Technical director Ashlin Bodasing talks authentic African solutions

Ashlin Bodasing recently took on the role of technical director: environmental specialist at Zutari.

ESG Global recently caught up with Ashlin, to ask her three clever questions about settling into her new role, tenets of environmental sustainability and long-term ecosystem resilience.

How do you plan to spend your first 90 days in the new role?

In just a month of joining Zutari I already felt a strong alignment between the company’s culture and my own values. The energy here is purposeful, collaborative and future-focused. Like many others who are stepping into new environments, one of my initial priorities has been to understand the systems and processes that shape day-to-day operations, while also investing time in building meaningful relationships across teams.

The first 90 days in any role is a crucial time to listen, learn and lay a strong foundation. For me, that means immersing myself in Zutari’s diverse market offerings from energy, water, transport, built environment, resources and the growing digital space. Each of these markets is underpinned by a deep commitment to sustainability, something that sits at the core of Zutari’s purpose.

As I continue to learn and contribute to these early days, I’m inspired by the potential we have to influence not only the sustainability performance of our projects but also the broader impact they can make on communities and the environment. Zutari truly offers a space where innovation meets responsibility, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.

What are Zutari’s key tenets of environmental sustainability as an infrastructure engineering and advisory practice?

At Zutari, environmental sustainability is not an afterthought, it’s a foundational principle that drives innovation and long-term value. As a signatory of the UN Global Compact and a member of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), we align our work with global best practices, including Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration. We believe that true sustainability goes beyond compliance but is a strategic enabler that enhances project outcomes and economic resilience.

By embedding sustainability from the earliest stages of design — such as integrating renewable energy in remote developments we reduce risk, cut costs, and improve performance. We partner with clients across sectors like mining, infrastructure, and energy to co-create lasting impact by harmonising engineering excellence with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Through this approach, Zutari delivers infrastructure that empowers communities, strengthens economies, and protects the planet.

Zutari works across diverse African landscapes, each with unique ecological challenges. In your experience, what innovative, yet locally adaptable environmental sustainability strategies are proving most effective in navigating the tension between rapid infrastructure development and long-term ecosystem resilience, particularly in regions facing resource scarcity?

At Zutari, we recognise that navigating the balance between rapid infrastructure development and long-term ecosystem resilience, especially in regions facing resource scarcity requires innovative yet contextually grounded solutions. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that true sustainability interlinks environmental, social and financial performance. We don’t just apply global best practices; we translate them into authentic African solutions that resonate with local realities.

By integrating circular economy principles such as waste-to-resource initiatives, advanced water management systems and renewable energy, we help clients reduce their environmental footprint while unlocking economic value. Our multi-disciplinary teams work across diverse sectors like energy, water, transport, mining and the built environment to craft scalable, lifecycle-driven strategies. These are supported by strong regulatory knowledge, robust stakeholder engagement and a deep commitment to inclusive development.

From helping governments understand and respond to climate risks, to supporting communities through enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods, Zutari’s mission is clear: to co-create infrastructure that meets today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.