Stantec — full event log

Stantec's emissions boundary was expanded in 2023 to include emissions from ride-hailing services in Scope 3 Category 6 business travel. This is a change in boundary reported in C7.1.2.

sustainability_report p.116

Stantec operates a structured three-phase renewable electricity plan. Phase 1 is purchasing unbundled Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs/REGOs/I-RECs/NZECs/US-RECs) from wind, solar, hydro, and biomass generators across 13+ countries. Phase 2 transitions away from EACs where possible to green-tariff retail supply contracts with 100% renewable fuel mixes. Phase 3 will explore on-site self-generation and additionality via power purchase agreements. By 2023, Stantec achieved 95% renewable electricity coverage, spending CAD 394,000 on EACs and green tariffs, and saving 20,041 tCO2e in market-based Scope 2 annually. The commitment to maintain 100% renewable electricity use is embedded in the corporate Sustainability Policy.

sustainability_report p.241

Stantec's single largest climate impact is through client project outcomes rather than its own operations. Climate Solutions is one of three Strategic Growth Initiatives in the 2024-26 Strategic Plan, with a 33.6% share of the CAD 6.3 billion year-end backlog (CAD 2.1 billion) mapped to climate action categories including renewable energy (4.1% backlog), climate mitigation and adaptation. Stantec applies an SDG-aligned taxonomy to track that 61% of its 2023 gross revenue (CAD 3.9 billion) was connected to sustainable outcomes. The firm targets 75% SDG-aligned revenue by 2030 and aims for a 100% annual growth target in renewable energy and energy storage consulting through 2026.

sustainability_report p.32

Stantec annually engages its centrally managed Tier 1 indirect vendors (office supplies, furniture, computers, travel) to collect GHG activity data covering 100% of supplier-related Scope 3 emissions. In 2023, Stantec met with 90% of non-compliant vendors from whom data was requested. An enterprise-wide procurement management tool was deployed in 2023 to improve consistency and accuracy of supplier GHG data. Vendors must meet Stantec's ESG expectations per the Partner Code of Business Conduct; non-compliant suppliers are retained and engaged rather than terminated. This engagement directly supports accuracy of Scope 3 Cat 1 reporting (2,743 tCO2e in 2023).

sustainability_report p.102

Stantec uses purchased, cancelled carbon credits to balance residual emissions and declare carbon neutrality for 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Stantec retired 60,918 tCO2e across four projects: the Great Bear (Haida Gwaii) Improved Forest Management project in BC (49,309 tCO2e, BC Carbon Registry), a Bundled Wind Power project in Maharashtra India (11,239 tCO2e, VCS), CarbonCure concrete mineralisation in the US (360 tCO2e, VCS), and a REDD project in Colombia (10 tCO2e, VCS). Stantec explicitly views carbon neutrality as an interim milestone and plans to progressively transition from offsets to inssets — actions Stantec takes using in-house expertise — as part of its Phase 3 net zero pathway. Permanent carbon removals are also intended to neutralise residual emissions at the 2050 net zero end-date.

sustainability_report p.254

Stantec's vehicle fleet is its largest source of Scope 1 emissions (9,720 tCO2e of 15,136 tCO2e total in 2023). Stantec improved fleet tracking with its fleet vendor, replaced older vehicles with more fuel-efficient models, and began purchasing electric vehicles for the fleet in 2023. These changes saved an estimated 143 tCO2e annually with no additional capital outlay. Stantec is also developing a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) transition plan and created ZEVDecide, a proprietary modelling tool that optimises EV fleet transitions for clients and for its own use.

sustainability_report p.248

Stantec obtained annual ISO 14064-3 limited assurance on 100% of Scope 1, 100% of Scope 2 (both location and market-based), and 91% of Scope 3 emissions. UK subset also verified to reasonable assurance level.

sustainability_report p.138

Stantec completed the acquisition of ESD (United States) during June 2023. ESD was included within the reporting period for 2023 and added approximately 495 tCO2e to Scope 1 and 2 emissions (3.19% of 2022 market-based S1+S2).

