Stantec commits to net-zero emissions by 2030
Stantec, a global design and engineering consultancy, has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2022 and net-zero global operations by 2030.
Stantec’s sustainability pledge aligns with UN Paris Agreement targets, which aim to limit global temperature elevation to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The firm has committed to reach carbon neutrality with 2022 reported emissions via reduction efforts and the purchase of renewable energy certificates and certified carbon offsets. To meet the 2030 net-zero goal, Stantec will then transition offset purchases to options that directly produce renewable energy or reduce carbon.
Meanwhile, the firm’s innovation practice will fund employee-driven research and business solutions to help Stantec and its clients reduce their carbon footprint.
“We are making this commitment to do our part in protecting communities from the worst impacts of climate change,” said Gord Johnston, president and CEO of Stantec. “Our team members apply sustainable best practices to projects around the world daily. By making this pledge we demonstrate that Stantec applies the same passion to address our own impact.”
The firm recently reformed its sustainability and building performance team as the “carbon impact team” to more clearly align its work with carbon and climate market opportunities. The team works with clients on climate risk and resiliency, building performance modeling and engineering, energy management and building condition assessments, sustainable design and certifications, health and wellbeing consulting and certifications, and corporate ESG reporting.
Some of Stantec’s recent client projects in carbon reduction include engagements like the Gull Bay microgrid, which helps reduce remote community reliance on diesel power generation, and design work on hydropower plants such as the Genale Dawa III project in Ethiopia.
In terms of internal operations, the Edmonton-headquartered consulting firm has an A- CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) score, and was recently named the fifth most sustainable company in the world by Corporate Knights’ annual ranking of the most sustainable corporations.
Consulting firms, many of whom advise on sustainability initiatives, have broadly committed to net-zero goals. The Big Four accounting and consulting firms have set out 2030 net-zero emission targets, while strategy firms like BCG have committed to net-positive goals.
