PwC commits to net zero by 2030, globally

PwC is making a worldwide science-based commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. The commitment includes supporting our clients to reduce their emissions as well as reducing those from the PwC network’s operations and suppliers.

The PwC network (“the network”) will work with its clients to support their efforts to make a net zero future a reality for all. In FY20 (July 2019-June 2020), PwC firms provided services to 84% of the Global Fortune 500 companies and more than 100,000 entrepreneurial and private businesses. It is this position that will allow PwC to play an integral role in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy worldwide.

The organisation commits to decarbonise its operations, including its travel footprint, and neutralise its remaining climate impact by investing in carbon removal projects. It will also engage its suppliers to tackle their climate impact.

To support these efforts, the network will continue to contribute to public policy developments in support of net zero at national, regional and global levels.

The net zero goal includes a science based target aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory. PwC commits to reducing its total greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in absolute terms by 2030. This includes a switch to 100% renewable electricity in all territories, as well as energy efficiency improvements in offices and halving the emissions associated with business travel and accommodation within a decade. Emissions associated with flights alone currently represent around 85% of the network’s total carbon footprint. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to remote working and demonstrated the feasibility of new client service models, as part of a longer-term transformation of PwC’s services.

PwC will also invest in carbon removal projects, including natural climate solutions. For every remaining tonne (CO2 equivalent) that it emits, PwC will remove a tonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to achieve net zero climate impact by 2030. Our projects will be selected on the basis of quality criteria and verification of carbon reduction impact, and will also support broader local economic and social development co-benefits.

Working with our clients to accelerate net zero transformation

The network supports organisations as they develop and implement concrete plans for how to get to net zero. This includes re-alignment of corporate strategy, people and talent, governance and accountability, operating model, innovation and research and development (R&D), tax strategy and reporting, and enterprise and supply chain transformation. Other areas include partnerships and alliances, and corporate affairs and regulatory engagement.

Helping shape and accelerate the global climate and policy agenda

PwC is supportive of global efforts to develop transparent and robust ESG reporting frameworks and standards, including through work with the World Economic Forum International Business Council, the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), theGlobal Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), amongst others.

PwC will also contribute to broader understanding of how to achieve net zero. PwC will shortly be launching a practical guide, “Building Blocks for Net Zero Business Transformation” aimed at business executives to help companies of all sectors and sizes move from net zero pledges to wholescale business transformation. The research has been produced in association with Microsoft, whoPwC advises on net zero transformation, as a contribution to the recently launched CEO-led Transform to Zero initiative.

Further details of the network’s plans to achieve the 2030 net zero ambition, support clients and suppliers and advance the global climate debate will be shared over the coming months.