The first milestone has been establishment of a carbon baseline, which was based on assessment of almost 200 projects from 2020. This is the baseline year for the halving commitment.
Baselining has given WSP a rich dataset against which current and future client projects can be compared, says decarbonisation programme director Robert Lyall.
"The baselining work we've done aligns with client needs and gives them the confidence that WSP has the future-ready people, processes, capability, and tools for getting carbon out of their infrastructure designs.”
The second milestone has been carbon assessment training for nearly 80 client-facing staff across a range of business disciplines and carbon assessment tools relevant to different types of client projects. By investing in its people, WSP staff have new skills and confidence – which is essential for our clients and to drive low carbon change within the industry.
The third milestone, based on a shift to quarterly carbon reporting, has been a noticeable reduction in carbon within client projects during the first quarter of 2024 - where the carbon impact of nearly 60 projects was assessed.
Robert says determining the 2020 baseline and building capability have been major achievements. The litmus test now is delivering lower carbon outcomes and real change for clients and future generations.
“Many of our clients already have reduction targets in place and are looking to get carbon emissions on a downward trajectory as fast as possible. We’re pleased to be in the position where we can support them while delivering high quality project outcomes. Where their carbon policies and targets are yet to be determined, we can assist because we’re also understanding what’s possible across different types of projects.
“Halving the carbon impact of our designs and advice by 2030 highlights the essential role that designers and engineers of the built environment have in fighting climate change and helping transition to a low-carbon economy.”
WSP has a plan to reduce the carbon impacts from its designs and advice across all sectors. Designs from Property & Buildings, for example, are targeting thermal envelope insulation, heat recovery from exhaust air systems, hot water heat pumps and solar control glazing. Water designs are looking at trenchless works, low carbon backfill specifications, and in-ground pipe re-lining instead of replacement.
All sectors are targeting using lower carbon materials, including lower carbon concrete and steel. Working with clients and industry partners such as material supply chains to accelerate progress is also seen as critical.
More information about WSP’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure designs and advice by 2030 is here.
