Aecom targets ‘science-based net zero’ by 2030

Aecom has set out a new global sustainability strategy as it aims to achieve operational net-zero carbon emissions by the end of this year and “science-based” net zero by 2030.

Aecom’s strategy, titled Sustainable Legacies, integrates four key pillars that it said would embed sustainable development and resilience across the company’s work, improve social outcomes for communities, achieve net-zero carbon emissions and enhance governance.

The four key pillars are:

• Achieve net-zero carbon emissions: The company aims to be operationally net zero by the end of 2021. It has also committed to reach science-based net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 by setting new 1.5°C-aligned emissions reduction targets, decarbonising its fleet vehicles and switching to renewable energy tariffs, partnering with its suppliers to decarbonise and including carbon considerations into its procurement processes, implementing a 50% reduction in business travel and creating projects centred around using nature-based solutions to offset residual carbon.
• Embed sustainable development and resilience across its work: AECOM has introduced ScopeXÔ, an initiative to reduce carbon through design that considers embodied and operational carbon across the entire project life cycle.
• Improve social outcomes: Aecom has set a “near-term” target of women comprising at least 20% of senior leadership roles and at least 35% of the overall workforce. It will also develop project teams that reflect the clients and communities it serves and partnering with small and medium enterprises to generate social value through positive community investments.
• Enhance governance: The company is developing an enterprise framework supported by leadership accountability and advocacy through the audit of specific environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets and metrics on an annual basis.