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 investment considerations are upending the traditional ways that businesses differentiate themselves and evaluate their products. CDM Smith has decades of experience helping our clients navigate sustainability initiatives and goals through multidisciplinary expertise and 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.

Certified Sustainability Performance

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

Gold EcoVadis medal, "GOLD | Top 5%", Sustainability Rating, October 2025. — The EcoVadis rating recognises the sustainability performance of companies. CDM Smith SE has been awarded a gold medal in October 2025. With a 97th percentile ranking, we are among the top 3 % of all companies evaluated by EcoVadis at the time of the rating's publication.

Supplier Assurance Rating — CDM Smith has been recognised with an outstanding sustainability rating of in the current SAQ 5.0 Supplier Assurance assessment— placing us among the preferred suppliers in the automotive sector.

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.

Construction site with several tower cranes and modern residential buildings reflected in the water in the foreground.

Offenbach am Main

Living and Working on the Water - a New Business and Residential District for Offenbach

CDM Smith is developing the remediation concept for the new urban district on the former industrial harbour in Offenbach.

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Bulldozer working on a landfill site in a rocky desert landscape, pushing and leveling piles of waste between surrounding hills.

Governorates of Assiut and Qena, Egypt

Improving Solid Waste Management in Egypt

CDM Smith supported the authorities in the governorates of Assiut and Qena in establishing a demand-driven, cost-covering and sustainable waste management system.

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Wide view of a construction site with cloudy sky, power lines, and distant hills.

Kupferzell, Germany

Netzbooster Kupferzell

CDM Smith is supporting the development of one of the world’s largest grid‑scale battery storage systems, providing Civil EPC services.

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Expert Interviews

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

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.

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.