BDO receives net zero targets validated by SBTi

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced that its science-based targets for achieving net zero have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emission reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. Backed by the United Nations, its focus is on helping companies across the world achieve net zero emissions before 2050. Following BDO’s announcement of its commitment to transition to net zero in December, the SBTi has now validated both the firm’s near-term and long-term targets. The SBTi has confirmed that the detailed data and planning that sit behind BDO’s targets are credible and in line with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In order to get validation from SBTi, BDO has committed to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. As a near-term target, the firm has also committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and ensure that 80% of BDO’s suppliers by emissions will have science-based targets by 2027. Meanwhile, as a long-term target, BDO has committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 as well as to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions by 97% per full-time employee by 2050. BDO UK’s net zero roadmap aligns with the firm’s global plans for its international network of member firms to become net zero by 2050. The UK firm’s transition to net zero is being overseen by the decarbonisation steering committee, chaired by finance partner, Stuart Collins. The team brings together experts from across the business to execute the firm’s detailed transition plans, including understanding where the firm’s emissions come from, the priorities for change, setting new real estate standards, and how progress is measured. Collins said: “Businesses have a responsibility to do what they can to ensure a thriving, sustainable world. As individuals and as part of a bigger organisation, we have a role to play in protecting, preserving and renewing our resources so that the way we live our lives today is sustainable for future generations. “Gaining the SBTi’s validation of our targets is a significant milestone. We need the support of everyone in the firm to reduce our emissions which, in addition to the clear moral case, is increasingly becoming a commercial imperative.” Matthew White, BDO’s senior partner and co-chair of its ESG board, said: “Decarbonising touches every aspect of the firm’s business and operations – how we work, how we travel and how we buy. I am personally delighted that we have received validation from SBTi on our Net-Zero plan and our near-term and long-term targets. This demonstrates our commitment as a firm to reduce our emissions in line with the 1.5°C trajectory, ensuring as a business we are doing everything we can as we look to tomorrow.”

BDO receives net zero targets validated by SBTi

The SBTi has confirmed that the detailed data and planning that sit behind BDO’s targets are credible and in line with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C

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