Black & Veatch 2023 Sustainability Report: Achievements in Emissions Reduction and Inclusive Practices

The 2023 Sustainability Report from Black & Veatch, a prominent global company focused on critical human infrastructure, has been released to provide an update to stakeholders in the industry. The report highlights the company's progress, in collaboration with its employee-owners and clients, in terms of environmental, social, and governance priorities. It outlines the measures being taken by the company, a leader in engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction, to tackle carbon emissions and enhance workplace safety, diversity and inclusion, ethical standards, and compliance.
 
Moreover, the report delves into how the company is continuing to promote sustainability at its headquarters and through its clients' assets. This involves initiatives like utilizing renewable energy, implementing water reuse strategies, and pursuing decarbonization initiatives. The company's internal administrative actions, such as adopting hybrid work schedules, are contributing to reducing carbon emissions and fostering more inclusive work environments.
 
Black & Veatch's third Sustainability Report underscores its alignment with significant frameworks like the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the CEO Water Mandate, and the Caring for Climate pledges. Notable achievements in sustainability during 2022 include:
 
Surpassing the company's emissions reduction target for 2023 and accomplishing more than half of its 2023 goals for Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction.

Sustaining a strong safety culture, even as construction hours exceeded office hours for the first time in the company's 108-year history, while still achieving safety objectives.
Marked improvement in hiring rates for new female graduates by 13% and minorities by 80% compared to the previous year.

Attaining a flawless score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index, securing a position among the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality 2022" for the fourth consecutive year.

Demonstrating commitment to reducing inequality by assisting organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking. Black & Veatch provided support to Veronica’s Voice, based in Kansas City, Kansas, by aiding in the renovation and refurbishment of its facilities.

Implementing the Sustainable by Design pilot program, which formulates recommendations for impactful engineering design and supply chain practices to ensure sustainability in Black & Veatch projects.
Leading the third iteration of the IgniteX Climate Tech Accelerator, collaborating with eight startups to facilitate the development and scaling of innovative climate technology.

Black & Veatch is actively contributing to the advancement of various clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, to aid in addressing global climate challenges. Additionally, the company possesses expertise in addressing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, encompassing technology identification, analysis, cost/performance testing, and regulatory compliance. This expertise places Black & Veatch at the forefront of research, progress, and application of pioneering technologies for the elimination of these persistent "forever chemicals" from water systems.
 
“By embracing sustainability investments with a broader and balanced perspective, businesses not only align themselves with global goals for a better future but also ensure long-term success, resilience and relevance in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” said Deepa Poduval, Black & Veatch’s Global Sustainability Leader while adding, “Black & Veatch leverages our expertise to create practical pathways for the success of our clients’ investments, from strategy to execution.”