WSP Global is an engineering-focused multinational consulting firm. The group promotes environmental, social, corporate governance (ESG), a movement to promote left-of-center policy priorities through corporate policy. WSP is involved in environmental and sustainability initiatives, such as the construction of wind farms. ^{1 2}

Founding and History

WSP Global is a multinational conglomerate engineering firm with operations across the world. The group is headquartered in Canda, with an American division headquartered in New York City. The American branch has its roots in the engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff, founded in 1885. Through the decades, various mergers and acquisitions occurred until WSP acquired the firm in its contemporary form in 2007, when it became the group’s main engineering presence in the U.S. ³

WSP was previously known as Genivar. However, in 2012 a scandal involving bribery in the Quebec construction industry, the company’s home province, led to government investigations. As a result, the firm adopted the name WSP Global, which it had acquired in an acquisition previously. ⁴

Financials

For the first quarter of 2025 ending March 31, WSP Global reported net revenue of $144.1 million Canadian ($105 million), expenses of $4.25 billion Canadian ($3.1 billion), and net assets of $8.4 billion Canadian ($6.1 billion). ⁵

Organization Philosophy

WSP Global markets itself as being an expert resource in implementing environmental, social, governance (ESG) programs for both the public and private sector. These efforts are often touted as being geared towards promoting environmental sustainability and some form of socially conscious policy.  ⁶

The group’s ESG literature states that its ESG services are integrated into every project that the firm undertakes, claiming that this results in lower costs and increased resiliency. It emphasizes weather-dependent energy, carbon offset credits, and work towards net zero emissions. It specifically lists diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as an important value in its ESG program, as well as its desire to “address inequity” when designing projects. ⁶

Projects and Initiatives

WSP Global is involved in numerous engineering projects around the world, ranging from mining to commercial and government building construction. Of particular note, WSP has a division focused on sustainability, energy, and climate change. This division touts its experience working on green building design, low carbon design, climate change mitigation, and energy efficiency. ²

The firm is also heavily involved in the energy sector, with roughly 10 percent of its 72,000+ workforce being involved in the industry. Despite the firm’s ESG program, it is involved not only in solar and wind projects, but also oil and gas, as well as nuclear and hydroelectric power generation. ⁷

Leadership

Joseph Sczurko is the president of the United States-based division of WSP Global. He has worked in environmental and sustainability focused engineering for several decades. Prior to his current role he was the CEO of the Environment and Infrastructure Business division of the firm John Wood Group plc. ⁸

1. “Sustainability and ESG Solutions.” WSPglobal. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-us/services/sustainability-and-esg-solutions.
2. “Sustainability Energy and Climate Change.” WSPglobal. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-gl/services/sustainability-energy-and-climate-change.
3.  “Our Story.” WSP. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-us/who-we-are/our-story.
4. “Engineering Firm That Made Shady Donations Rebranding Itself WSP Global.” CTVNews, April 17, 2013. https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/engineering-firm-that-made-shady-donations-rebranding-itself-wsp-global/.
5. “WSP’s Q1 2025 Results.” WSP. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-us/investors/presentations-and-events/wsp-q1-2025-results.
6. “ Sustainability and ESG Solutions.” WSPglobal. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-us/services/sustainability-and-esg-solutions.
7. “Power & Energy Consulting | Transforming Global Energy.” WSPglobal. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-gl/sectors/power-and-energy.
8. “USA Leadership Team.” WSPglobal. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.wsp.com/en-us/who-we-are/leadership-team.