The move comes in response to the Chancellor’s announcement in 2021 that all UK-listed businesses would be mandated to publish net zero plans in the coming two years
Big Four firm EY has launched a new sustainability service offering. EY Carbon will support companies as they push ahead with net zero plans.
The move comes in response to Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement in 2021 that all UK-listed businesses and financial institutions would be mandated to publish net zero plans in the coming two years.
EY Carbon will advise and support firms as they move to comply with these demands, providing their net zero plans ahead of independent scrutiny and verification.
Dedicated to helping businesses develop longer-term sustainability strategies, EY Carbon will be led by the consultancy’s newly appointed Managing Partner for Sustainability, Rob Doepel. He will lead 250 dedicated sustainability professionals in the UK, including 12 partners, that has recently been recognised by research and advisory firm, Verdantix, as a leader for ESG and sustainability consulting services globally.
Doepel commented: Sustainability is one of the defining issues of our generation and EY has a significant contribution to make in addressing today’s environmental challenges by supporting our clients and our communities. I’m incredibly excited and proud to be leading this effort across EY. While we have seen a number of large, medium and small businesses sign up to net zero targets, the new requirement for UK listed businesses to publish their plans by 2023 is a significant shift.
The move will mean that businesses will need to move from purpose statements and pledges, to the detailed transition plans that will lead to positive action being taken – while also mandating the tracking of Scope 3 Emissions, and indirect emissions that occur across its supply chain.
Accurately tracking and recording these will present a real and significant challenge for businesses running up to the 2023 deadline – and external expertise from the likes of EY Carbon will be crucial in meeting those challenges head on.
EY Carbon is being backed by over £100 million of investment by EY in the UK. The firm has stated its ambition to recruit more than 1,300 professionals over the next three years.