Meet Sasha and find out more about sustainability at Yunex Traffic
The traffic systems we design, build, install and maintain are constantly evolving. And, our Business Teams bring innovative projects to life all over the world.
Meet Sasha Sequeira, our Global Sustainability Manager, and see how our business teams are transforming traffic every single day.
Hi Sasha, thanks for speaking with us! We would love to find out more about your role and what you do.
I oversee Sustainability within the Global Strategy Team which involves managing our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities. Working for a company whose purpose is centered around improving safety, quality of life and caring for our planet, this is both fulfilling and challenging as we are continuously striving to do better and make a positive impact. I work on target setting and implementation tracking, both cross-functionally and cross-regionally, on topics such as our net zero emission commitments, zero corruption policies and fostering an equal, diverse, and inclusive workforce, to name a few. It is especially important in today’s society to meet our compliance needs, collaborate with our shareholders and of course take up the very real responsibility towards our customers and employees to create a better future for all.
How long have you been with #TeamYunexTraffic?
Nearly 4 years! I joined the UK Health, Safety, Quality and Environment (HSQE) Team in 2018 as our first Environmental Intern. During the internship, I was offered the opportunity of returning after I completed my degree, as part of the HSQE Graduate scheme. I accepted, completed my final year at university, and commenced my new role in September 2020. Upon completion of the scheme in September 2022, I earned the role of Environment and Sustainability Advisor for the UK region. With the growing importance of Sustainability, in January 2023 I began my current role as Sustainability Project Manager in the Global Strategy Team. Highlights include the fact that I started my first real job during a pandemic, travelling internationally for work and growing my network tremendously!
What excites you about your role?
For me, Sustainability and Technology are currently two of the most dynamic working fields. There is always something new to learn or do, and as someone who thrives on creating new experiences, this certainly excites me. I love that one day I could be working with suppliers to switch away from single-use plastic packaging in our Global Manufacturing Centre and another day learning about how menopause affects retention of women in the workplace and how we can improve our inclusion policies to ensure everyone feels well and is able to bring their best self to work. It is also really rewarding to be able to give back to society in a positive way. Through the efficiency and safety of the products we develop to organising STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) events to inspire and showcase an interesting field that that everyone should feel welcome to join.
From your perspective, what are the major sustainability challenges we face in our industry?
Electronic part shortages is definitely one. In a world where it is already difficult to move to more sustainable products due to lack a of suitable alternatives, or high prices, there is now the addition of time pressure, reducing the availability of such parts, or our ability to source them. Another challenge is the greening of our fleet. Road transport contributes significantly to emissions and as a company that relies on having a wide network of vehicles to be able to service the road infrastructure we install, we cannot continue to depend on fossil fuel reliant vehicles. Therefore, our policies look at the conversion of our fleet into electric vehicles and alternatively fueled vehicles. We need to lead by example, especially as a major player in the road traffic industry, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
What does the future of traffic and mobility look like to you?
It looks much more sustainable! I see more people using public transport, car sharing and switching to alternatively fueled vehicles. This is owing to better access systems, policies, as well as financial incentives, deterrents, and investments, like any structural change requires. Yunex Traffic plays a large part in this, which is why it is exciting to be a part of the change. Transport is a necessity in people’s lives, and we encounter it every day without even thinking of it, be it a traffic light, push button, or electric vehicle charger. So, if we can improve traffic and mobility systems in more places across the world, we are able to create a real impact in converting people’s lifestyles to be more sustainable.
If you could say anything to a person considering a business role at Yunex Traffic – what advice would you give?
Think about what matters to you in a job and find something that suits it. We are always looking for people who are open to learning and take pride in their work, and we have a range of roles that can suit. One of the best parts of Yunex Traffic is its culture: friendly, helpful and collaborative. This is what I found from day one, and four years later, very much still rings true. Finally, of course, being at the forefront of exciting new technology developments and seeing them move from an idea to something millions of people use is an incredible process to be a part of.
Feeling inspired? Become a Traffic Transformer! We have many opportunities for you to join us at Yunex Traffic. Check them out today by visiting jobs.yunextraffic.com.
