Environment
Minimising adverse impacts and restoring the natural environment
RSK, like all businesses, depends on the natural environment and has the potential to impact it. By understanding these impacts, we can develop effective strategies to make efficient use of all resources and optimise circular economy initiatives to reduce our carbon emissions and to protect nature.
What we focus on:
Climate
strengthening climate resilience and progressing towards a net-zero business.
Water
protecting and conserving water resources in all areas where we work.
Biodiversity
playing an active role in delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework targets.
Circular economy
embracing circular economy principles to manage resources efficiently.
Climate
We are committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 and have had our near-term science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- Reduce absolute Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by FY30 from a FY20 base year
- Increase active annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 57.1% in FY20 to 100% by FY30
- Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel-related and energy-related activities, business travel and employee commuting by 42% by FY30 from a FY20 base year
- Engage with our top 80% of suppliers (by emissions) covering purchased goods and services to set science-based targets by the end of FY27
We have identified our key sources of emissions and have developed a climate transition plan to guide our decarbonisation journey. Each RSK business is responsible for delivering decarbonisation activities aligned to group targets, supported by an annual carbon reduction KPI to drive action.
Water and biodiversity
We have completed screening assessments to identify priority locations where nature- and water-related risks may be higher. This helps us focus our efforts, improving how we use resources and restore nature, while continuing to strengthen the solutions we provide to enable clients to do the same.
Better data supports better decisions, so we are focusing on continual improvement of water consumption reporting at RSK premises to support identification and effective monitoring of the impact of water efficiency measures.
Biodiversity impacts are not just created by our direct operations but also by our supply chain. We seek to partner with suppliers that uphold our values on environmental stewardship. Our Procurement Policy Statement, aligned with ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable procurement β Guidance, emphasises the importance of environmental impact and promoting responsible sourcing.
Circular economy
Waste and resource management guidance is embedded into the RSK management systems to support continuous improvement in the quality of our waste reporting and the actions we take to reduce waste. Engagement is prioritised in our businesses delivering on-site environmental solutions, where there is the greatest opportunity to apply circular thinking to address resource use.
Following an audit of single-use plastics, we aim to remove all avoidable single-use plastics from our premises. Where alternatives are not yet practicable, we will innovate and work with industry partners to create viable alternatives.
Our highlights
Expanding our electric vehicle network
Expanding our electric vehicle network
RSK has installed 68 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 26 RSK properties in the UK. This enables our 600+ electric plug-in cars and vans to be charged at RSK offices. Employee uptake of our EV salary sacrifice scheme has risen by 153% in a year.
Read moreSustainable offices and energy efficiency
Sustainable offices and energy efficiency
Office consolidations and refurbishments delivered energy savings, with LED lighting now standard for all new and retrofitted premises and second-hand or reused furniture to reduce our environmental footprint prioritised. Our new Brisbane office brings teams together under one roof with features such as sensor lighting and end-of-trip cycling facilities, supporting lower-emission commuting and smarter energy use.
Read moreGlobal investment in renewable energy
Global investment in renewable energy
Across group properties, we completed several on-site renewables projects this year. Highlights include a switch from gas to an air source heat pump in Swindon, a solar PV installation at Boxworth, solar panels in the Netherlands and a solar trailer developed by Pensar in Australia.
Read moreIT for impact: Efficient and circular tech
IT for impact: Efficient and circular tech
Weβve reduced server demand by moving to cloud-based systems, replacing IT equipment only when needed and donating or recycling older hardware to support local communities and cut e-waste.
Read moreRSK targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative
RSK targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative
RSKβs near-term emissions reduction targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, marking a key step towards the groupβs net zero by 2040 goal. Work is now underway to engage group companies and develop a climate transition plan to support delivery.
Read moreCircular economy strategy delivers carbon savings
Circular economy strategy delivers carbon savings
To support Scottish Waterβs target to achieve beyond net zero emissions by 2040, RSK company WGM developed an investment strategy focused on retaining as much value as possible from products, parts and materials, while reducing waste. By adopting a βrefurbish and reuseβ approach during upgrade works at a Scottish Water wastewater treatment works, WGM achieved a carbon emission reduction of over 75% for the project.
Discover the work we deliver for our clients
In addition to the contribution RSK Group is making through its own sustainability targets, we recognise the significant impact we can achieve through the work we deliver for clients.