Scaling Up
With expanded resources and a growing investment portfolio, KKR continues to seek and create opportunities to “scale up” and advance sustainability across our investments and operations.
“Today, more than ever, it is crucial to our ability to deliver on behalf of clients and shareholders for us to consider our responsibility to a wider range of stakeholders in our companies and communities.
Since publishing our first public ESG report in 2011, we have been committed to sharing our progress transparently and consistently. It gives us great pride to release our 2021 Sustainability Report.”
SCOTT NUTTALL AND JOSEPH BAE
CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
About the KKR 2021 Sustainability Report
Since the publication of our first environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report in 2011, we have been committed to sharing our progress transparently and consistently. The scope of this 2021 Sustainability Report represents a significant expansion of previous KKR ESG, Impact, and Citizenship reports.
This new content structure comprises two key sections:
- Sustainable Investing1, which covers sustainability-related activities in our investments, including how we integrate ESG considerations in our investment process (ESG Integration Across Asset Classes); what we do to drive value creation across key issues (Driving Value Creation); and examples of where we invest to advance sustainability solutions (Global Impact Strategy).2
- Sustainable Operations, which covers sustainability-related activities at the Firm level, as part of KKR’s operations, including how we attract, develop, and retain talent (People); act as responsible corporate citizens in our communities (Communities); manage our environmental footprint (Environment); and advance responsible business practices (Governance).
To learn more, read About This Report.
Sustainable Investing
We believe we can have the greatest influence through the investment decisions we make. As such, we recognize the importance of managing the resources entrusted to us in a way that creates value for our investors and the world we share. We continue to refine and deepen our approach and Firm resources to create value through our investments.
ESG Integration Across Asset Classes
We believe ESG issues are business issues and that integrating ESG factors into the investment life cycle helps us make better investments.
Driving Value Creation
We strive to collaborate with companies, bringing operational expertise to enable our shared success.
KKR Global Impact Strategy
KKR’s dedicated private equity strategy invests in businesses delivering solutions to significant societal challenges.
Sustainable Operations
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our operations — from creating an inclusive workplace and building stronger communities to managing our environmental footprint and protecting the data entrusted to us. In all our actions, we strive to act with integrity to maintain the trust of those who depend on us.
People
We believe our people are the key to our success, and we are deeply committed to ensuring we are a Firm that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent.
Communities
We work to create healthy, inclusive, thriving communities through our investments, philanthropic grants, and leadership.
Environment
We seek to promote environmental stewardship by responsibly managing our operational footprint.
Governance
As fiduciaries of capital, we strive to conduct ourselves with integrity in everything we do to maintain the trust of our clients and other stakeholders.
Resource Center
In an effort to advance the sustainability and transparency of our investment approach and operations, we continue to expand our sustainability disclosures. Our goal is to provide relevant, consistent, comparable, and reliable data and information that is decision-useful for our stakeholders.
Access our ESG reporting suite at Resource Center.
Related Content
Key Milestones of Innovation and Progress
Our approach is constantly evolving. While we are proud of the progress we have made, we believe that our work is far from over and seek to create value as our journey continues.
Dec 2021
Established a third-party Sustainability Expert Advisory Council
Nov 2021
Published inaugural Climate Action Report and became a TCFD Supporter
May 2021
Formed a partner-led and cross-Firm ESG Committee
Jun 2020
Published KKR Global Impact Fund’s first annual Disclosure Statement for the Operating Principles for Impact Management
Jun 2020
Launched KKR Conversations, a new effort to get to know our colleagues in a three-dimensional way, understanding their stories, their experiences and their backgrounds
May 2020
Completed the Firm’s second greenhouse gas footprint of 2019 operations
May 2020
Published KKR’s Responsible Investment Policy covering various asset classes globally
Apr 2020
Established $50 million global relief fund to help communities impacted by COVID-19
Feb 2020
Closed $1.3 billion Global Impact Fund
Dec 2019
Achieved carbon neutrality3 at the Firm level by implementing mitigation strategies, including purchasing verified carbon offsets
Dec 2019
54 portfolio companies hired approximately 88,300 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Dec 2019
Selected winners of fourth annual Eco-Innovation Award: Apple Leisure Group in first place and Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited and Renaissance Parc Development as runners-up
Oct 2019
Hosted annual Vets @ Work in-person event, which included a networking reception, dinner with fireside chat, and Military Hiring Fair at Fort Campbell
Jul 2019
Published KKR’s ninth ESG, Impact, and Citizenship Report
May 2019
Completed the Firm’s first greenhouse gas footprint of 2018 operations
Mar 2019
Hosted third Nonprofit Networking Event in the New York Office and second in the San Francisco office to introduce our employees to volunteer opportunities
Dec 2018
50 portfolio companies hired more than 77,600 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Dec 2018
Committed to measure the carbon footprint of our Firm for the first time
Dec 2018
Awarded third annual Eco-Innovation Award to Barghest Building Performance ("BBP"), a Singapore-based provider of energy savings solutions, and announced Casual Dining Group and Golden Data Systems as 2018 Eco Grant recipients
Oct 2018
Co-hosted the Veterans Initiative Summit in Washington, D.C., during which attendees filled 1,000 backpacks with school supplies for children in Afghanistan
Jul 2018
Published KKR's eighth ESG and Citizenship Report
Jul 2018
Supported 675 employees’ volunteerism through KKR 40 for 40, donating more than 11,000 hours since 2016
Mar 2018
Hosted the second Nonprofit Networking Event in the New York Office to introduce our employees to volunteer opportunities
Dec 2017
41 portfolio companies hired nearly 62,500 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Nov 2017
Hosted the Vets @ Work Roundtable, Reception, and Military Hiring Fair in Washington, D.C.
