Few organizations in the world have as much potential influence on the business sector as KPMG. As such, we have an important role to play in addressing this challenge both in terms of our own operations in 144 countries, the services we provide to our firms' clients and in contributing to the debate on the international stage. But we are also seeking to inspire our 137,000 people around the world to take action at home and at work to reduce their carbon impact and to become energy efficient.
This is why we KPMG International launched the
Global Green Initiative in 2008 which, amongst other progressive strategies, includes the ambition to reduce our global carbon footprint by 25 percent by 2010. But we are also committed to having a wider positive impact on the environment and addressing local environmental challenges. KPMG member firms are investing in responsible energy use, educating and supporting our people in making sustainable decisions, working on environmental protection projects and joining forces with leadership groups and other businesses to address impacts.
In addition, our growing Global Sustainability Service Network, with more than 15 years’ sustainability experience, provides services to help our clients deal with the impact of climate change on their businesses.
As well as our Global Green Initiative, here is an insight into a few initiatives that our member firms around the world are involved in. You can find more in our interactive
Values in action — thinking beyond book.
KPMG in Japan have introduced a scheme aimed at achieving the 6 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions promised in the Kyoto Protocol. KPMG in Australia have become carbon neutral under Australia's Greenhouse Friendly™ accreditation from the Department of Climate Change. And in 2008, KPMG in Brazil asked every employee to set at least one goal in their appraisal process which focused on reducing their individual carbon footprint.
KPMG in India have commissioned rainwater harvesting systems in two residential areas and schools that will save up to 14 million liters of water a year. KPMG in the Cayman Islands supports the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) and the Ocean Literacy program. And KPMG in South Africa is helping to ensure the survival and sustainability of the elephant population by funding and supporting a program that has successfully relocated more than 850 elephants.
KPMG in the U.K. has an advanced Consumption Program. As a result, over 95 percent of electricity comes from renewable sources and they have seen a 24 percent reduction in waste over 5 years. Every office in KPMG in the U.S. has a Green Team of volunteers focused on introducing environmental practices. And KPMG in Saudi Arabia implemented a paper recycling program in 2008 that resulted in 720 kilos of paper being collected in just three months.
Two KPMG employees recently visited Antarctica as part of a fact finding mission —
watch a film highlighting their experience on the expedition.
