Future Ready

9Building Support Inside and Out

When WSP initially rolled out its Future Ready program within the company, getting early wins was essential to building momentum and buy-in. Once employees could see that establishing a new and better solutions-oriented framework produced results—being selected by key clients for large and high-profile projects—even sceptics were likely to become converts. The same is true of any organization's climate action and sustainability plans. Quick successes, however small, build broad internal support and increase commitment—even excitement—around organizational goals.

Depending on an organization's starting point, there may even be some low hanging fruit to notch these first wins. Reducing waste, decreasing water usage, or increasing energy efficiency are a few good places to look for those early wins. However, taking a surface-level scattershot approach—installing recycling bins, LED lights, and water attenuators—without going deeper, communicating, measuring, and reporting on these gains is a misdirected approach. Employees notice glaring anomalies that undercut a company's communication strategy. For example, an organization that has installed recycling bins, but is still providing, say, plastic spoons instead of bamboo will find it more difficult to create a convincing narrative about its commitment to reducing waste. Getting a solid win—achieving excellent results in one area—is superior to half-measures and incomplete initiatives.

For example, ...