In this episode of The Sustainable Director, I am joined by David Symons, Future Ready Global Leader at WSP, the world’s largest science and engineering professional services firm. With over 35 years in sustainability, David has helped shape how organisations see environmental challenges as opportunities for growth and resilience.
David shares insight into Future Ready, WSP’s global program designed to ensure projects go beyond today’s standards and anticipate future trends in climate, technology, resources, and societal needs. From hospitals designed to adapt over decades, to retail spaces built for low-waste flexibility, David explains how Future Ready is changing the way WSP employees and clients approach design worldwide.
The conversation also explores inclusion, such as designing transport networks with neurodivergent individuals in mind and how smaller businesses can adopt the same forward-thinking mindset. Beyond WSP, David highlights his role in creating Pledge to Net Zero, now a 150-member initiative driving real emissions reductions across the sector.
David’s message is clear: sustainability is not just essential, it’s an opportunity. It helps win work, attract talent, and deliver better outcomes for clients and society. His call to action: don’t wait for others, start now.
