In working with clients, my approach to developing an ESG strategy and framework is commensurate to the type and size of organisation. This is the approach I have taken in developing the approach to ESG for my own company, Keyah Consulting Limited.
Keyah Consulting Limited provides ESG advisory services to companies with a focus on the built environment. In doing this, Keyah Consulting is committed to making a positive difference to people, place and planet.
This ESG strategy sets out how ESG considerations are built into what and how I operate and deliver, including how I work with partners. In developing this strategy, I considered a range of relevant material factors.
To note, Keyah Consulting Limited has one Director/Employee, Dr Sophie Taysom. Where required, I utilise associate/partnership arrangements, and engage with professional service firms.
My commitments
Keyah Consulting Limited will:
Ensure operations are environmentally sustainable
- Baselining GHG emissions (Oct 23 – Oct 24) with a focus on energy, and travel
- Once baselining completed, look to becoming a signatory to the SME Climate Commitment
- Prioritise use of renewable energy (from Oct 23)
Deliver social benefit
- Support local and relevant professional communities
- Ensure suppliers are paid within 2 weeks of invoice
Ensure good governance
- Review any policies and procedures on an at least annual basis.
My intention is to provide an update on ESG considerations annually in April/May. This will include an update on progress against commitments.
Environmental sustainability
From 1 October 2023 I began measuring my company’s emissions baseline. The focus will be on energy (gas; electricity), and travel.
On energy, as of October 2023, I moved to a service provider using 100% renewables. As I work from home, I will measure energy attributable to business under HMRC rules. To note I have been unable to baseline from Oct 22-23 due to a fault with one of the meters.
Travel is limited. Typical modes of transport are buses, trains, and the metro, and come under Scope 3 emissions. This includes for regular business travel from London to Brussels. Flying is minimised.
I will use appropriate proxy measures covering other business related activities such as meals, any hardware, materials and so on.
It is important to establish a baseline before making any commitments to Net Zero. To note, my current expectation is that Keyah Consulting Limited will need to consider carbon offsets or something of that nature to reach Net Zero given it is likely that my carbon footprint will be difficult to substantively reduce further.
Social value and the S elements of ESG
I take the opportunity where I can to contribute social value to my local community, to relevant professions, and in terms of the future workforce. As of December 2023, I do the following on a voluntary basis:
- Act as a Trustee for Groundwork London, a large London based charity with a focus on people, place and planet,
- Regularly engage with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and those at early career stage, from the UK, the US and Canada (so far), and
- Up until December 2023, sat on the Healthcare Sector Panel at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (the panel is now disbanded).
In addition I continue to run the ESG in real estate group on LinkedIn.
In working with others, where required I engage with professional services firms on accountancy and legal matters. These businesses are UK based. Where I bring in others under an Associate model or work as partners, I ensure colleagues are paid at an agreed rate. All invoices are paid with 10 working days, generally within 4 working days.
Through my work and discussions, I have a demonstrable commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Governance
Keyah Consulting Limited is a company registered in England and Wales at Companies House.
The key governance risk is associated with tax. As the Director of Keyah Consulting Limited, I work with an accountancy firm to ensure that the company operates in such a way that is in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and other practices. All necessary information is disclosed to HMRC so that informed and timely decisions on tax affairs can be made.
I am committed to maintaining an open, honest and professional relationship with HMRC. As Director, in working with my appointed accountancy firm, the aim is to make all appropriate returns and payments on a timely basis and seek to build collaborative relationships with HMRC and its staff. Any inadvertent errors identified in tax returns or computations would be fully disclosed as soon as is reasonably possible. Where there are uncertainties in interpretation of the law or tax guidance, I may seek assistance from HMRC or my tax advisors.
Dr Sophie V Taysom
12 December 2023