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Pledge to Net Zero Initiative Joins Global UN Race to Zero Campaign

As a leader for the Pledge initiative, WSP is committed to delivering projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a goal of reversing climate change.

NEW YORK — Pledge to Net Zero, an agreement within the environmental sector to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, has joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Race to Zero campaign. WSP is a signatory of the Pledge to Net Zero.

Race to Zero was launched in 2020 as part of preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which will be held in Glasgow in November. The campaign rallies net zero commitments from a range of leading networks and initiatives across the world to deliver fast action on climate change.

“Especially as nations and organizations consider their climate mitigation commitments in the run-up to the pivotal COP26 in Glasgow, it is fantastic that firms in the environmental industry are taking fast climate action by joining the Race to Zero through the Pledge To Net Zero and similar initiatives, just as we have done here at WSP,” said Tom Lewis, WSP USA’s executive lead for Climate, Resilience and Sustainability.

Pledge to Net Zero launched in late 2019 to convene fast climate action in the environmental sector. All signatories have committed to three pledges:

  • set and commit to deliver a greenhouse gas target in line with either a 1.5-degree Celsius climate change scenario, or well below 2 degrees Celsius, covering buildings and travel as a minimum;
  • publicly report greenhouse gas emissions and progress against this target each year, and
  • publish at least one research or thought-leadership piece each year covering practical steps to deliver an economy in line with climate science and in support of net zero carbon. Alternatively, provide mentoring and support for smaller signatory companies in setting targets, reporting and meeting the requirements of the pledge.

Pledge to Net Zero is led by a steering committee that includes environmental consultancies including WSP, as well as the Society for the Environment, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Association for Consultancy and Engineering, and Environmental Industries Commission. To date, more than 70 firms and institutions have joined the initiative. While Pledge to Net Zero was initially focused on the UK environmental consulting industry, membership of the initiative has now been opened to international organizations and WSP USA’s Climate, Resilience & Sustainability team is working with WSP UK colleagues to identify new participants in the U.S.

“With the eyes of the world on Glasgow in November, we must use the huge opportunity presented by COP26 to drive tangible action on climate and the environment,” said Emma Wilcox, chief executive at the Society for the Environment. “This means ensuring that environmental professionals are leading the way, not just through their words but through their actions and leadership.”

About WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 12,000 employees in 200 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com

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