Decarbonisation programme director Robert Lyall says an enormous amount of work has been done to-date, including baselining emissions from projects in 2020, upskilling staff in low-carbon ‘optioneering’, and assessing and comparing emissions from almost six hundred client projects between 2020 and 2025.
“At the halfway point in time, we’re ahead of target at nearly two‑thirds of the way towards halving the carbon footprint of our designs and advice,” he says.
Carbon emissions from projects carried out by WSP in 2025 were 33 percent below the commitment’s 2020 baseline year. In absolute terms, the carbon footprint of WSP’s designs and advice is estimated to have reduced to 1.4 million tonnes in 2025, down from 2.1 million tonnes in 2020. That’s roughly equivalent to around 300,000 fewer cars on New Zealand roads.
“Delivering quality outcomes for clients is what matters. This progress provides confidence that low carbon choices are available, and the environmental impact of infrastructure projects can be reduced,” says Robert.
The baselining and assessment work done to-date gives WSP the capability and tools to help reduce carbon in infrastructure designs in practical ways, while meeting technical standards.
Robert says lower carbon solutions can deliver significant capital and whole‑of‑life cost savings. This includes options such as reusing and refurbishing existing assets instead of full replacement, as well as making smarter construction and materials choices that reduce carbon while improving efficiency and resilience.
“Many of our clients already have emissions reduction targets in place and want to see carbon heading down as quickly as possible. WSP is pleased to be able to support them while delivering high‑quality project outcomes.
“While progress is ahead of schedule, there’s little room for complacency. We are maintaining momentum and staying focused on delivering lower‑carbon outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
More information about WSP’s commitment to halving the carbon footprint of its infrastructure designs and advice by 2030 can be found here.
Forward looking statement
Certain information contained in this page is not based on historical facts or current facts and may constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) under applicable securities laws.
These forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, strategic ambitions, objectives, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, outlook, or other statements that are not statements of fact, and reflect the expectations of management of WSP regarding, without limitation, its long-term sustainability ambitions and targets which include, without limitation, its objectives concerning measuring and disclosing its sustainability performance (including reducing its own GHG emissions), reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure designs and advice provided to clients, and helping clients achieve their sustainability ambitions.
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