Kearney has committed to net-zero targets, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 

Global management consultancy Kearney has today become the first management consultancy in the world to have its near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), to drive ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organisations to set science-based emissions reduction targets. 

With the UN describing the latest climate science from the IPCC as ‘Code Red for humanity, the chances of society limiting global temperature rise to 1.5˚C are dwindling, but it is still possible if we act fast. 

Kearney’s commitments to reducing emissions in the value chain and reaching science-based net-zero targets are aligned with the 1.5˚C pathway and include: 

• Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 20301
• Reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel by 30% by 2030 and all other absolute Scope 3 emissions by 30% in the same timeframe
• Reaching 100% renewable energy in Kearney offices by 2025 and continue annually sourcing 100% renewable electricity through 2030
• Ultimately, reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% and reaching net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050

Theo Sibiya, Partner, and Managing Director at Kearney Africa says, “We are proud to be part of this commitment to sustainable change and we are fully behind the global team. Here in our South African office, we have already started our move from a linear to a circular economy through a strategic business plan as we feel and know that Africa has a role to play in achieving net-zero targets by 2050.”

These pledges to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard are where Kearney aims to lead by example, as it provides the very best advice and hands-on sustainability expertise to its consulting clients on ESG transformation, net zero, sustainable & responsible sourcing, circularity, and equitable and inclusive societies.  

Kearney is actively working across its offices and supply chain partners in more than 40 countries on a continuous journey to reduce its environmental footprint wherever it can – for example embracing greener ways of working to reduce business travel, reducing energy consumption, implementing sustainable mobility practices, and boosting our reduction and recycling of waste. 

To neutralize the impact of residual unavoidable emissions, Kearney is investing in carbon removal technologies and projects with proven environmental, social and economic benefits, that meet stringent international certification standards. Kearney is committed to continuous improvement and strives for transparency and accountability in demonstrating its contributions toward a sustainable and equitable future. 

Alex Liu, the Managing Partner and Chairman at Kearney commented:

“To be the first management consultancy firm with approved Net-Zero science-based targets is an incredible achievement. As consultants, the biggest sustainability impact we can create is through helping our clients with the opportunities and challenges in the transition to a low-carbon future. 

“We need to act fast, we need to act now, and we need to base our actions on science if we are to have any chance of meeting our necessary goals. With this milestone, we are living up to our vision to lead in sustainability, while continuing on our double-digit annual growth trajectory, and demonstrating global leadership for our industry to follow.”