Nov 2017
Awarded second annual Eco-Innovation Award to US Foods for its Serve Good product line and released Green Solutions Platform updates for 13 of the portfolio companies participating in the program
Jul 2017
Supported 650 employees’ volunteerism through KKR 40 for 40, donating more than 7,000 hours since 2016
Jul 2017
Published KKR’s seventh ESG and Citizenship Report
Jun 2017
Concluded one technical assistance project for one social enterprise in the United States
Feb 2017
Hosted one of two Nonprofit Networking Events that brought together nearly 50 nonprofits and more than 200 U.S. employees to introduce employees to volunteer opportunities
Dec 2016
36 portfolio companies hired nearly 48,300 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Nov 2016
Co-hosted second Veterans Initiative Summit alongside four additional private equity firms
Aug 2016
Launched inaugural Eco-Innovation Award and announced second Green Solutions Platform participants and results
Jul 2016
Published KKR’s sixth ESG and Citizenship Report
Jul 2016
Launched KKR 40 for 40, an employee-driven volunteer program, to celebrate KKR’s 40th anniversary and give back to the many communities that have given so much to our Firm
Apr 2016
Launched technical assistance projects for two social enterprises in the United States
Mar 2016
Completed third technical assistance project for the social enterprise Banyan Nation in partnership with Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX) and Shujog
Dec 2015
31 portfolio companies hired nearly 36,600 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Dec 2015
Launched the Green Solutions Platform to support portfolio companies on environmental projects
Oct 2015
Hosted second KKR Sustainability Innovation Summit for portfolio companies
Oct 2015
Released seventh and final Green Portfolio Program results, reporting nearly $1.2 billion in cumulative financial impact
Oct 2015
Co-hosted inaugural Veterans Initiative Summit alongside three additional private equity firms
Sep 2015
Named an industry leader in adoption-friendly practices by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Sep 2015
Became a founding member of The Working Parents Support Coalition in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative
Jul 2015
Completed second technical assistance project for the social enterprise Glovax Biotech Corporation in partnership with Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX) and Impact Investment Shujog
Jul 2015
Published KKR’s fifth ESG and Citizenship Report
Jan 2015
Launched the Global Worker Safety Program for portfolio companies
Dec 2014
29 portfolio companies hired nearly 28,000 U.S. military veterans at since 2011
Oct 2014
Released sixth Green Portfolio Program results, reporting nearly $1.2 billion in cumulative financial impact
Oct 2014
Hosted KKR’s first North American Sustainability Summit for portfolio companies
Sep 2014
Launched KKR Veterans Advisory Council
Jul 2014
Established the KKR Inclusion and Diversity Council
Jul 2014
Published KKR’s fourth ESG Report
Jun 2014
Published a Private Equity ESG Policy
Apr 2014
With Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX) and Impact Investment Shujog, completed first technical assistance project for the social enterprise East Bali Cashews
Jan 2014
Began a technical assistance project with a second social enterprise, Glovax Biotech Corp., a vaccine distributor in the Philippines
Oct 2013
Released fifth Green Portfolio Program results, reporting more than $900 million in financial impact
Jul 2013
Published KKR’s third ESG Report
Jun 2013
Launched the KKR Wellness Works research study with the University of Pennsylvania
Mar 2013
Established the KKR Global Institute and appointed General (Ret.) David Petraeus chairman
Feb 2013
Became a member of Ceres and the Investor Network on Climate Risk
Dec 2012
Released fourth Green Portfolio Program results of more than $600 million in cumulative financial impact
Oct 2012
