started a mechanical engineering degree but changed to a BSc in geographical and environmental management in my first year. When I look back, it was the right decision to make as I’m in a position to influence positive change towards sustainable value creation in a company.
What do you look for when you are recruiting?
I look for an individual who has a passion for the subject matter and a growth mindset, and who tends to embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities for learning, and understands that effort is a crucial factor in achieving success. Someone who has an idea of where they would like to be in their career in the next five years, so I understand how best to guide and assist them.
What mistake at work taught you an important life lesson?
That you are replaceable no matter how hard you work, so spend time with family and friends, and have other interests as life should not be all about work. Try to strive for the elusive work-life balance.
What advice do you have for the matriculants of 2023?
Pick a career path where you would be able to leverage the natural skills you have, where you have a passion for the identified field of work, but most importantly a career where you will be able to make an impact and change for the better. Be practical as well and consider whether you want to be a leader or a follower.