Addressing the climate crisis requires a long-term commitment to change and practical action rather than words.
NewLeaf strategy
In June 2021, we launched our NewLeaf strategy, our long-term programmatic approach to meet our target of becoming net zero across our global business. This builds on our commitments to climate action and building sustainable cities and communities in accordance with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13.
Our commitment
Our strategy is based on climate models and practical action to ensure we contribute to a low-carbon transition.
We have followed guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and have had our reduction targets and route map verified by the Science-based Target Initiative (SBTi).
We are one of only several organisations worldwide to have a verified strategy in line with the UN’s Race to Net Zero Commitment which we signed up to in early 2021.
Encouraging progress
Like all companies, lockdown restrictions impacted our operations, and we saw a significant reduction in our emissions. In 2022, we anticipated some form of increase as our markets reopened and grew.
Emissions associated with our electricity have reduced by 26 percent, and fuel usage in offices reduced by eight percent (scope 1 & 2) compared to pre-pandemic levels, meaning we are on track to meet our targets. We also scored higher than most professional services worldwide in our first Carbon Disclosure Project reporting for our overall approach to addressing climate change.
We have done this by reducing our reliance on our office spaces, allowing people to work more flexibly and so also limiting travel. We have also explored energy sources when looking at new leases, choosing offices powered by renewable energy in Europe, Africa and the UK.
Our emissions across scope 3 (excluding products and services) have reduced by 21 percent since our baseline year but more work needs to be done to understand and manage our emissions associated with our wider supply chain.
Each of our seven regions has a detailed route map to net zero, driven by the regional board and established environmental networks with accountabilities at the office level for reporting, awareness and collaboration to reduce emissions.
The journey to net zero
We will reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 4.2 percent annually and 50 percent by 2030. This will see us:
- Transition to 80 percent renewable energy by 2025
- Improve energy efficiency in our offices by 75 percent in the same time period.
We will also reduce our Scope 3 GHG emission across our entire value chain by one percent annually or 15 percent over the same timeframe aligned to a 2.0 degree pathway. This will be achieved by:
- Reducing business travel emissions per employee by 8.7 percent by 2025
- Working with suppliers who have the same commitments to the environment as we do.