Joined forces with the American Heart Association
Jun 2012
Published KKR’s second ESG Report
Mar 2012
Received the Private Equity International Award for Responsible Investor of the Year in North America
Feb 2012
Launched partnership with Transparency International
Dec 2011
Released third Green Portfolio Program results
Began piloting the KKR Wellness Works program
Sep 2011
Launched the Vets @ Work initiative with select private equity portfolio companies
May 2011
Published KKR's first ESG Report
Mar 2011
Endorsed the Institutional Limited Partners Association Private Equity Principles
Mar 2011
Joined the PRI Private Equity Steering Committee
Jun 2010
Released second Green Portfolio Program results
May 2010
Launched the Responsible Sourcing Initiative
Jan 2010
Became a member of Business for Social Responsibility
Feb 2009
Released first results from the Green Portfolio Program
Feb 2009
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. became a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
May 2008
Launched the Green Portfolio Program in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund
Dec 2021
Established a third-party Sustainability Expert Advisory Council
Nov 2021
Published inaugural Climate Action Report and became a TCFD Supporter
May 2021
Formed a partner-led and cross-Firm ESG Committee
Jun 2020
Published KKR Global Impact Fund’s first annual Disclosure Statement for the Operating Principles for Impact Management
Jun 2020
Launched KKR Conversations, a new effort to get to know our colleagues in a three-dimensional way, understanding their stories, their experiences and their backgrounds
May 2020
Completed the Firm’s second greenhouse gas footprint of 2019 operations
May 2020
Published KKR’s Responsible Investment Policy covering various asset classes globally
Apr 2020
Established $50 million global relief fund to help communities impacted by COVID-19
Feb 2020
Closed $1.3 billion Global Impact Fund
Dec 2019
Achieved carbon neutrality3 at the Firm level by implementing mitigation strategies, including purchasing verified carbon offsets
Dec 2019
54 portfolio companies hired approximately 88,300 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Dec 2019
Selected winners of fourth annual Eco-Innovation Award: Apple Leisure Group in first place and Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited and Renaissance Parc Development as runners-up
Oct 2019
Hosted annual Vets @ Work in-person event, which included a networking reception, dinner with fireside chat, and Military Hiring Fair at Fort Campbell
Jul 2019
Published KKR’s ninth ESG, Impact, and Citizenship Report
May 2019
Completed the Firm’s first greenhouse gas footprint of 2018 operations
Mar 2019
Hosted third Nonprofit Networking Event in the New York Office and second in the San Francisco office to introduce our employees to volunteer opportunities
Dec 2018
50 portfolio companies hired more than 77,600 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Dec 2018
Committed to measure the carbon footprint of our Firm for the first time
Dec 2018
Awarded third annual Eco-Innovation Award to Barghest Building Performance ("BBP"), a Singapore-based provider of energy savings solutions, and announced Casual Dining Group and Golden Data Systems as 2018 Eco Grant recipients
Oct 2018
Co-hosted the Veterans Initiative Summit in Washington, D.C., during which attendees filled 1,000 backpacks with school supplies for children in Afghanistan
Jul 2018
Published KKR's eighth ESG and Citizenship Report
Jul 2018
Supported 675 employees’ volunteerism through KKR 40 for 40, donating more than 11,000 hours since 2016
Mar 2018
Hosted the second Nonprofit Networking Event in the New York Office to introduce our employees to volunteer opportunities
Dec 2017
41 portfolio companies hired nearly 62,500 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Nov 2017
Hosted the Vets @ Work Roundtable, Reception, and Military Hiring Fair in Washington, D.C.
