Sustainable Development Services

Throughout the world, many industrial, municipal and governmental entities are seeking solutions that meet complex business needs — yet reduce the impact on the environment and community.

For nearly a decade, MWH has spearheaded the development of innovative and practical client solutions that serve as a catalyst for change towards sustainable development. We take pride in developing and executing science- and technology-based systems, programs and tools that balance economic, environmental and societal needs.

Environment, Community & Economy

As a global leader in environmental engineering and management services, MWH has always sought to provide cost-effective solutions to society's problems, while protecting the environment. It has become increasingly clear in recent years that sustainable environmental management practices do more than just benefit the environment. They are also a necessary element of financial stability and business growth — as evidenced by the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index consistently outperforming the Dow Jones Global Index.

MWH experts specialize in helping clients design, create and implement effective sustainable development programs. We've worked with organizations ranging from governmental agencies and municipalities to industrial entities in the automotive, mining, chemical, electronic/electric, aerospace and other sectors.

These sustainable development efforts have helped organizations in locations as diverse as Antarctica, New Zealand, Indonesia, India, China, Thailand, Korea and Kazakhstan, as well as throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America. On each effort, our professionals considered a number of factors, including available resources, stakeholder values and critical business and operational issues.

MWH has proven knowledge in developing programs that comply with internationally recognized standards. In the UK MWH has achieved accreditation to ISO 14001 and has published a Sustainability Report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. In New Zealand MWH is a member of the local World Business Council for Sustainable Development. MWH managers also lead the teaching of Sustainable Development, including courses at prestigious academic institutions such as The University of Cambridge, UK.

Kyoto Protocol

MWH has particular knowledge in the Kyoto Protocol. Under this global agreement, new energy projects can be used to create "Carbon Emission Reduction Units" (ERUs). This is done by accounting for the number of avoided and reduced greenhouse gas emissions that result from cleaner technology. These ERUs or "carbon credits" are bought by nations pumping out more carbon gases than agreed to under the protocol.

MWH professionals have become industry leaders in carbon credit trading. Our carbon specialists have worked with a variety of clients, including European governments, to market ERUs from an increasing number of approved "clean" projects.

This is helping developing and emerging economies make energy decisions that are more sustainable. One example is the Szeged district heating system in Hungary. It plans to install a new combined central powerplant, which will replace coal-fired plants. This will substantially reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the greatest benefits of these carbon credits is that they provide a financial incentive for choosing cleaner, more sustainable energy options. These include renewable energy, such as wind, solar and wave power. Less carbon pollution improves the health and well being of local communities, and helps the world by controlling greenhouse gases more effectively.

Comprehensive Services

MWH provides a wide variety of sustainable development services. This industry knowledge is enhanced by our global network of experts in science, engineering, technology, finance, construction, program management and regulatory issues. MWH services include:

• Sustainability reporting and verification
• Risk assessment
• Environmental management systems
• Environmental, health & safety regulatory compliance
• Life cycle assessment
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Ecological modeling
• Pollution prevention
• Environmental accounting
• Environmental impact analysis
• Environmental and social impact analysis

We also offer industry sector-specific solutions for the following areas:

• Energy & Utilities
• Mining
• Water Distribution
• Remediation
• Construction
• Wastewater & Industrial Treatment