Environmental, Social & Governance

Waste not, want not: ZS measures up to reduce climate impact

By Kailah Peters

July 2, 2024 | Article | 3-minute read

Waste not, want not: ZS measures up to reduce climate impact


At ZS, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation—not only in consulting and professional services but also in how we approach our operations. Our commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles is deeply ingrained in our company culture and ways of working. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency in our business practices and minimize our environmental impact.
 

For the latter, ZSers across the globe are innovating new climate mitigation efforts—including Martin Fajre, a decision analytics associate consultant in Buenos Aires. In 2023, Martin took significant strides toward reducing ZS’s environmental footprint. By following our data-driven approach, he’s been able to improve ZS’s waste measurement processes.

Where passion changes lives



Martin began his journey at ZS in 2021and has since worked on a diverse range of client projects, primarily focusing on analytics and reporting. His expertise and dedication led to an exciting opportunity when he was invited to join ZS’s ESG core team. Although Martin had always been curious about ESG initiatives, he never had the chance to actively participate in them. “This new responsibility has profoundly transformed my perspective on my work,” Martin says. “It has allowed me to see the broader impact I can have.”

Eager to improve ZS’s ESG goals, Martin had the idea to apply his analytical expertise to ZS’s waste measurement. “Measuring waste output in a corporate office is no easy task; it involves navigating complex waste streams, inconsistent disposal habits and the challenge of accurately tracking data,” he says. “However, understanding our waste generation is crucial. It not only highlights areas for improvement but also drives us toward more sustainable practices, ultimately reducing our environmental footprint and fostering a culture of responsibility.”
 

To enhance ZS’s sustainability practices, Martin launched a pilot program to measure waste from the Buenos Aires office. By connecting with office managing principals and facilities staff, he was able to collect historical waste data from over the last two years, broken down by types of waste such as recyclables, paper and cardboard, and common trash. This comprehensive data set provided a solid foundation for the pilot program, allowing Martin and his team to develop targeted strategies for waste reduction and improved sustainability practices at ZS.
 

“By sorting through the data, I discovered that the amount of waste ZS’s Buenos Aires office produced was much lower than we were estimating,” Martin shares with excitement. “And the percentage of recyclable waste was three times higher than estimated.”
 

Building on this success, Martin and his team are now poised to scale this program to all ZS offices globally. By implementing similar strategies worldwide, we aim to measure accurately and reduce our waste output significantly—a small yet important step in creating healthier environments where we live and work.
 

As we continue on this journey—driven by the passion and data-driven acumen of our ZSers—we invite our clients, partners and stakeholders to join us in this important journey toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can create a legacy of environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.
 

Follow us on social media to stay informed on how we’re striving to meet our ESG goals.

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