FAQ
Most Frequently
Asked Questions...
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.
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?
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 science-based target and share your carbon action plan to deliver this target (this will be kept confidential). If you meet these requirements, please let us know and we can support you 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?
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?