Sinclair Knight Merz

Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) is a leading projects firm, with global capability in strategic consulting, design and delivery. Its corporate purpose is to deliver a positive and enduring impact on the world by delivering projects that by their nature define what it means to be sustainable – in terms of economic, social and environmental outcomes.

For these reasons SKM’s approach to sustainability is different. They work to embed sustainability into their approach to each and every project, to the choices of projects to work on, and the clients they work with, as well as being a sustainable business in terms of its effect on the world.

As engineers, scientists and consultants SKM's people are in a unique position to make a difference. By using their talents and resources they can work with clients to design and develop more sustainable infrastructure, cities, resource and clean technology.

Sustainability is now central to everything they do. To embed sustainability across the business SKM ran an intensive culture change programme to educate and engage all staff on their approach to sustainability, called rEvolutions. More than 70% of staff worldwide have been through this programme, creating a collaborative team environment and an attractive organisation to belong to. As an employee owned company, SKM also has a strong culture of shared ownership, caring for each other and engaging with the communities around them.

In 2007, SKM committed to reducing GHG emissions by 30% per employee over three years – it was important for SKM to 'practice what they preach' and be a sustainability leader. Reductions are their primary objective, only looking at carbon offsets and ultimate neutrality when they know they have gone as far as they can in cutting actual emissions. At the end of the second year of the programme they have achieved an 18% reduction globally in GHG emissions for every employee, this includes reductions in global air travel of 27% over the base year (2007/08).

In New Zealand this has led to some significant changes. Moving some offices to more energy efficient buildings, changing power suppliers and implementing a number of energy saving measures has reduced carbon emissions from energy use by 85%. Recycling and on-site worm bins have significantly reduced waste to landfill, helping reduce carbon emissions by two thirds.

Over the next year, SKM are aiming for a further 12% reduction in GHG emissions to meet 2011 targets. This will be a formidable challenge, but strategies are in place including continuing to reduce air travel, sustainable procurement, and of course continuing to measure what they do.