Driving Sustainability: Achieving ISO 14001:2015 Certification Across KKR’s European Portfolio Achieving Global ISO 14001 Certification with KKR

Client Overview

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) is a leading international investment firm with a diverse portfolio spanning multiple industries. As part of their commitment to sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, KKR sought to standardise their environmental management systems and achieve ISO 14001:2015 certification across their European operations.

Client Objectives

KKR aimed to implement and maintain ISO 14001:2015 environmental management systems throughout their investments and offices across Europe. Their specific objectives included:

• Establishing a rigorous ESG approach proportionate to their level of financial and operational control.
• Standardising environmental practices across their portfolio to align with sustainability goals.
• Ensuring proactive compliance with varying local environmental regulations.
• Demonstrating their commitment to responsible investing and environmental stewardship to investors, occupiers, and other stakeholders.

Our Approach

Inteb delivered a comprehensive and tailored strategy to support KKR’s objectives, focusing on several key areas:

1. Comprehensive Assessment:
   • Initial Environmental Audits: Conducted thorough internal audits across KKR’s investments to assess environmental aspects and impacts.
   • Risk Assessment: Prioritised key areas of concern and identified potential environmental risks within the portfolio.
2. Standardising Environmental Practices:
   • Customised Environmental Management System (EMS): Developed a tailored EMS framework compliant with ISO 14001:2015, accommodating KKR’s diverse portfolio.
   • Employee Training & Awareness: Designed and delivered bespoke training programmes to ensure all stakeholders, from investment teams to portfolio companies, actively contributed to ISO 14001 implementation.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Regulatory Mapping: Created a jurisdiction-specific regulatory matrix to track environmental regulations.
   • Legal Register: Established a robust legal register for clear oversight of compliance obligations and regulatory updates.
4. Certification Preparation:
   • Documentation Development: Assisted in drafting and maintaining documentation to meet ISO 14001:2015 requirements.
   • Internal Audits: Conducted internal audits across various locations to address potential non-conformities and ensure readiness for certification.
   • Certification Liaison: Coordinated with certification bodies to streamline the certification process.

Results

Inteb’s collaboration with KKR achieved significant results, including:

1. European Standardisation:
   • Secured ISO 14001:2015 certification, affirming KKR’s dedication to sustainability.
   • Standardised environmental management practices improved operational efficiency and minimised environmental risks.
2. Proactive Compliance:
   • Implemented a proactive compliance strategy to mitigate regulatory risks and ensure readiness for future changes.
   • Enhanced reputation as a responsible, sustainable investment firm, attracting environmentally conscious investors.
3. Sustainability Impact:
   • Streamlined resource management and operational processes, reducing consumption and waste in line with sustainability goals.
   • Gained a competitive edge by showcasing a robust ESG strategy to investors and stakeholders.

Conclusion

Our partnership with KKR highlights our ability to deliver ISO 14001:2015 environmental management solutions at scale, even within the complex framework of private equity investments. By standardising environmental practices, ensuring regulatory compliance, and securing certification across their European operations, Inteb has helped KKR reaffirm their commitment to sustainability and responsible investing. This collaboration underscores Inteb’s expertise in delivering tailored environmental strategies, contributing to long-term success and responsible financial practices.