The Implications of Green Growth on Workforce Development and Job Creation CASE STUDY : WSP Mike Sheehan WSP UK Director of Sustainability 16 March 2011

WSP CASE STUDY Who Are We? A global consultancy Design and advisory services for the built and natural environment In UK – 2,400 staff in 20 offices

WSP CASE STUDY Green Growth – the Challenge A fantasic opportunity for business Also a real threat – compliance and competitiveness Businesses need to adapt - quickly

WSP CASE STUDY The Market Place is Struggling What does the green economy mean to them? Is it resource efficiency, lower CO 2, waste reduction, reduced environmental impacts, building refurbishment, sustainable communities, social inclusion, renewable energy, climate change adaptation, smarter working? All of the above.....and much more besides

WSP CASE STUDY What does the Market Place Need? Practical and commercial solutions – no green wash Integrated, holistic and efficient solutions Trusted advisors

Risk decreasing over time Fees increasing over time Trusted advisors OptioneersDesigners High marginMed marginLow margin

WSP CASE STUDY Our Approach The broad subject needs to be intelligible to our staff Our service offer needs to be legible to our staff and clients The context is a fast changing technological, financial and legislative background

WSP CASE STUDY Effecting Change Executive board level ownership Sustainability policy and vision Sustainability standards (internal) Management support structures Asking our clients!

WSP CASE STUDY Addressing Skills Needs Behavioural change – holistic approach, not silos There is a shortage Change to internal training – most efforts here Change to external training and recruitment

WSP CASE STUDY Internal Training – Two Levels Awareness raising – global e-learning module Technical – sustainability intranet portal

WSP CASE STUDY Internal Training – Accelerated Learning Mandatory reading modules from the portal Part of staff assessment process Case study webinars and workshops Creating a learning culture

WSP CASE STUDY External Training and Recruitment We look for commercial practical relevance – not just technological skills We look for awareness of the importance of a holistic integrated approach We look for sustainability treated as embedded in everything, not a bolt on specialisation

WSP CASE STUDY Shaping and Identifying the External Talent Pool Schools engagement program Lecturing at colleges and universities Apprenticeships

WSP CASE STUDY Summary It requires change to established practices It requires commitment and investment It provides enormous opportunity for talent