Centralizing Global ESG Data: C.A.T.'s Shift from Spreadsheets to Strategy

About C.A.T.

As a leading contractor in engineering and construction for nearly a century, C.A.T. has always been focused on the future. Recognizing the growing importance of ESG in their industry, the company sought to elevate its sustainability program from a series of independent initiatives into a cohesive, data-driven strategy. The goal was not just to respond to increasing client demands for ESG information but to proactively build a best-in-class program that would solidify their leadership position for decades to come.

The C.A.T. story - In a nutshell

1. THE CHALLENGE: With operations across the Middle East and Africa, C.A.T. needed to centralize its ESG data to meet growing client demands and future regulatory requirements. The key challenge was to evolve beyond foundational emissions tracking towards comprehensive sustainability reporting.
2. THE SOLUTION: The company made a strategic decision to partner with Novisto, choosing the platform for its powerful, user-friendly interface and the team’s expert support. They launched a focused reporting program, referencing GRI and SASB, and used Novisto to automate data collection and streamline the entire process from the start.
3. THE RESULTS: The process delivered credible, centralized ESG data that strengthened their ability to deliver timely client data requests. Internally, it provided key insights for standardizing performance metrics and benchmarking sustainability programs across all regions.

“The platform is very user-friendly, and the first round of data collection was very smooth. I didn’t have to explain the platform to the data providers - they just log in and know exactly what to do.”

ZIAD KHOURY, Sustainability Lead

Turning complex global data into strategic clarity

C.A.T. operates a highly successful business across 14 geographic locations, with each region functioning as a semi-independent operation. While important sustainability-related activities were happening across the company, the data was sometimes siloed, making it difficult to form a single, comprehensive picture of their ESG performance.

The leadership team faced a strategic challenge: How to centralize ESG data from thousands of employees to meet evolving client expectations and anticipate future regulations. Their Sustainability Lead, Ziad Khoury, recognized the need for a robust system to move beyond basic carbon emissions calculations in spreadsheets and to begin reporting comprehensively on a wide range of key metrics.

The objective was clear: transform disconnected data points into a powerful narrative that demonstrated their commitment and performance to clients, partners, and employees.

A strategic investment for data-driven ESG

The solution began with a compelling business case for ESG software. This included a clear financial analysis, showing that implementing a specialized platform was significantly more cost-effective and less risky than building a solution in-house. With this clear justification, leadership approved the investment.

With Novisto as their chosen partner, C.A.T. launched its formal reporting journey. They began with a focused scope—SASB standards and GRI 305 for emissions—to quickly establish a credible baseline without overwhelming their teams.

The Novisto platform provided the essential framework and automation to manage what would have otherwise been an overwhelming process. This strategic decision allowed the sustainability team to focus less on manual data wrangling and more on high-value work, like analyzing performance and engaging with stakeholders.

“What I appreciate most about Novisto is their availability. They’re always there when we need support or guidance, whether it’s a quick question or strategic advice on our ESG reporting. It truly sets them apart.”

ZIAD KHOURY, Sustainability Lead

Enhanced reporting and a competitive edge

The partnership delivered immediate and tangible results, including a highly smooth data collection cycle. The Novisto-powered report provided a holistic view of the company’s performance, showing the business “through a different lens.” For the first time, management could see centralized data on everything from emissions to workforce diversity, generating significant positive feedback. What’s more, the report became a catalyst for change within the organization, unlocking strategic clarity, a tangible competitive advantage, and new opportunities for operational excellence.

“Now that we have visibility on what everyone’s doing, we can replicate successful sustainability initiatives and make them standard. It’s driving internal benchmarking and leveling up performance across all our locations.”

ZIAD KHOURY, Sustainability Lead

Additionally, C.A.T.’s estimation department is now equipped with accurate, reportable data, transforming their ability to compete and win business where ESG is a key criterion. In summary, the partnership enabled C.A.T. to:

• TRANSFORM CLIENT RESPONSE CAPABILITIES: From answering limited emissions questions to confidently addressing the full range of ESG inquiries during pre-qualification.
• ESTABLISH CREDIBLE, REPEATABLE REPORTING: A new foundation for ESG data governance ensured all reporting is structured, repeatable, and credible.
• DRIVE OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE THROUGH VISIBILITY: A new level of insight across all locations allowed the team to replicate successful initiatives, standardize previously discrepant metrics, and level up performance through internal benchmarking.

“Before Novisto, our estimation department could only answer questions about CO2 emissions, and even that was limited. Now that we have Novisto, the difference is night and day. We went from ad hoc responses on one metric to being able to answer the full range of ESG questions clients are asking during the pre-qualification process. We’re no longer scrambling or providing incomplete answers. We have the data, and we can respond confidently.”

ZIAD KHOURY, Sustainability Lead