The Pledge to Net Zero has signed up more than 100 companies to the initiative which was created to enable those working in the environmental services sector to take a leadership role in the transition to a Net Zero carbon economy. Launched in late 2019, EIC is a founding partner alongside members AECOM and WSP in the UK.

In February, the Pledge formally joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Race to Zero campaign, a move which was welcomed by UN High Level Climate Action Champion for COP26, Nigel Topping.

Among the 100 signatories are new organisations such as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, RPS Consulting , Wood plc and JCDecaux.

Find out more on their dedicated website.

All signatories commit to three pledges:

1. Set and commit to deliver a greenhouse gas target in line with either a 1.5°C (encouraged) or well below 2°C climate change scenario – covering buildings and travel as a minimum.

2. Publicly report greenhouse gas emissions and progress against this target each year

3. Publish one piece of research or thought-leadership piece each year on practical steps to delivering 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.

Matthew Farrow, Director at EIC said: “I’m delighted to see more organisations join the Pledge to Net Zero, including household names like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which will help the campaign increase its reach.”

“In offering signatories a tangible framework to demonstrate their carbon credentials, as well as logical a pathway to other initiatives like Race to Zero, the campaign is a great way for businesses to showcase that they’re part of the solution and taking tangible actions towards meeting society’s Net Zero ambitions.”

Robert Spencer, Director of Sustainable Development at AECOM, said: “Joining Pledge to Net Zero demonstrates a real commitment to climate action from the organisations signing up, so reaching more than 100 signatories is an impressive milestone for the campaign.”

“Achieving net zero will require collaboration, innovation and leadership from across the environmental services sector. Initiatives like Pledge to Net Zero enable us to use our collective expertise to help organisations reach ambitious carbon targets.”

David Symons, UK Director of Sustainability at WSP, said: “Reaching 100 signatories in only 18 months since we launched the Pledge is a fantastic achievement and shows the importance the environmental services sector is placing on tackling the climate crisis. I welcome our new signatories and thank all of those involved in Pledge To Net Zero for their continued action and support, as it is only by working together will we achieve net zero.”