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Glass globe with continents in green foliage, sunlight filtering through trees, symbolizing environmental impact.Glass globe with continents in green foliage, sunlight filtering through trees, symbolizing environmental impact.

Sustainability

We prioritise the responsible use of resources, reduction of our environmental footprint, and consideration of environmental and social life-cycle impacts in our projects.

Shaping a Sustainable Future Together

The world is changing fast. Envi­ron­men­tal Social Governance (ESG) require­ments, shifting customer values, and evolving investment priorities are reshaping how businesses differentiate themselves and assess their products.

CDM Smith brings decades of experience in supporting clients with their sustainability ambitions, combining multidisciplinary expertise with robust sustainability analytics. We are driven to help our clients achieve success as measured by the "triple bottom line" of people, planet and profit.

 

Sustainability in Our Daily Work

Not only in our projects, but also within our company, we consistently put sustainability into practice. Our internal initiatives are focused on reducing emissions, conserving resources, and embedding responsible practices into our daily working routines. These initiatives include:

Remote Work, Lower Emissions

Since 2020, our teams have been working flexibly and remotely. As a result, we avoid around 40% of commuting routes between home and the workplace — and the emissions associated with them.

Renewable Energy

Around 93 % of our electricity demand in Germany is covered by certified green electricity and on‑site photovoltaic systems.

Fly Less, Offset More

Flights under 500 km are generally prohibited. All unavoidable flights are fully offset to compensate for their climate impact.

Climate‑Friendly Mobility

We promote environmentally friendly commuting by encouraging the use of public transport and bicycles, and by expanding our electric vehicle fleet — further reducing emissions across our daily mobility.

Man in dark suit jacket

Sustainability begins with a company’s culture — goals, strategies, and actions naturally follow.

Hartmut Schmid

Head of Sustainability Europe

Envi­ron­men­tal, Social and Governance Policy (ESG)

Learn more about our commitment to Labour and Human Rights, Compliance, and the Environment.
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Sustainability Built on Quality

Our sustainability performance has been recognised by EcoVadis and Supplier Assurance, among others.

Award‑Winning Achievements Over Time

Our award‑winning accomplishments demonstrate how we drive sustainable solutions forward.

Projects That Drive Positive Change

As a member of the UN Global Compact Network Germany, we actively support the 2030 Agenda and align our work with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that are most relevant to our business activities. Our greatest contribution to achieving the global sustainability goals lies in delivering sustainable project solutions for our clients — solutions that directly support climate, environmental, and resource‑efficiency objectives.
Discover how we put sustainability into practice in our selected projects.

SuedOstLink AC section between the converter station and the grid connection point
SuedOstLink AC section between the converter station and the grid connection point
Germany, South-East

SuedOstLink: A Future Project for Sustainable Energy Supply

SuedOstLink is one of the key projects driving Germany’s energy transition. CDM Smith supports 50Hertz and TenneT in ensuring smooth implementation.

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Excavators and heavy machinery sorting and moving mixed waste inside a large industrial recycling facility.
Excavators and heavy machinery sorting and moving mixed waste inside a large industrial recycling facility.
Amman, Jordan

Advancing Jordan’s Solid Waste Management System

CDM Smith supported the local authorities in the implementation of a plan to recycle reusable material and improve solid waste management.

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A view of a dam with concrete walls and a power pylon against clear blue sky, reflecting on the calm water below.
A view of a dam with concrete walls and a power pylon against clear blue sky, reflecting on the calm water below.
Romania & Serbia

WePass2: Making the Iron Gates passable for Danube sturgeon

The Iron Gate Dams and Hydropower Plants I and II (aka Porțile de Fier / Đerdap) hydropower plant complex on the border between Romania and Serbia remainrepresent the most significant river continuity interruption on the main stem of the Danube River, representing impenetrable obstacles for migratory fishes.

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Expert Interviews

Discover how our experts integrate climate goals into everyday decisions — and what that looks like in real projects.
Tnsmission towers
News

CDM Smith Is Shaping the Energy Transition: Interview with Nadja Pappenberger

The energy transition is one of today’s key infrastructure challenges. CDM Smith supports this transformation with technical and planning expertise. Learn more about current tasks and challenges in our expert interview with Nadja Pappenberger.

Cars partially submerged in floodwater on a tree-lined street.
News

Heavy Rainfall Risk Management: From Hazard Map to Action Plan

Sudden heavy rainfall challenges municipalities and businesses. Dr Klaus Piroth explains how risk management helps protect against potential hazards.

Columbia's Coastline
News

Natural Coastal Protection: Colombia's Answer to Erosion

Climate change in Colombia: coastal erosion threatens communities. CDM Smith advised 4 years on 12 adaptation measures & monitoring. Matthias Müller shares insights.

Serengeti National Park with animals (Zebras)
News

Digital Traffic Management: Harnessing Technology to Preserve the Serengeti National Park

Serengeti project: CDM Smith develops digital traffic system for sustainable tourism. Eklavyya Popat shares innovations and challenges.