FAQ

Most Frequently

Asked Questions...

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General

What is the Pledge to Net Zero?

The Pledge to Net Zero is an industry-led initiative focused on reducing the GHG emissions in the environmental services sector and seeks to establish the sector as a leader in climate change.



What does ‘Net Zero’ mean?

To be net zero is to quantify emissions and set a plan for reducing emissions in a meaningful manner which is in line with the Paris agreement and includes investing in carbon removal projects to generate offsets. This is slightly different to the commonly used term of carbon neutrality which is more focused on purchasing carbon offsets versus authentically reducing emissions.



What are the commitments of the Pledge?

Please visit our Pledge page for details.



Can any organisation become a signatory of the Pledge?

Yes. While the pledge is primarily aimed at the environmental services sector and UK based organisations, it isn’t exclusive to this sector or the UK. However, if you are not in the consultancy or service sector then you should align your target with the commitments on SBTi’s website.



Is there a fee to become a signatory?

No, there is no fee involved



When did the Pledge to Net Zero start?

The Pledge officially launched in November 2019.



If I have a question, who should I contact?

Please email pledgetonetzero@wsp.com for any general inquiries.



As a signatory to Pledge to Net Zero, can I join the UNFCCC's Race To Zero campaign?

Yes - though please note that to do so you must have set a 1.5°C aligned science-based target and be able to share a carbon action plan to deliver this target within 12 months of joining the Race to Zero (this will be kept confidential). If you are a signatory to the Pledge to Net Zero and feel you meet these requirements, please contact us so we can verify this and confirm whether you are eligible to join the Race to Zero.



Pledge Commitments Related

How do I set a target for our organisation?

For information on how to set your target, we recommend watching our “Guide to Setting a Science based Target” webinar here and using the “Science-based Target Setting Tool (version 1.2)” guidance, available from https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/.



Does our target have to be officially validated by the Science-based Targets Initiative?

No, your target does not need to be officially validated by the Science-based Targets Initiative. It is up to your organisation if you wish to undertake the certification process.



What is a baseline year and how do you decide which year to use?

The baseline year for the target should be the most recent year for which a full set of data is available and should be consistent across all targets set by the same company (e.g. calendar or financial year).



What is included in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions that occur from sources that are owned and/or controlled by the signatory (e.g. gas burned on site, vehicle fleet, HFC and CFCs in company real estate). Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity that is consumed by the company. Scope 3: All other significant indirect GHG emissions that occur as a consequence of the signatory’s activities, but are from sources not owned or controlled by the company (e.g business travel and commuting). For more information please visit the Science-based Targets Initiative guidance.



Why does the Pledge only include travel and buildings as a minimum?

As this Pledge is targeted towards (but not limited to) the environmental services sector, we have included travel and buildings as a minimum as that is where the majority of our emissions occur.



Are there any tools you recommend using when measuring emissions?

Yes, please visit our Guidance page for a full list of tools you can use to help you.