sustainability_report p.116

Business travel (Scope 3 Cat 6) is one of Stantec's two SBTi near-term targets (47% cut by 2030 vs 2019). In 2023, emissions were 23,910 tCO2e versus a 2019 baseline of 31,061 tCO2e (49% progress toward target). Stantec has implemented travel management programmes, a travel approval hierarchy requiring management sign-off, and an operational commitment to travel less. For the second consecutive year Stantec purchased Sustainable Aviation Fuel from airline partners Delta, Air Canada, and Southwest (656 tCO2e savings, CAD 273,000 investment). The company also applies an internal shadow carbon price of CAD 50/tCO2e to business travel.

sustainability_report p.238

Stantec concluded a three-year real estate consolidation initiative in 2023, reducing its global office footprint by over 30% against a 2019 baseline through its flexible home/hybrid/office workplace model. This delivered estimated annual emission savings of 2,016 tCO2e across Scope 1 and 2 (both location- and market-based) and approximately CAD 14 million per year in cost savings (roughly CAD 43 million total by end of 2023). The 2024-26 Strategic Plan targets a further 10% footprint reduction by 2026. New offices are purposely located in energy-efficient buildings.

sustainability_report p.251

Business travel (Scope 3 Cat 6) represents Stantec's largest Scope 3 category and is the subject of a dedicated SBTi-approved target (47% reduction by 2030 vs 2019). Reduction levers include an operational commitment to travel less, a formal travel approval hierarchy, and a centralised booking tool (Egencia) that displays estimated emissions and a CAD 100/tCO2e carbon tax at point of booking, suggesting lower-carbon alternatives. In 2022 Stantec also began purchasing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via Air Canada's inaugural Leave Less Program. An internal carbon price is mandated for non-billable airline travel. 2022 emissions of 22,028 tCO2e were 29% below the 2019 baseline of 31,061 tCO2e, though partially attributable to lingering pandemic restrictions.

sustainability_report p.56

Stantec calculated waste-generated-in-operations emissions for the first time in the 2022 carbon footprint, triggered by inclusion of a 2021 acquisition. The 2019 baseline was set at 3,073 tCO2e using DEFRA 2022 emission factors.

sustainability_report p.122

Cardno, Cox-McLain and Driven by Values were completed late 2021 but excluded from 2021 emissions; included in 2022. Barton Willmore (UK) completed April 2022, L2P (US) completed October 2022. Acquisitions contributed +6,222 tCO2e to Scope 1+2 market-based emissions in 2022.

sustainability_report p.64

Stantec noted a change in boundary (not methodology) in C5.1b. The boundary now includes nursery operations, a leased private jet in Scope 3 business travel, owned drill rigs in Scope 1 fleet, and waste in operations. The impact did not meet the 5% significance threshold requiring base year recalculation.

sustainability_report p.64

Due to Cardno acquisition, operational boundary was expanded in 2022 to include: native plant nursery (Scope 1, 2, and Cat 1 purchased goods); leased private jet (Cat 6 business travel); owned drill rigs (Scope 1 fleet); and waste generated in operations (new Cat 5). New 2019 baseline calculated for waste category.

sustainability_report p.64

Stantec achieved carbon neutrality for 2022 global operations by purchasing CDP-approved certified carbon offsets to balance residual emissions not yet reduced. This is Phase 2 of their net-zero roadmap. Offsets include forest ecosystem restoration (REDD+, IFM), CarbonCure cement mineralization, wind power (India), and Climate Vault allowance retirement.

sustainability_report p.57

Stantec disclosed a company-wide net-zero target for 2050 (NZ1), linked to both near-term SBTs (Abs1, Abs2). The firm considers it science-based and committed to seek SBTi Net Zero Standard validation within two years. Plans to neutralize residual emissions (max 10% of baseline) via nature-based solutions and engineered carbon capture.

sustainability_report p.56

Waste in operations was disclosed for the first time in 2022 due to inclusion of Cardno acquisition activities. A retroactive 2019 baseline of 3,073 tCO2e was established using 2022 DEFRA emission factors (which are higher than 2019 factors).

sustainability_report p.67

Stantec dramatically lowered market-based Scope 2 through on-site solar buildings, green tariffs, and centrally-procured unbundled EACs/RECs across Canada, US, UK, NZ, India, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Italy, Belgium, Czechia. Investment of CAD 400,000. 66,668 MWh of renewable electricity consumed.

