"WSP welcomes the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendation that Government should opt for a Net Zero carbon target by 2050 but questions whether it is bold enough, especially when it looks like we will fail to meet our legally binding 4th and 5th carbon budgets, as defined by the Climate Change Act.
"Net Zero makes perfect long-term business sense on the basis that the cost of inaction will outweigh the cost of action. A Net Zero goal is exactly the type of aspiration that will galvanise industry to step up its efforts to decarbonise as an immediate priority. It will embolden WSP’s engineers and planners to leverage their ingenuity to devise innovative solutions to break the vicious circle between carbon emissions and economic growth.
"In light of Government’s strong signalling that sustainability and prosperity can only go hand in hand, WSP hopes that it will fully endorse and act upon the CCC’s recommendations. But moving the goal posts will not be enough, and if anything, redoubling efforts to meet the 4th and 5th budgets becomes even more important for Net Zero to ever become reality.
"Clearly, there will be a need for further regulatory interventions.
"The Energy White Paper, scheduled for later this year provides an opportunity to consider the benefits of embedding a real carbon price into law. And the Environment Bill should enshrine a powerful, independent green watchdog able to hold government to account on climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as environmental protection. If these changes happen, we will be able to look the next generation in the eyes and say that we did what we had to safeguard the environment, create a new economic paradigm, helping the UK continue to lead on this agenda and actually delivering what they expect from us and have been calling for since COP 21."
About WSP:
WSP is one of the world's leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.
With more than 8200 talented people in the UK and approximately 48,000 globally, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come. WSP has been involved in many high-profile UK projects including the re-development of London Bridge Station and Quarter, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, HS2, Transport for the North Strategic Development Corridor studies, One Blackfriars and the Shard.
www.wsp.com/uk