To support this the firm has outlined science-based Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, which have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) seeking to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Our new commitment is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 60% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30%, by 2030.
“We are pleased to announce these commitments and join other organisations in leading the way on urgently tackling climate change,” said Guy Templeton, WSP’s CEO for Asia Pacific. “Moreover, as the leading global environmental consulting firm, we are well positioned to advise our clients on their own transition to a low-carbon economy. Our Future Ready® approach is at the centre of this support for our clients in a rapidly changing world.”
Through this net zero commitment WSP will also join the Race to Zero, which brings together a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, with an objective to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonised economy ahead of COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference taking place later this year.
Australian Action
Our Australian business has already made significant progress in reducing our carbon footprint. In 2020 we achieved a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions and a 62% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions (compared to our 2018 baseline).
Tim Parker, WSP Australia’s Sustainability Director explains, “While COVID did play a key role in 2020, we have also recently switched to renewable electricity for more than half of our premises. Plus, we are transitioning our petrol fleet vehicles to hybrid or electric vehicles; and we continue to minimise air-travel through reduced travel budgets, virtual technology investment, combined with our people and partners embracing an efficient new way of working.
“Setting a science-based target in addition to a Net Zero target is a significant milestone for our business. It shows that we are focused on making our business more efficient as well as setting the path to full decarbonisation.
“WSP is one of the only Australian engineering consultants to set this combined target and I am very proud to work for a firm that walks the talk.
“We are using the learnings of our own commitments to assist clients across all sectors with their decarbonising strategies. Clients know that when they select WSP as their consultant of choice, we understand their challenges and have as much passion to decarbonise as they do.”
In support of our commitments, Heidi Huusko, Senior Manager, Environment and Climate at the United Nations Global Compact, one of the Science Based Targets initiative partners, said “We congratulate WSP on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. By aligning its goals with a 1.5°C future as a signatory of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C Campaign, WSP is taking action to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.”
Learn more about our ambitious climate action here.
Read the press release.
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