sustainability_report p.58

Stantec approved and began implementing an internal carbon fee of CAD 100/tCO2e applied to non-billable airline business travel, charged to the relevant business operating unit. Implemented via Egencia travel booking tool which shows estimated emissions and the carbon tax at point of booking, suggesting lower-carbon alternatives.

sustainability_report p.120

Stantec operates a vehicle fleet (5,757 tCO2e Scope 1 in 2022) and has engaged its fleet vendor to improve tracking and replace older vehicles with more fuel-efficient and electric models. In 2022, the company began purchasing electric vehicles for its fleet and is in the process of developing a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) transition plan. Stantec also developed the Stantec ZEV Decide modelling tool (an internal R&D investment) to help clients transition their fleets - demonstrating that fleet decarbonisation is both an internal and client-facing capability. Fleet improvements contributed an estimated 2,000 tCO2e in Scope 1 savings in 2022.

sustainability_report p.59

Stantec committed to reducing its worldwide real estate footprint by 30% (~1.3 million sq ft) by end of 2023 against a 2019 baseline, driven by flexible work strategy. Expected total cost savings of CAD 38-45 million by end of 2023. Estimated 200 tCO2e annual savings from site consolidation.

sustainability_report p.59

Stantec requires centrally managed suppliers (covering ~90% of spend) to provide GHG emissions data at least annually as a condition of business. In 2022, 18 travel suppliers (100%) complied. The procurement team incorporates environmental sustainability criteria into supplier selection and management, requiring suppliers to have environmental certifications, participate in circular economy take-back programmes, and use recycled-content materials. Cat 1 emissions in 2022 were 2,925 tCO2e (down from 3,809 tCO2e in 2019), with 16% calculated using supplier-provided data for paper, mobile phones, computers, furniture, and nursery inputs. Stantec plans to introduce formal climate-related supplier requirements within two years.

sustainability_report p.72

Stantec's most significant downstream climate lever is the sustainability performance of its designed projects. As an AIA 2030 Commitment signatory, all Stantec building designs target carbon neutrality by 2030. The Buildings business unit runs sustainability workshops, energy benchmarking and modelling, and annual portfolio KPI reporting for clients. Stantec also actively shaped the Envision sustainable infrastructure framework and the PIEVC climate resilience protocol. The company notes that 31% of its 2022 backlog ($1.83 billion CAD) is climate action-related, spanning renewable energy, energy efficiency, coastal resilience, ecosystem restoration, smart cities, and water management. While Stantec has not estimated avoided emissions from project work, it classifies 60% of revenue as connected to SDG-aligned outcomes.

sustainability_report p.123

As part of Phase 2 of Stantec's net-zero roadmap, all residual emissions not yet reduced are balanced through CDP-approved certified carbon offsets, described as a 'gesture of goodwill'. In 2022 these included REDD+ forest conservation projects (Pacajai, Brazil; Madre de Dios, Peru), improved forest management (Great Bear/Haida Gwaii, BC), and CarbonCure cement mineralisation (100 tCO2e of permanent removal). For Phase 3, Stantec plans to progressively transition from offsets to 'insets' - actions the company itself takes to balance residual emissions, including piloting innovative ideas via their Innovation Office. By Phase 4 (net zero by 2050), residual emissions will be neutralised per SBTi Net Zero Standard requirements (max 10% of baseline), anticipated to be nature-based solutions and engineered carbon capture. Stantec partnered with Climate Vault to convert 500 tCO2e of compliance carbon allowances into permanent CDR.

sustainability_report p.57

Stantec's single largest operational emissions reduction initiative is the consolidation of leased office space. By implementing a flexible workplace strategy (full-time remote, hybrid, or in-office), Stantec committed to reducing its worldwide real estate footprint by 30% (~1.3 million sq ft) against a 2019 baseline by end of 2023. This simultaneously lowers Scope 1 (stationary fuel) and Scope 2 emissions and generates CAD 38-45 million in cost savings. The company selects energy-efficient buildings for remaining offices and uses a standard modular interior design to accommodate fluctuating headcount cost-effectively. This initiative contributed an estimated 2,200 tCO2e reduction in 2022 Scope 1+2 emissions through improved vehicle fleet tracking and reduced physical operating conditions.

