Hemraj Singh

An Actis LLP owned renewable energy platform in India. A leading renewable energy platform with 4 GW capacity across wind, solar, hybrid, and BESS projects.
I am reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer and lead the HSE and Sustainability vertical, driving strategic implementation and performance monitoring across a multi-GW project portfolio and managing an 18-member ESG/HSE team. The key responsibilities are:

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

• Strategy & Framework Development: Spearheaded the development and execution of the company's ESG and Sustainability strategy, aligning all initiatives with investor (Actis LLP) objectives and international benchmarks (IFC Performance Standards, ISO 14001/45001, GRI Standards).
• Policy & Compliance: Developed a robust Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), ESG policies, and procedures, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements (EPR rules for battery, plastic, e-waste) and facilitating zero delays in lender loan sanctions and disbursements.
• Governance & Reporting: Established and managed the annual ESG operating budget; appraised the ESG Committee and Board quarterly on performance, risks, and trends; and successfully secured Board-level approval for annual measurable ESG objectives and climate risk mitigation plans.

IMPLEMENTATION & PERFORMANCE MONITORING

• Risk Management: Conducted comprehensive materiality assessments to identify key business risks; developed a Climate Risk Register for all operational sites; and finalized robust risk mitigation plans with Board approval.
• Decarbonization & Net Zero: Developed a multi-year Net Zero Roadmap and a Water Neutrality Strategy aimed at achieving a net water positive impact; managed the registration of eligible projects under carbon credit mechanisms (GCC/IRECs/Gold Standard), generating revenue from the sale of IRECs.
• Operational Excellence: Orchestrated internal/external ISO 14001/45001 audits, leading weekly review calls with contractors, and implementing a Behavior Based Safety (BBS) culture program across all operational sites in collaboration with other Actis portfolio companies.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING

• Lender Relations: Proactively managed lender ESG requirements, facilitated ESIA and ESDD processes, and ensured timely submission of all periodic monitoring reports.
• Training & Development: Led organization-wide capacity building, developing standardized training modules and induction videos (LMS integration) to strengthen HSE knowledge among 1,500+ employees and contractors.
• External Representation: Represented the organization in various external forums, industry bodies, and platforms, building strategic partnerships with NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies to enhance the company's ESG profile.

A GIP owned renewable energy platform which later merged with Sembcorp India in 2023. The role was reporting to COO and leading the ESG and HSE implementation across the solar projects of 650 MW. The key responsibilities were:

• Conceptualize and develop Corporate HSES management systems and drive its implementation across the organization.
• Performance monitoring of HSES management system - HSES weekly reports & Action Tracking System.
• Analyze the key material HSE&S risks for the business during planning, construction and operation phase and suggest improvement initiatives to reduce the risks to company.
• Setting up sustainability (HSES&G) targets and goals aligning company's policies ensuring the achievement within timeframe.
• Pre and post HSE evaluation of the key contractors before to onboard them to reduce the risks related to contractual obligations.
• Ensuring the special terms and conditions related to HSES aspects in contracts.
• Implementation of safe work procedures to ensure the health and safety of people, asset, and community.
• Inspection of equipment, tools & tackles, and vehicles to comply with fit for use requirement and reduce the operational risks.
• Conduct periodic internal HSES audits and inspections at sites.
• Risk-based analysis of HSES observations and identification of HSES concerns based on risk matrix to prepare the corrective and preventive action plans.
• Conduct HSES training, induction and awareness sessions at sites and corporate office.
• Provide technical support to project and O&M team on HSES related standards and legal requirements.
• Investigation of incidents/Review of incident investigation reports & recommendations of corrective action to prevent recurrence.
• Implementation of onsite / offsite emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Ensuring the implementation of HSES monitoring plans (Safe work hours, trainings, incident accidents, water, waste, energy, and legal compliance).
• Monitoring of GHG emissions scope 1,2,3 and management plans to reduce the carbon emission, water uses, waste reduction and energy uses.
• Implementation of labour welfare aspects and grievance redressal mechanism.
• Implementation of corporate governance policies viz. code of conduct, ABC policies, whistle blower, POSH and HSES policies.
• Development of CSR Strategy, planning & execution of CSR projects.
• Social consultation & stakeholder engagement and employee engagement in CSR projects.
• Preparation of management reports, case studies, and data for group sustainability reports and disclosures for global investors.

An AT capital, Singapore owned renewable energy platform with 1 GW of operating capacity of wind and solar projects which later acquired by Greenko Group in 2018. The key responsibilities were:

• Conceptualize and develop Corporate EHSS management systems and drive its implementation across the organization.
• Performance monitoring of EHSS management system - EHSS weekly reports & Action Tracking System.
• Analyze the key material HSE&S risks for the business during planning, construction and operation phase and suggest improvement initiatives to reduce the risks to company.
• Setting up HSES targets and goals aligning company's policies ensuring the achievement within timeframe.
• Pre and post HSE evaluation of the key contractors before to onboard them to reduce the risks related to contractual obligations.
• Ensuring the special terms and conditions related to HSES aspects in contracts.
• Implementation of safe work procedures to ensure the health and safety of people, asset, and community.
• Inspection of equipment, tools & tackles, and vehicles to comply with fit for use requirement and reduce the operational risks.
• Conduct periodic internal HSES audits and inspections at sites.
• Risk-based analysis of HSES observations and identification of HSES concerns based on risk matrix to prepare the corrective and preventive action plans.
• Conduct HSES training, induction and awareness sessions at sites and corporate office.
• Provide technical support to project and O&M team on HSES related standards and legal requirements.
• Investigation of incidents/Review of incident investigation reports & recommendations of corrective action to prevent recurrence.

A leading environmental consultancy firm advocating on Environmental clearances, EIA reports, CTE and CTOs and various environmental compliances under EPA act. The key responsibilities were:

• Environmental consultancy services for large infrastructural projects.
• Preparation of environmental reports as form I, IA, Conceptual plan, pre-feasibility reports, EIA reports, environmental and social management and monitoring plans, water and wastewater management plans, waste management plans (HW, MSW), Environmental Pollution monitoring, prevention and control (Air, water, soil, Noise), biodiversity conservation plans, labour welfare plans, HIRA, community health & safety plans, emergency response plans.
• Liaison with SPCBs, state/central level expert appraisal/impact assessment committee/authority.
• MoEF/SEIAA/SEAC presentations for environmental clearance.
• Obtain consent to establishment/operate from the state pollution control boards.
• Submission of half - yearly environmental compliances to MoEF/SEIAA/SEAC.