In the “WEffect” sustainability series, the BMW Group highlights the sustainable contribution made by a wide range of people in the company – and the motivation that inspires them. Today: Kavish Boodhram.

Sustainability has many facets at the BMW Group because we are using this term to harmonise business, the environment and society. If we are to successfully put these high standards into practice, we need our employees’ commitment. Everyone can play their part in making the BMW Group sustainable.

So, who are all these colleagues who make sustainability part of their everyday work? What drives them to roll up their sleeves throughout the company? In its “WEffect” sustainability series, the BMW Group introduces employees who play their daily part in the broad and responsible further development of our company.

In this issue of the series, Kavish Boodhram, responsible for BMW Group real estate management in Thailand and India since the end of 2022, on the systematic approach of the BMW Group to sustainability and how it influences him in his day-to-day work.

Kavish Boodhram, you started out as an engineer and - prior to your current role - were involved with energy management at the BMW Group plant in Rosslyn and the Midrand Campus in South Africa from 2017 to 2022. What are you working on right now?

Kavish Boodhram: My goal is to bring to life the strategic goals the BMW Group has for sustainability and energy. I realise projects that reduce energy consumption and develop plans for how we can achieve our long-term goals.

What challenges do you come up against in your day-to-day work and what helps you overcome them?

Boodhram: When it comes to sustainability, the BMW Group has very ambitious goals and many of the technical developments needed to achieve them are not yet available. However, we plan with that in mind and adapt. Our approach to achieving these goals is very systematic, and the solutions are innovative and economically viable. The fact that in the BMW Group we formulate the topic of sustainability not just as one of many, but orient our business based on it, makes the whole BMW Group sustainable.

Have you already had success?

Boodhram: We have had a successful model for sourcing electricity from carbon-neutral resources since 2017. At the same time, we are reducing our energy consumption to become more energy efficient. My projects at the BMW Group are part of a global strategy in all industries to shrink the carbon footprint worldwide. This makes me feel like I am making a difference – like I am part of a larger whole.

Does your professional involvement with these topics also have an effect on your personal life?

Boodhram: The way in which we use natural resources has a significant influence on humanity. I use energy more efficiently – I reduce my consumption. For example, at home I use LED lights and sensors and use particularly energy-hungry devices at times of the day when usage costs are less. An increased focus on sorting waste has meant that fabrics can be recycled more easily and I save water.

Let’s imagine you meet the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, in a lift. You now have the opportunity to discuss your outlook on the future with him. What do you say?

Boodhram: The BMW Group should offer special sustainability training so all employees are more aware of our goals and can contribute to shrinking our carbon footprint.

What keeps you motivated every day to be so committed?

Boodhram: For me, it’s the best of both worlds: I love cars and technology and I can do something tangible for the generations of today and tomorrow. That’s a big driver for me.

So when is it enough?

Boodhram: When we can see that our resources are secure for future generations and this also contributes to a healthier way of life.

In the upcoming portraits from our “WEffect” sustainability series, committed colleagues will also describe their motivation and explain the contribution they are making to sustainability within the BMW Group.