sustainability_report p.59

Stantec's primary approach to decarbonising Scope 2 is through a layered renewables procurement strategy: selecting buildings with on-site solar panels, purchasing green tariffs directly from utilities, and procuring unbundled energy attribute certificates (EACs/RECs) through a centralised broker across Canada, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Czechia. In 2022 this delivered 66,668 MWh of renewable electricity (92% of total electricity) and saved an estimated 20,600 tCO2e in market-based Scope 2 emissions at a cost of approximately CAD 400,000. Instruments used include US-RECs, Canadian RECs, UK REGOs, EU GOs, NZ RECs (NZREC system), I-RECs (India, Australia), and TIGR registry certificates. Stantec also invested in green natural gas (104 tCO2e) sourced from Canadian landfill and wastewater methane capture via Bullfrog.

sustainability_report p.58

Stantec's primary strategy to reduce market-based Scope 2 emissions is large-scale renewable electricity procurement through three channels: selecting buildings with on-site renewable energy generation, purchasing green tariffs from utilities (e.g. 100% renewable supply in UK offices backed by REGOs from wind/hydro), and purchasing unbundled energy attribute certificates (US-RECs for wind in USA, RECs for wind in Canada, GOs for hydro in New Zealand and Norway/Italy, REGOs for wind in UK/Netherlands/Germany/Czechia). In 2021, this initiative contributed approximately 17,000 tCO2e in Scope 2 market-based reductions at a cost of CAD $200,000. Total renewable electricity consumed reached 63,148 MWh (approximately 92% of total electricity), reducing market-based Scope 2 from 21,131 tCO2e (location) to 3,161 tCO2e.

sustainability_report p.23

Stantec's net-zero plan involves a phased transition: in the near term, residual Scope 1+3 emissions are neutralized through CDP-approved certified carbon offsets (11,710 tCO2e retired in 2021 from forest projects in Peru, Canada, Indonesia, USA, and UK). In 2021, Stantec also piloted engineered carbon capture by purchasing 2 tCO2e of removal credits from Climeworks DAC technology. Longer-term, Stantec plans to progressively replace offsets with insets - actions Stantec takes to create carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration projects, with the Innovation Office actively piloting new inset concepts. At net-zero target year (2050), unabated residual emissions (max 10% of baseline) will be neutralized through nature-based solutions and engineered carbon capture per SBTi Net Zero Standard.

sustainability_report p.21

Stantec disclosed a phased net-zero commitment with target year 2050 under NZ1. Company considers this science-based and committed to seek SBTi Net Zero Standard validation within 2 years. Neutralization of max 10% baseline using nature-based and engineered carbon capture.

sustainability_report p.21

Minor adjustments were made to the 2019 Scope 3 baseline as part of SBTi validation - adding hotel emissions to business travel, furniture/mobile phones/computers to purchased goods, updating GWP factors, and adding employee commuting. This increases the baseline and makes the target more rigorous.

sustainability_report p.26

Stantec set a net zero target by 2050 covering Scope 1, Scope 2 (market-based) and all Scope 3 categories except cat 10 and 11. Linked to near-term SBTs (Abs1 and Abs2). Plan involves 4 phases including renewables, travel reduction, carbon offsets transitioning to inssets.

sustainability_report p.241

Stantec set and had approved by the Science Based Targets initiative a 47% absolute reduction target for Scope 3 Category 6 business travel emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline of 31,061 tCO2e. This covers >70% of 2019 baseline Scope 3.

sustainability_report p.234

Stantec set a target to achieve 100% renewable electricity consumption by 2030 from a 2019 baseline of 0.44% renewable. In 2023, 94.62% achieved through EACs and green tariffs across 13 countries.

sustainability_report p.239

Stantec set a SBTi-approved absolute emissions target (Abs1) to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based emissions 47% by 2030 from a 2019 base year (42,278 tCO2e baseline). As of 2022, combined Scope 1+2 = 15,485 tCO2e, already exceeding target, though partially attributed to pandemic-related office closures.

