WSP joins BITC Environmental Leadership Team | 2nd Jul 2009

Stuart McLachlan, Managing Director of WSP Environment & Energy, has joined Business in the Community's Environment Leadership Team.  With over 800 member companies, Business in the Community (BITC) is the UK's leading business-led charity mobilising companies to improve their impact on society and the environment.

Stuart believes that taking action on climate change has never been more important:  "We have to accept that we are heading towards a low carbon, climate changed society where markets and economies are going to look different. Helping organisations visualize how this will look for them, in terms of both opportunities and threats, is something that I'm passionate about. Business has the opportunity to both minimise the impact of climate change and lead the adaptation to it, and not at the expense of shareholder value. BITC is at the centre of empowering businesses in this regard and sharing good practice, and I am excited about supporting both BITC and the Prince's May Day Network."

Jim Haywood, Environment Director at Business in the Community said:  "I am pleased to welcome Stuart on to the Leadership Team at such a critical time for the UK economy.  As we continue through a recession, businesses that take action on climate change can cut their costs and increase their competitiveness.  Stuart brings with him a wealth of sustainability knowledge, helping to guide the work of BITC's environment campaign, and ensure that it continues to spread best practice across UK industry."

Stuart will join 13 other business leaders on the Environment Leadership Team.  The group, chaired by Philip Green, Chief Executive of United Utilities Plc, has been in place for 18 years and guides BITC on the strategic direction of its environment campaign. 

The campaign's programmes include the Prince's May Day Network - the UK's largest group of businesses committed to taking action on climate change.  Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2007, the Network is convened by BITC and 1,170 businesses have signed-up to date.

Representatives on the Leadership Team also include J Sainsbury plc, Alliance Boots, National Grid, EDF Energy and Marks & Spencer.

Stuart is also a Board Director for WSP Group Plc and is the Director of Sustainability for WSP Group globally. In this role he is responsible for positioning WSP effectively to capitalise on the opportunities presented by low carbon markets as well as setting internal standards and implementing best practice.

Alongside Stuart, Dan Dowling, Associate at WSP Environment & Energy, will sit on Business in the Community's Environment Practitioner Group.  The Group provides the charity's environment campaign with 'real-world', practical advice on its programmes.

For further information please visit: 

Business in the Community: www.bitc.org.uk 

Prince's May Day Network: www.maydaynetwork.com