WSP Joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Textile Exchange

NEW YORK — WSP USA, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, has recently joined two outstanding fashion, textile and apparel organizations that are making positive impacts in consumer goods.

The firm is now a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the Textile Exchange. The SAC is a global, multi-stakeholder nonprofit alliance for the consumer goods industry. The Textile Exchange is a global non-profit organization that works closely with every sector involved in the fashion and textile supply chain.

The mission of SAC is to lead the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability, based on a joint, multi-stakeholder approach for measuring, improving and sharing performance.

“WSP’s inclusion in the SAC is an opportunity for us to continue to advocate for our apparel clients, but also to be part of forward-thinking conversations as new industry tools are developed, the path forward and how to expedite change and move towards a more just and carbon neutral industry,” said James Cooper, WSP project director of apparel and retail in the firm’s sustainability, energy and climate change (SECC) group.

The Textile Exchange’s goal is to guide the industry towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fiber and raw material production by 45 percent by 2030.

“The Textile Exchange looks at the fiber component of apparel and textile manufacturers, because fibers represent the bulk of the social and environment impact, working to amplify the voice of the industries’ supply chains, such as mills, spinners, farmers and so on,” Cooper said.

According to Bridget Bauman, WSP senior consultant in SECC, joining both organizations affirms WSP’s commitment towards industry collaboration to reach climate goals, such as reducing the carbon footprint of supply chains.

“These organizations are great at bringing together diverse stakeholders, from farmers and manufacturers, brands and retailers, to service providers like us, who are eager to work together to drive impact,” Bauman said. “It gives decision makers the tools and data they need to enact real change in their supply chains. Both organizations provide resources for understanding how to drive impact and reduce emissions and generate positive, collective impact.”

Moving forward, WSP will work as a member to support through collaboration with both organizations wherever possible.

“It is a privilege to harness our insight and ability to be an aggregator among our apparel and retail clients and add to their voice in support of their goals within the industry,” Cooper said.

About WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized on Fast Company’s Brands that Matter List for 2022 as a top Community-Minded Business, WSP USA brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,500 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com