The story

Simply Sustainable has played a pivotal role in assisting Saga in developing a comprehensive Group ESG strategy that aligns with stakeholder expectations and embraces the diverse scope of its various business areas. Our approach to developing each ESG and sustainability strategy is highly individualised, ensuring a deep understanding of the business’s heritage, culture, core operations, external influences, and overarching aspirations.

At the initial stage, when identifying the foundational ESG topics that serve as the basis for subsequent steps in the ESG strategy development process, we meticulously incorporate a range of ESG frameworks and industry-specific standards. A fundamental element in building a robust ESG strategy is stakeholder engagement, where we integrate their insights and listen to their needs. We conducted surveys and interviews and discovered insights from more than 1,400 stakeholders, encompassing Saga’s key suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders at various levels within the organisation. This comprehensive approach yielded a well-rounded perspective on opinions, insights, business priorities, and impacts of the business on the environment and society. Using stakeholder feedback in combination with an in-depth business impact assessment, we performed a comprehensive double materiality assessment, identifying Saga’s most critical issues.

The results from the stakeholder insights and double materiality findings, were complemented with a thorough strategic analysis which guided the identification of priority ESG topics and pillars that underpin the strategic ESG framework. Throughout our process, we ensured Saga’s feedback played a central role, leading to a collaborative session with the Simply Sustainable project team and Saga’s key stakeholders to co-create the ESG strategic framework. This collaborative approach combined our sustainability expertise with Saga’s business perspective.

With the strategic framework firmly in place, we proceeded to identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets, aligned to best practice standards, and established frameworks. Through interactive workshops involving key stakeholders from Saga, we arrived at a comprehensive set of KPIs and targets that were perfectly aligned with the organisation’s aspirations. This was complemented by focused action plans aimed at seamlessly integrating the strategy across the business. Furthermore, we provided recommendations for enhancing Saga’s ESG governance, ensuring alignment with the existing structure and Saga’s inherent capabilities.

The final strategy represents a robust approach to enhancing Saga’s social and environmental performance across its businesses and its ambition to strengthen its ESG credentials within its industries.

Since completion of the ESG strategy, our support for Saga has been ongoing. This has included supporting the strategy’s launch in their 2022 Annual Report and Accounts (ARA). Additionally, we continue to assist Saga in implementing its strategy and fulfilling the actions outlined in the action plans. This support has extended to aiding in the development of Saga’s first standalone ESG report, in line with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.

This highly successful partnership has led Saga to request continued support from Simply Sustainable through a multi-year Climate and Carbon service, encompassing a suite of carbon activities aimed at decarbonising its business. This includes calculating Saga’s first full carbon footprint to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the company’s environmental impact. Additionally, the partnership involves examining Saga’s financial risks and opportunities related to climate change in alignment with the TCFD framework for disclosure and assisting Saga in preparing for the Science-Based Targets initiative commitment, emphasising alignment with global climate goals. The partnership also aims to set ambitious net-zero and carbon reduction targets, guiding Saga’s journey toward decarbonisation. This strategic approach underscores Saga’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

To find out how Simply Sustainable can help you develop your ESG and sustainability strategy, request a call-back from one of our team of experts.