Leadership Commitment

"Sustainability is not just a policy at Waleed Associates; it's a core value deeply embedded in everything we do. Our WISE Framework serves as our compass, guiding us towards a better future for our employees, our clients, and the planet."

- Waleed Tariq, Founder

Our Commitment

At Waleed Associates Consulting, we are firmly committed to sustainable practices, recognizing their crucial role in the long-term success of the construction and engineering sectors. Integrating environmental and social responsibility is at the core of our business. Guided by our WISE Framework and utilizing the NEC suite of contracts, we actively strive to create positive change and collaboratively build a more sustainable future for all.

Our WISE Framework

Our approach to sustainability is structured around the WISE Framework, encompassing four key pillars:

• (W) Workplace, where we prioritize a sustainable, inclusive, and healthy environment that supports the well-being and development of our employees

• (I) Industry, through which we champion sustainable practices across the construction and engineering sectors, sharing our expertise and advocating for the adoption of NEC contracts

• (S) Social, reflecting our commitment to ethical business conduct, fostering diversity and inclusion, and actively contributing to the communities we serve

• (E) Environmental, where we focus on minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting responsible, greener solutions.

WISE Pillars in Action

(W) Workplace: Fostering a Thriving & Inclusive Environment

Our commitment to our Workplace centers on employee well-being and professional development. In 2024, we achieved 90% participation in well-being surveys and accredited five employees in NEC contracts. Our ongoing actions include providing a safe and healthy work environment, offering diverse professional development opportunities such as NEC accreditation, CPD programs, and mentorship. We are also dedicated to supporting work-life balance and maintaining open communication channels for all employees.

(I) Industry Leadership: Driving Sustainable Practices

In terms of Industry Leadership, we are dedicated to driving sustainable practices within the construction and engineering sectors. We possess in-depth expertise in NEC Clause X29, which focuses on climate action. We actively advise clients on the benefits of incorporating this clause and assist them with seamless integration. Our services extend to conducting climate risk assessments, developing tailored strategies, and providing expert guidance on managing Clause X29 throughout the entire project lifecycle. In 2024, we successfully implemented NEC Clause X29 in three client projects, achieving a significant 30% reduction in carbon emissions. Furthermore, our advice on low-carbon concrete in one project led to an estimated 10% reduction in embodied carbon. Moving forward, we will continue to champion NEC Clause X29, advise on sustainable materials and methods, promote efficient project delivery, and emphasize whole-life cost considerations.

(S) Social Responsibility: Ethical & Community Focused

Our Social Responsibility pillar is built on ethical business conduct and meaningful community contribution. We uphold fair and transparent practices, ensure honest communication, and maintain full legal compliance, including the Modern Slavery Act and Bribery Act, with zero tolerance for corruption. Demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we achieved a 50/50 gender balance in new hires in 2025 and implemented diversity and inclusion training company-wide. We actively promote equal opportunities, foster an inclusive workplace, and diligently monitor recruitment for fairness. In 2024, our community engagement included 50 employee volunteer hours, pro-bono advice to two charities, and £1,000 in community donations. We will continue to support local initiatives, offer pro-bono advice, prioritize donations to sustainability-focused organizations, and explore school partnerships to promote sustainable construction careers. We are also focused on Supply Chain Engagement, aiming for 80% of key suppliers to have science-based emissions targets by 2026. We are actively collaborating with suppliers to achieve emission reductions, share best practices, and integrate low-carbon criteria into our procurement processes.

(E) Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing Our Footprint

For Environmental Responsibility, we are focused on minimizing our footprint. Our carbon reduction targets include a 20% emission reduction by 2030 (from a 2024 baseline), Scope 3 emission reduction by 2026, and a 20% embodied carbon reduction in major projects by 2030. In 2024, we achieved an estimated 15% reduction in commute emissions through remote work, decreased energy consumption by 25% with efficient lighting, and launched a cycle-to-work scheme. Our actions include promoting remote work, optimising energy efficiency (with a renewables feasibility study planned for Q4 2025), incentivising sustainable commuting, and publishing annual emissions reports. In Resource Management & Waste Reduction, we have already achieved a 40% paper reduction through digital systems, an 80% recycling rate, and 85% recycled paper procurement. We are committed to maintaining paperless practices, maximizing recycling, procuring sustainable supplies (targeting 75% recycled paper), and implementing water conservation measures.

Governance & Accountability

Our Sustainability Steering Committee oversees policy implementation and meets quarterly to review progress and identify new opportunities. We set measurable Targets & Monitoring processes, publishing an annual Sustainability Report. This Policy is reviewed and updated annually. We encourage Feedback and welcome comments at waleed.tariq@waleedassociates.co.uk.

Partner with us for a Sustainable Future

Contact Waleed Associates Consulting to explore how we can help you integrate sustainability into your NEC projects.