An Interview with Paula Casares, Head of ESG at TK Elevator

Can you tell us about your organization and your current role?

TK Elevator is one of the leading players in the urban mobility industry. Its portfolio encompasses the sales, service and maintenance of elevators, escalators, moving walks, and passenger boarding bridges. Our company is represented in over 100 countries worldwide by over 50,000 employees.

As TK Elevator’s global Head of ESG, I am responsible for overseeing the ESG performance of the company, as well as developing long term strategies for the business in aspects such as climate protection and CSR, making sure that they align with the company’s goals and values.

What are your corporate sustainability commitments and goals?

We have set for ourselves quite ambitious emission targets. TK Elevator commits to reduce GHG emissions from its own business activities (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 53% by 2030 (base year 2019) and to reduce emissions related to the use of its products (Scope 3) by 23% by 2030 compared to 2021. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In doing so, TK Elevator shares the “Business Ambition for 1.5˚C” led by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and is one of more than 2,000 businesses and financial institutions, which have committed to the United Nations’ “Race to Zero” campaign. Our emission reduction targets have been validated by the SBTi. The initiative determined TK Elevator’s Scope 1 and 2 targets to be compliant with the standards set by the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°.

As a member of the global RE100 (Renewable Electricity) initiative, TK Elevator is also committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030. In 2021/22, 59% of the company’s consumed electricity came from renewable sources (+13 percentage points compared to last year) and 88% of the electric power used in its factories worldwide came from renewable sources (+10 percentage points compared to last year).

What have been your most difficult challenges in achieving those goals?

We have encountered various challenges in our journey towards achieving our organization’s sustainability goals. Some of the most notable difficulties we have faced include:

Evolving Requirements: Sustainability requirements are evolving very fast, and stakeholders’ expectations for companies to develop sustainability initiatives and disclose their progress are increasing rapidly. In this evolving environment, it is challenging to keep progress in answer to more demanding expectations.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to evolving sustainability regulations and standards across different regions and jurisdictions presents ongoing challenges. We are headquartered in Europe but at the same time having operations across the globe. You can imagine the various standards we are obliged to meet; each requires extensive planning and alignment. Staying up-to-date with the latest requirements and ensuring compliance requires continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging and aligning stakeholders around sustainability goals can be complex, especially in a global organization operating across different geographies. It involves navigating diverse perspectives, cultural differences, and varying levels of awareness and commitment to sustainability practices.

What opportunities do you see to address those challenges?

We view these challenges as catalysts for growth and innovation, and creating a positive impact among our staff and the industry. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability, we are not only dedicated to achieving our environmental objectives but also driving transformative change that aligns with our sustainability goals. Through our collective efforts, we aim to inspire a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

TWIN elevator system by TK Elevator | Photo: TK Elevator

What are the ESG material (environmental, social, and governance) issues that your organization focuses on, and how do you integrate them into your corporate sustainability?

As a product manufacturer and service provider, we are committed to minimizing the environmental impact resulting from the operation of our products and solutions. We actively engage in charitable and volunteering activities and events to give back to communities. Being a world class multinational company, we have established comprehensive policies to ensure compliance across all aspects of our business and operations. This includes sustainability, corporate social responsibility, employee engagement and welfare, as well as passenger and workplace safety.

How do you communicate your corporate sustainability strategy and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders?

TK Elevator consistently communicates our sustainability strategy and commitments to internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis. Each year, we publish a comprehensive sustainability report that offers an in-depth update to our stakeholders and the public. This report highlights our ongoing efforts and progress in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) across our global operations. Our efforts were also recognized by leading ESG rating agencies. This includes being featured in the CDP A-List for the third consecutive year and in the Sustainalytics’ 2023 Top-Rated ESG Companies List, as well as the EcoVadis Gold Medal rating for the top 5% of all companies assessed.

What were the most exciting initiatives and progress that you and your team have done in 2023?

In Asia, where a significant portion of our manufacturing operations are based, we are making strides towards a greener future. A recent milestone includes the installation of a large-scale solar panel system on the rooftop of our manufacturing facility in Zhongshan, China. This system generates energy that accounts for over 40% of the facility’s total monthly electricity consumption. Building upon this success, we have plans to extend this initiative to our key manufacturing facility in Songjiang, located near Shanghai. The anticipated outcome is that this system will provide 30% of the property’s total monthly electricity consumption. These installations exemplify our dedication to reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable mobility solutions.

What are the lessons you learned from your sustainability efforts in 2023?

In 2023, our sustainability efforts have reinforced the invaluable lesson that conducting business responsibly not only aligns with global priorities but also presents a multitude of business opportunities. The heightened focus on ESG and sustainability across the world has highlighted the significance of integrating ESG principles into our overarching business strategy. Customers and the public are increasingly seeking products and service providers that prioritize responsible practices and offer environmentally friendly solutions. By making ESG a core component of our business strategy, we not only meet evolving market demands but also position ourselves to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. We have learned that embracing sustainability not only benefits the planet but also unlocks a wealth of possibilities for growth and positive impact.

Elevator plant and test tower equipped with solar panels at Zhongshan, China. | Photo: TK Elevator

What are your plans for your sustainability efforts in 2024?

Looking forward, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our current ESG strategy, striving to continuously enhance our sustainability and ESG practices across all facets of our operations. However, our aspirations extend beyond our own organization. We aim to an advocate for responsible and sustainable business practices and products in all the global locations where we operate. As people seek sustainable mobility solutions, we want them to instinctively turn to TKE as the trusted provider that embodies and champions these values.

If you were to share advice you learned in your role that may be helpful to your peers and sustainability practitioners around the world, what would that be?

Each context is unique, and successful sustainability initiatives often require tailored approaches that consider local cultures, ecosystems, and socio-economic conditions. Flexibility and adaptability are key in navigating the complexities of sustainable development. On top of that, I would recommend focusing on engagement initiatives to raise awareness and drive behavioral change; transparent communication on progress, challenges, and successes openly to build trust and encourage accountability; and developing a long-term vision while setting achievable short-term goals; and measuring, tracking, and analyzing key metrics to understand the impact of initiatives and make informed decisions.

Editor: Marlis Afridah

This publication is a part of Green Network Asia’s Leaders in Sustainability Special Report 2023.