We are future-focused and challenge the status quo

Because we work on thousands of projects around the world, we have the opportunity to positively impact our built and natural environment, our communities and our economy. “We work with our clients for their current needs, but our projects also have an impact on our communities for years to come,” says André-Martin Bouchard, Global Lead, Environment.

WSP’s work on large abandoned mining sites is a good example. “These sites often leave a scar on the landscape and are a major source of contamination. Our expertise can erase these effects through an effective remediation process. This is what we are doing in northern Canada where we will leave a healthier environment for future generations” explains André-Martin.

Here are some projects where we challenged the status quo.

The main objective of the National Department of Tourism of South Africa for this assignment was to take the first step in a phased approach to reduce Robben Island’s reliance on diesel generators as a power source. 

As Technical Advisor, WSP assessed various renewable technologies for use on this sensitive UNESCO World Heritage Site and the solution chosen considered the marine conditions and rich local wildlife, as well as the wind and solar resources available. 

The client has stated that they intend to use the project as an example of how the private and public sectors can successfully collaborate to provide a cutting-edge solution, on time and on budget.

=> Read more about Robben Island Microgrid Project

The Amazon Spheres, three geodesic domes incorporating botanic gardens at the company’s new headquarters in Seattle’s Denny Regrade neighbourhood, bring nature into a work and meeting space for Amazon employees. 

WSP provided Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineering, as well as lighting design and built ecology services, for Amazon’s new campus, including the Spheres. An innovative district energy system designed by WSP uses waste heat from a nearby data centre to provide heating for the campus. A custom lighting system combines LED sources and daylight sensors to provide enough light for plants inside the Spheres to thrive.

“This unusual project required significant innovation and creativity from our team. I’m immensely proud of what we achieved in service of Amazon and the architect, NBBJ,” says Tom Marseille, Senior Vice President Principal-in-Charge.

=> Read more about Amazon in the Regrade

The vision of this development is to create a vibrant mixed-use precinct that will transform Parramatta into Sydney’s second Central Business District. This is a future-focused response to urbanization and rapid population growth, which will specifically address placemaking.

As the centrepiece, sites 6 and 8 Parramatta Square will become the largest commercial tower in Australia, reaching 55 storeys high. Design of the scheme is innovative, notably from a sustainability perspective. The tower is billed to meet the highest Green Star and National Australian Built Environment Rating System Energy scores of any commercial space in the country. WSP has been engaged by Walker Corporation to deliver structural and building services, specialist disciplines, including sustainability, and integrated traffic planning.

=> Read more about Parramatta Square