Nov 2017
Awarded second annual Eco-Innovation Award to US Foods for its Serve Good product line and released Green Solutions Platform updates for 13 of the portfolio companies participating in the program
Jul 2017
Supported 650 employees’ volunteerism through KKR 40 for 40, donating more than 7,000 hours since 2016
Jul 2017
Published KKR’s seventh ESG and Citizenship Report
Jun 2017
Concluded one technical assistance project for one social enterprise in the United States
Feb 2017
Hosted one of two Nonprofit Networking Events that brought together nearly 50 nonprofits and more than 200 U.S. employees to introduce employees to volunteer opportunities
Dec 2016
36 portfolio companies hired nearly 48,300 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Nov 2016
Co-hosted second Veterans Initiative Summit alongside four additional private equity firms
Aug 2016
Launched inaugural Eco-Innovation Award and announced second Green Solutions Platform participants and results
Jul 2016
Published KKR’s sixth ESG and Citizenship Report
Jul 2016
Launched KKR 40 for 40, an employee-driven volunteer program, to celebrate KKR’s 40th anniversary and give back to the many communities that have given so much to our Firm
Apr 2016
Launched technical assistance projects for two social enterprises in the United States
Mar 2016
Completed third technical assistance project for the social enterprise Banyan Nation in partnership with Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX) and Shujog
Dec 2015
31 portfolio companies hired nearly 36,600 veterans and military spouses since 2011
Dec 2015
Launched the Green Solutions Platform to support portfolio companies on environmental projects
Oct 2015
Hosted second KKR Sustainability Innovation Summit for portfolio companies
Oct 2015
Released seventh and final Green Portfolio Program results, reporting nearly $1.2 billion in cumulative financial impact
Oct 2015
Co-hosted inaugural Veterans Initiative Summit alongside three additional private equity firms
Sep 2015
Named an industry leader in adoption-friendly practices by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Sep 2015
Became a founding member of The Working Parents Support Coalition in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative
Jul 2015
Completed second technical assistance project for the social enterprise Glovax Biotech Corporation in partnership with Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX) and Impact Investment Shujog
Jul 2015
Published KKR’s fifth ESG and Citizenship Report
Jan 2015
Launched the Global Worker Safety Program for portfolio companies
Dec 2014
29 portfolio companies hired nearly 28,000 U.S. military veterans at since 2011
Oct 2014
Released sixth Green Portfolio Program results, reporting nearly $1.2 billion in cumulative financial impact
Oct 2014
Hosted KKR’s first North American Sustainability Summit for portfolio companies
Sep 2014
Launched KKR Veterans Advisory Council
Jul 2014
Established the KKR Inclusion and Diversity Council
Jul 2014
Published KKR’s fourth ESG Report
Jun 2014
Published a Private Equity ESG Policy
Apr 2014
With Impact Investment Exchange Asia (IIX) and Impact Investment Shujog, completed first technical assistance project for the social enterprise East Bali Cashews
Jan 2014
Began a technical assistance project with a second social enterprise, Glovax Biotech Corp., a vaccine distributor in the Philippines
Oct 2013
Released fifth Green Portfolio Program results, reporting more than $900 million in financial impact
Jul 2013
Published KKR’s third ESG Report
Jun 2013
Launched the KKR Wellness Works research study with the University of Pennsylvania
Mar 2013
Established the KKR Global Institute and appointed General (Ret.) David Petraeus chairman
Feb 2013
Became a member of Ceres and the Investor Network on Climate Risk
Dec 2012
Released fourth Green Portfolio Program results of more than $600 million in cumulative financial impact
Oct 2012
Joined forces with the American Heart Association
Jun 2012
Published KKR’s second ESG Report
Mar 2012
Received the Private Equity International Award for Responsible Investor of the Year in North America
Feb 2012
Launched partnership with Transparency International
Dec 2011
Released third Green Portfolio Program results
Began piloting the KKR Wellness Works program
Sep 2011
Launched the Vets @ Work initiative with select private equity portfolio companies
May 2011
Published KKR's first ESG Report
Mar 2011
Endorsed the Institutional Limited Partners Association Private Equity Principles
Mar 2011
Joined the PRI Private Equity Steering Committee
Jun 2010
Released second Green Portfolio Program results
May 2010
Launched the Responsible Sourcing Initiative
Jan 2010
Became a member of Business for Social Responsibility
Feb 2009
Released first results from the Green Portfolio Program
Feb 2009
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. became a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
May 2008
Launched the Green Portfolio Program in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund
1 Sustainable investing as used and defined by KKR herein, which may differ from the technical definition of “sustainable investments” in Art. 2 No. 17 of how it is defined by the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
2 The above is for information purposes only. It shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy Interests.
3 Carbon neutral means any greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions derived from a defined scope of company’s activities are balanced by an equivalent amount being removed, including through the use of offsets. In this report, carbon neutrality refers to KKR’s status at the Firm level for our office-based footprint.