Environmental, Social & Governance

WGA is committed to using its business activities to make positive contributions towards a better world for all.

We have aligned our Board endorsed ESG commitments with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) to drive action that aligns with global aspirations of ‘peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future’.

Environmental

WGA is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our operations, and the impacts of the projects that we deliver.

 Our commitment to Emissions Reduction

To reduce the impact of our own operations, we are committed to an Emissions Reduction Strategy that targets zero operational emissions by 2040.

  • WGA supports the Paris Agreement goals to limit the global average temperature increase to below 2°C with an ultimate target of 1.5°C
  •  WGA commits to a science-based target of a 50% reduction in operational (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emissions by 2030 relative to the 2022/23 FY baseline
  • In FY24/25 WGA will develop a baseline assessment of Scope 3 emissions and create an ambitious yet achievable action plan to support its reduction target
  •  WGA commits to zero operational emissions by 2040
  • WGA will review targets annually based on the latest climate science, global and national commitments and technological advances and decarbonisation of the supply chain
 Our commitment to Sustainable Project Delivery

We recognise that engineering design can play a powerful role in driving positive environmental outcomes for the communities in which we work.

WGA’s Sustainable Design Framework supports our project leaders to embed considerations of sustainability into our project delivery from an early stage.

We pride ourselves on a strong understanding of sustainability coupled with smart engineering solutions including carbon accounting, climate risk assessment, digitally optimised assessment tools, and resourceful material selection.

Partnering with WGA will support you to deliver climate resilient solutions to support the development of liveable communities.

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Social

Leaving an impact on our world is not just what we do—it’s who we are. Embedded in our projects and local communities, we use our influence to make a difference where it matters most. Whether that’s education, well-being, supporting disadvantaged youths or not-for-profits, we put our money and energy in the right place.

 Reconciliation

At WGA, we see reconciliation as an ongoing responsibility that shapes how we work, who we partner with and the impact we aim to create through our projects and our business.

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is guided by the core pillars of Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance. It provides a practical framework for embedding reconciliation across our operations, decision-making and engagement with communities, clients and partners.

Across regional and remote Australia, we deliver essential infrastructure that supports health, wellbeing and quality of life in First Nations communities. In the Northern Territory, this includes critical water and sewer infrastructure in remote locations.

Through our Sustainable Design Framework, we also seek to recognise cultural significance early in the project lifecycle, engage respectfully with Country and work with Traditional Custodians to help shape outcomes that respond to local context and strengthen connection to place.

We are committed to creating long-term opportunity beyond project delivery. Through our Supply Nation membership, we are increasing procurement with First Nations businesses and strengthening participation in our supply chain. Our First Nations engineering drafting traineeships are designed to support pathways into professional careers, while initiatives such as the Quandamooka Jarjums Camp, local school engagement and community sponsorships contribute to education, participation and broader community outcomes.

Within WGA, we are working to build a more culturally safe and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This includes strengthening cultural awareness across our workforce, offering paid cultural leave and creating clearer pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to join, develop and grow their careers within our business.

 Diversity and Inclusion

At WGA, we strongly believe in creating a sense of belonging and a workplace where people want to be and stay.

Our Diversity and Inclusion workgroup drives action to improve diversity across our organisation, promote high performance and engagement, and make WGA a great workplace.

Our environment will be safe, diverse, and inclusive through our programs and initiatives. A place where different perspectives are encouraged and a place to show up and be who you want to be.

And, we will create enough space for people to thrive, professionally, personally, and psychologically.

Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility

We are passionate about raising awareness and supporting not-for-profit organisations that lay close to our hearts. And it’s not all talk and no action, our people are active in the community using their Charity Leave to really help make a difference, where it matters most.

Affiliations

 Affiliations

Building meaningful, long-lasting collaborations with our affiliated partners is important to us. They help us be true to our core values and aspire to be known as a company contributing to a better world.

Be it supporting our people’s growth through industry-renowned professional bodies or connecting with organisations that represent the voices and needs of our communities, WGA’s commitment to uplifting the social and industry affiliations remains steadfast. Guided by our “we care” philosophy, WGA continues to nurture a distinctive culture that empowers our people, clients, and the community through proactive engagement in reconciliation, ethical and sustainable management systems, and beyond.

Non for Profit Support

Engineers Without Borders Lifeline The Smith Family

 

Industry Affiliations

Consult Australia Engineers Australia Henderson Alliance NAWIC
PIANC Property Council Reconciliation Australia Reconciliation South Australia
Reconciliation Western Australia Roads Australia Social Traders Supply Nation
Veteran Employment Supporter Work180

 

Governance

 Sustainable Project Delivery

Guided by the UNSGD objectives, WGA’s ESG strategy supports responsible business practices through accountability, transparency, and ethical management.  These elements are essential drivers that uphold sustainability and governance within our operations. We regularly review our strategic direction, prioritise focus areas, and integrate them into our business planning process.

Our Governance initiatives are backed by a robust Sustainable Design Framework and a Project Delivery Framework. Together, they embed considerations of sustainability-related risks and opportunities into projects from early in the project lifecycle to ensure consistent, high-quality project outcomes. The frameworks are built on the principles outlined in the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and include a climate risk assessment process and tools to estimate embodied carbon. It further incorporates best project management and digital engineering practices to provide a structured approach to operating projects from inception to completion.