From old cooking oils to worn clothing, sustainable aviation fuel leans on renewable resources that lessen environmental impact and, according to many experts, could power the future.
ICF Chairman and CEO John Wasson said partnering with an airline that made sustainable aviation fuel history is one of the achievements he’s most proud of as he looks back over the company’s recently released 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report. ICF supported Virgin Atlantic through the world’s first transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
“This historic flight from New York City to London set a powerful precedent for the aviation industry,” Wasson said. “It was not just about a single flight. It helped pave the way to the widespread use of greener practices and represents what is possible when innovation meets commitment to sustainability.”
Plus, he said, it sent a clear message to industries worldwide that transitioning to renewable energy sources is achievable.
Wasson said tackling today’s “tremendous challenges” around global health, and social and environmental concerns, like reducing carbon emissions, should remain top of mind for all companies, both in their project work and in their internal operations and ethos. Corporate responsibility for the global consulting and technology services company touches many areas ⏤ climate change, diversity and inclusion, employee well-being, resilient communities and many more.
“I believe all businesses and business leaders have a profound ability ⏤ and obligation ⏤ to contribute positively to society,” he said. “And that’s exactly what we do at ICF. Everything we collectively do is rooted in our purpose: to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all.”
Wasson, who has been with ICF nearly 40 years, said he’s especially proud of the work that goes beyond boosting financial metrics.
“I want our employees, customers and partners to feel proud of the work we do and know that we stand for something meaningful,” he said. “At the end of the day, I want to look back and know that during my time leading ICF, we extended our capabilities, did our best to help solve the ‘impossible’ issues, and made a real difference in the world ⏤ both through our client work and through our corporate actions.”
Volunteering is a hallmark of ICF, exemplifying what ICF is all about and demonstrating the passion employees have for impacting causes all over the world, Wasson said. The company’s philanthropy program is designed to be guided by employee giving, tapping into team members’ passion and insights in supporting worthy causes.
Wasson said over 83% of the company’s revenue is generated through services that “deliver positive impact in health, social and environmental areas.”
Corporate responsibility is also a powerful tool for change, Wasson added, allowing ICF to leverage resources, influence and creativity to solve real-world problems from climate change to social inequality ⏤ and it builds on itself.
“We could never recruit and retain the amazing professional workforce here at ICF if we did not commit to being a leader across all the dimensions of corporate responsibility,” he said.
Report highlights:
- 6,000-plus employees involved in formal learning opportunities
- 4,100-plus employees enrolled in company well-being program
- 95% of participants in mentor program recommended the experience to other employees
- 20% of people managers participated in leadership development programs
- 17 years in maintaining carbon neutrality
- 90% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2013
- 100% net renewable electricity for global operations via renewable energy certificates SBTi-approved science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets
- $828,000 in corporate cash donations and matching funds
- $655,000 in employee donations
- 1 to 1 match of employee donations
- 6,500-plus reported employee volunteer hours
- America’s Best Employers for Diversity Forbes (2021, 2022, 2023)
- America’s Best Employers for Women Forbes (2022, 2023)
- Climate Leadership Organizational Leadership Award (2023)
- Tech100 Company Northern Virginia Technology Council (2018-2023)