Corporate Social Responsibility
Responsibility in Action. Values in Motion.
At WEST, we believe corporate responsibility is more than a commitment—it’s a core part of how we operate, innovate, and contribute to a better world. Guided by our corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework, we focus on four key pillars that reflect our mission and values: Environment, Society, Workplace, and Marketplace. Each of these areas drives real action and measurable impact across our business and beyond.
Our Four Pillars of Impact
Workplace
We’re building a workplace—and a world—that works for everyone. Our DEI efforts strive to create an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe embracing diversity and an inclusive culture are essential for innovation, growth, and success.
Key Highlights:
- Inclusive hiring practices that elevate diverse talent
- DEI education integrated across all levels from leadership to onboarding
Society
We give back with intention and integrity, supporting initiatives that align with our values and uplift the places where we live and work.
Key Highlights:
- Donation matching for employees
- Partnerships with local organizations to drive equity and access
- Focus on STEM education, food insecurity, and youth development
Environment
Sustainability isn’t a project—it’s a principle. We integrate environmental stewardship into our operations, recognizing our choices today shape the health of our planet tomorrow.
Key Highlights:
- Commitment to reducing carbon emissions across offices and travel
- Responsible sourcing and energy-efficient workspaces
- Employee education on sustainable practices
Marketplace
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, embedding integrity into every aspect of our business. From our supplier relationships to internal policies, compliance is non-negotiable.
Key Highlights:
- Robust Code of Conduct upheld across all teams
- Clear policies around data privacy, anti-corruption, and fair labor
- Continuous training and auditing to ensure accountability
Measuring Progress. Making it Public.
Our CSR goals are bold, specific, and tracked year over year. WEST’s annual CSR reports offer a transparent look at how we’re doing—and where we’re going next.
2021–2022 Highlights Include:
- 80% participation in employee volunteer programs
- 100% of managers trained in inclusive leadership
- A 15% reduction in office energy consumption across key sites
- Strategic alignment of all CSR efforts with our business goals
Looking Ahead
WEST’s CSR journey is ongoing. We’re committed to evolving with the needs of our communities, the environment, and our people—making sure our growth is always grounded in purpose. Together, we’re building a future that reflects not just what we do, but who we are.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WEST
At WEST, we believe fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplace is fundamental to our mission, values, and long-term success. Our commitment to our employees goes beyond offering jobs—we strive to create an atmosphere where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We celebrate the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives that make up our workforce and recognize embracing this diversity fuels innovation, strengthens our culture, and enhances our impact in the communities we serve.
DEI Policy
Our DEI initiatives guide how we hire, support, and grow our team. WEST’s DEI policy informs every stage of the employee experience, from recruitment and compensation to training, promotions, and community engagement. Key principles include:
- Fostering respectful communication and cooperation among all employees
- Encouraging inclusive teamwork reflecting a wide range of perspectives
- Supporting work/life balance through flexible accommodations
- Promoting community engagement that builds understanding and respect
- Holding all employees accountable for inclusive conduct and behavior
We reinforce this commitment through annual DEI training, and any violations of our DEI expectations are taken seriously, with clear processes in place for reporting and addressing concerns.
DEI Committee
Formed in 2020, the WEST DEI Committee plays a vital role in shaping and advancing our diversity initiatives. This employee-driven group evaluates, develops, and implements company-wide strategies that promote DEI both internally and in the communities we serve. The committee ensures our policies remain forward-thinking and effective, and every employee has a voice in creating a welcoming and equitable workplace.
Workplace Culture Survey
To continually improve our workplace environment, the DEI Committee introduced an internal culture survey focused on inclusion, belonging, and employee identity. This annual survey gathers feedback on employees’ experiences and perceptions of WEST’s culture, helping us identify strengths, opportunities, and areas for growth. The insights we gain allow us to make data-informed decisions that support higher satisfaction, better retention, and a stronger sense of community across the organization.
Hiring Efforts
Our goal is to provide fulfilling, growth-oriented careers in a safe and inclusive environment. In 2018, WEST launched a strategic initiative to design clear, flexible career pathways for employees. These pathways help individuals visualize their potential and align their professional goals with opportunities within the company.
To ensure equity in recruitment, the DEI Committee actively reviews hiring practices to identify and remove bias. We’ve broadened our outreach efforts to include student organizations, minority-serving institutions, and professional associations. By diversifying our recruitment channels, we attract a wide range of candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities where we live and work.
Training
In 2023, WEST added DEI training as part of our employee development program. Alongside HR training, all employees now complete annual DEI-related training, with rotating topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and allyship. We’ve partnered with a leading DEI consulting firm to ensure our training is expert-led, evidence-based, and deeply relevant.
Additionally, WEST participates in advanced allyship training through Out in STEM (oSTEM), further preparing our teams to support and advocate for colleagues from historically marginalized groups, especially in science and technical fields. These initiatives empower our employees to be informed, effective champions of diversity in the workplace.
Corporate Donations
DEI at WEST extends into our philanthropic efforts. Each year, the WEST Board allocates a portion of company profits for discretionary donations guided by employee recommendations and DEI Committee input. We proudly support organizations such as:
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
- Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences
- Native American Fish and Wildlife Society
We also funded the WEST Diversity Award in Biology at the University of Calgary over a 5-year period, which provides tuition assistance to First Nations students. These contributions are one of the many ways WEST actively invests in the future of diverse talent and helps strengthen the communities where we live and serve.
