1. Message from our CEO
KAEFER achieved impressive results in 2022 - despite the challenges of inflation, the war in Ukraine, and the global pandemic. Dedicated to services which reduce carbon exposure and extend asset lifetime, our business model is increasingly focussed on helping our clients become more sustainable.
Dear reader,
In 2022, KAEFER achieved its best ever group performance with a turnover higher than 2bn EUR and an EBITDA margin beyond 6% demonstrating the resilience of our business model. Considering the volatile market environment – which caused supply shortages, delays, and project cancellations throughout the year – these results also reveal an impressive ability to react and adapt within our decentralised business units all over the world.
Challenges are our opportunities At KAEFER, we contribute to the reduction of emission exposure through our services. Our aim is the elimination of emission exposure, and we consistently strive to reduce our clients’ emission footprints along the whole product life cycle. We aim to lead the energy transition within our industry, bringing benefits to our clients, employees, and society as a whole.
Clear sustainability targets We are committed to playing an active role fulfilling the targets set out by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Our long-term ambition is to enable KAEFER’s clients to become climate neutral, achieving net zero throughout our value chain by 2050. To reach this goal, we help our clients access reliable and energy-efficient solutions, making it possible for their assets to meet future requirements. KAEFER has the technical know-how and expertise to pursue this goal even on complex projects involving large numbers of workers. In addition, we work with suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of materials and increase their reuse within a circular economy.
Innovation drives sustainability Our continuous drive for improvement is supported by digitalisation and technical innovation. We work together with our clients to develop solutions for asset monitoring to increase longevity and digital tools which support effective planning, helping us to leverage synergies and deliver efficient process integration throughout the value chain.
Meeting our responsibilities with pride KAFER proudly accepts its role within society, as well as responsibility for more than 30,000 KAEFER employees and related members throughout our value chain. Following a fresh approach in our policy commitments in 2022, our Human Rights Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct and Sustainability / ESG Policy formalise our commitment to social and environmental sustainability and good governance. In the same year, we also conducted a comprehensive, double materiality assessment of KAEFER’s business model, incorporating the results into seven Sustainability Commitments. Teams have been put in place and the new corporate department Corporate Strategy & ESG has been founded to execute plans designed to achieve individual targets and realise our overall vision. In the interests of transparency, further details on each of these Commitments – including our core activities, targets, and KPIs – are available in this report.
Collaboration as the basis for success Our successes in 2022 would not have been possible without the help of our employees, clients and partners. Thank you for your trust, support, and engagement throughout the year. We hope you enjoy reading this report and taking a journey through the KAEFER world – when it counts, count on us!
Yours
Dr. Roland Gärber
Dr. Roland Gärber, CEO