WSP publishes global ESG report 'Accelerating Meaningful Action'

June 16, 2021

WSP has published its 2020 Global Environmental Social and Governance report, titled Accelerating Meaningful Action that reflects their people-first approach to sustainability and their ambitious commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reflecting on a year marked by the unprecedented impacts of a global pandemic, the report showcases how WSP is working towards a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future while creating long-term and meaningful value for its communities and the planet.

Spotlighting two WSP women and their expertise

The report highlights the expertise of two women leaders within WSP: Rachel Skinner, Executive Director of Transport at WSP in the UK, and Marie-Claude Dumas [pictured above], who is President and CEO of WSP Canada and Global Inclusion and Diversity Sponsor.

Rachel discusses her drive to help WSP achieve net zero and make a real different to both people and the planet. “To get to net zero by 2050, we must play our part in cutting the total carbon emissions associated with infrastructure systems in half by 2030," says Rachel Skinner. “We must fundamentally rethink how we approach designs to become much more ‘carbon conscious’ in everything we do. The climate challenge presents an incredible opportunity for young professionals who want to build a career with purpose and make a difference," she adds.

Marie-Claude Dumas discusses WSP's approach to and success with its diversity and inclusion efforts. “We believe that diverse teams at all levels of an inclusive organization are a key success factor," she says. "Within our global approach to I&D, the majority of our regions have expanded their priorities to also support under-represented groups, including ethnic and visible minorities. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to foster the necessary change that we want to see in our industry."

“To be a leader in our industry and bolster innovation, we believe that diverse teams at all levels of an inclusive organization are a key success factor,” she says.

Accelerating diversity at WSP via People & Culture

WSP's report also focuses on one of its core pillars, People & Culture, that encapsulates WSP's commitment giving back to the communities where employees live and work with time and resources.

At WSP, success is a testament to the technical expertise and talent of its people, underpinned by their profound understanding of local markets. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WSP faced unprecedented human, economic and business challenges. WSP’s priority for employees is to keep them safe, informed and connected, so many of its efforts were therefore focused on employee health, and physical and psychological wellbeing.

Achieving and setting ambitious sustainability goals

Highlights from WSP's Global ESG Report include:

Reported 43% Clean Revenue:
WSP’s greatest impact on sustainability is through the services and advice it provides to clients. One method WSP uses to measure its impact is estimating its percentage of Clean Revenue, defined as revenues earned from services that have a positive impact on the environment and support the UN SDGs.
Announced Ambitious GHG Emissions Reduction Targets:
WSP announced its intention to get ready for less by committing to achieve net zero emissions across its value chain by 2040. WSP set science-based GHG emissions reduction targets, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. These commitments are aligned with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
Launched Future Ready® Globally:
With the 2020 launch of Future Ready® in Asia, Central Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, WSP has achieved its 2021 ambition to execute Future Ready® globally, setting WSP apart in the way the company delivers sustainable projects.