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Bechtel’s Impact Report

Sustainability

aerial view of workers in a field of solar panels

Committed to creating a sustainable future

Our customers are tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges. They are delivering cleaner energy. They are building resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change. They are working to safeguard natural resources, decrease their environmental footprint, and create greater digital connectivity for all.

When we design and build a project, we are focusing on helping our customers create a lasting positive legacy that includes protecting the environment, creating economic growth and development, and partnering with communities.” -- Brendan Bechtel

Read our sustainability policy.

How we can help

By integrating our unique knowledge and capabilities in engineering, technology, and construction, we develop innovative and sustainable solutions to turn ambitious concepts into real projects and helping you achieve your goals.

Building a sustainable future means having a relentless commitment to innovation. We challenge ourselves to decarbonize every project while generating cost-efficiencies to bring greater value.

Bechtel Equipment Operations (BEO) began piloting hybrid equipment in 2022.  A Bechtel analysis reveals the Hybrid D6XE Dozer uses up to 29% less fuel– resulting in significantly less CO2 emissions per month.

We are proud to have helped deliver pioneering renewable projects to help customers on their path to net zero, including landmark projects like Ivanpah, the largest solar farm of its time, and the 695-megawatt Keeyask Generating System. Ivanpah continues to reduce carbon emissions by more than 400,000 tons per year, while Keeyask, when completed, will provide clean, renewable, and reliable energy to 400,000 homes.

We’ll also  work with you to integrate digital tools and data that are all around us for developing smart cities that evolve with humanity and ensure communities thrive. From helping deliver 5G, beyond master-planning, rethinking rail, and fighting floods we’re there to support you every step of the way.

Net Zero targets

Bechtel is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and we are currently in the process of setting interim targets that align with the findings of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We are intent on reducing emissions first (not offsetting), followed by carbon removal in order to counteract any remaining emissions as we get closer to our goal. We are also committed to aligning with our customers and working with our partners and suppliers to ensure we, and the industry, achieve sustainable results.

Building resilient societies

Next to mitigation, adaptation is one of society’s top challenges, and we believe that poor infrastructure, both physical and natural, undermines a society’s ability to develop and grow in a sustainable way.

Our customers are searching for customized solutions to adsorb natural hazards while still retaining essential infrastructure and its intended services. We design, build, and restore to help societies not only adapt and recover faster, but also to build back stronger, greener and more resilient.

2030 sustainability goals

The United Nations set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) built on the principle of “leaving no one behind.” We felt compelled to join this movement and have committed to helping the United Nations achieve their goals. 

100 ideas

Contribute 100 ideas to help achieve the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals.

Resilience for millions

Resiliency is one of society’s top sustainability challenges, and we believe that poor infrastructure resilience, both physical and natural, undermines communities’ capacity to cope, rebuild, and recover stronger. Our goal is to improve the resilience of five million people.

Environmental footprint

Use sustainable alternatives to reduce our environmental footprint on 100 percent of our key projects and non-project facilities.  Read more about our progress in our annual reports.

100% engagement

Engage 100 percent of our key suppliers to promote sustainability in the delivery of materials and services, and prevent modern-day slavery, including within their own supply chains.  Read more about our progress in our annual reports.

Eradicating modern slavery

We made preventing human trafficking and slavery a key 2030 sustainability goal. We have zero tolerance for this in our global workforce and supply chain.

We respect human rights everywhere we operate and our actions are consistent with national laws; Bechtel’s Vision, Values & Covenants and Bechtel Code of Conduct; and consistent with United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Beyond our own efforts, we know we need to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to raise the bar for the whole-of-industry. We’re proud to be a founding member of the Building Responsibly initiative, a global coalition of leading engineering and construction companies dedicated to promoting worker welfare and stopping modern-day slavery. 

Services

We offer a range of strategic services to help you achieve your sustainability ambitions, goals and targets.

  • Master planning for net zero.
  • Decarbonizing project design and delivery.
  • Implementing ‘circular’ approaches to project site management.
  • Managing deployment of sustainable technologies and innovations for project delivery.
  • Transitioning local content programs to long-term sustainable economic development.
  • Performing sustainability impact and risk assessments and technical reviews.
  • Coordinating engagements with stakeholders, communities, suppliers and contractors.  

Featured stories

  • March 31, 2022

Taking the reconciliation challenge in Australia

Read more to learn about our commitment to making reconciliation part of our workplace culture and decision-making processes by developing a Reconciliation Action Plan for Australia.