We consider that the direct environmental impacts associated with our activities are relatively few and limited. Nevertheless, they remain a significant part of our business agenda. By contrast, the potential environmental risks and opportunities arising from our business services are more significant, as the operations of our clients can have a direct consequence on the environment, and we have many opportunities through the projects that we undertake to improve their environmental effectiveness.
ISO 14001environmental accreditation is held by 42% (2005: 44%) of our business. The slight reduction during the year is attributable to increased organic growth in those parts of the Group that are not accredited together with the effect of acquisitions.
Climate change is a recognised global issue, and one that our business is responding to, both in respect of the professional services that we deliver and through our own internal performance. We have formed a new global business, WSP Energy, which has built upon and continues to develop our existing technical expertise. Internally, our UK Environmental and Energy consultancy plans to develop a Carbon Strategy which will include a carbon allowance scheme and will consider alternatives to carbon offsetting using other appropriate technologies.