sustainability_report p.42

Fleet emissions are the largest single Scope 1 source at 7,780 tCO2e in 2021 (55% of Scope 1). Stantec acknowledges the slow pace of EV availability as a market risk impacting fleet decarbonisation, particularly given fieldwork requirements for four-wheel-drive high-clearance vehicles. For purchased goods (Scope 3 Cat 1, 2,301 tCO2e in 2021), Stantec engages 18 centralized suppliers annually to collect activity data, requires EPEAT/Energy Star-certified computers, mandates device take-back programs, centralizes print management to require post-consumer recycled paper, and incorporates sustainability criteria into vendor selection processes.

sustainability_report p.36

In 2021, Stantec received SBTi approval for a 47% absolute reduction in Scope 3 business travel emissions by 2030 against a 2019 baseline of 31,061 tCO2e. This covers >70% of 2019 Scope 3 baseline. Target reference Abs2.

sustainability_report p.17

Stantec set a SBTi-approved absolute Scope 3 target (Abs2) to reduce Category 6 business travel emissions 47% by 2030 from 2019 base of 31,061 tCO2e. 2022 reporting year value is 22,028 tCO2e (29% reduction), partially driven by post-pandemic travel restrictions.

sustainability_report p.49

As part of SBTi validation process, Stantec recalculated 2019 base year Scope 3 emissions. Added business travel hotel emissions, purchased goods categories (furniture, mobile phones, computers), updated GWP factors, and calculated employee commuting for the first time.

sustainability_report p.26

Stantec has implemented mandatory travel reduction programs including an operational commitment to travel less, a new centralized travel management system (Egencia) that tracks distance and CO2e by mode and provides visibility to encourage behaviour change, and an approval hierarchy requiring extra levels of authorization for travel. In 2021, Scope 3 business travel emissions were 12,923 tCO2e - a reduction of ~18,138 tCO2e from the 2019 baseline of 31,061 tCO2e (though significantly influenced by COVID-19). Stantec acknowledges a post-pandemic rebound is expected and has committed to enforcing mandates to prevent a return to pre-pandemic travel levels.

sustainability_report p.18

In 2021, Stantec formally committed to and received SBTi approval for an absolute Scope 1+2 (market-based) emissions reduction target of 47% by 2030 against a 2019 baseline of 42,278 tCO2e. Target reference Abs1.

sustainability_report p.16

Stantec acquired six firms in 2021. Three (Engenium May, GTA Consultants March, Paleo Solutions September) were included in 2021 GHG inventory. Three late-year acquisitions (Cardno, Cox McLain, Driven by Values - November/December) excluded from 2021 emissions; ~1,143 tCO2e increase from included acquisitions.

sustainability_report p.26

Stantec has an annual third-party limited assurance process in place under ISO 14064-3, covering 100% of Scope 1, Scope 2 (both location and market-based), and 87% of reported Scope 3 (categories 1, 3, and 6).

sustainability_report p.47

Stantec set and had approved by the Science Based Targets initiative a 47% absolute reduction target for Scope 1 and market-based Scope 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. Target covers full organization-wide Scope 1 and Scope 2.

sustainability_report p.230

Stantec's most significant climate impact lever is through client-facing services, representing 29% of 2021 backlog ($1.48 billion) directly aligned with climate action (renewable energy, climate mitigation, adaptation). Four strategic growth initiatives - Coastal Resilience, Ecosystem Restoration, Smart Cities/Urban Places, and Energy Transition - drive this. In 2021, Stantec launched a global Climate Solutions team with regional leaders across ANZ, Canada, Continental Europe, UK, and US, plus a GHG/Carbon Technical group supporting nature-based solutions and carbon sequestration. As an AIA 2030 Commitment signatory, all new building designs aim for carbon neutrality by 2030. Stantec estimates market opportunity of $1.48-2 billion in climate action backlog.

sustainability_report p.11

Stantec's largest operational decarbonisation lever is the targeted 30% reduction in worldwide real estate footprint by 2023 (against 2019 baseline). By implementing a flexible workplace strategy (full remote, hybrid, and office options), Stantec reduced leased office count by 135 locations between 2017 and 2021, contributing approximately 15,000 tCO2e reduction in Scope 1+2 location-based emissions. In 2021 alone, eight offices were consolidated, saving an estimated 400 tCO2e. Total expected cost savings of $38-45 million by 2023 are also realised. New offices are selected based on energy efficiency criteria.

sustainability_report p.23