PwC’s climate targets validated by SBTi

• SBTi Validation Affirms PwC’s Approach and Timeline to Achieve Net Zero 2030 Commitment

• Commitment includes a 50% absolute reduction in business travel emissions

London, 8 September, 2021 — Today, PwC announced it received validation for its science-based targets and reaffirmed its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. 

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated PwC’s targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in absolute terms from 2019 levels by 2030 in line with a 1.5 degree scenario. Importantly, PwC’s targets go beyond scopes 1 and 2 emissions to include PwC’s largest indirect scope 3 emissions.

Bob Moritz, Global Chairman of PwC, says:

"Climate change is one of the most urgent problems facing our planet today. As part of our new strategy - The New Equation - we are renewing our commitment to be part of the solution. That is why we have committed to be net zero by 2030, and I am pleased the SBTi have validated our emissions reduction targets. Like our clients, we need to build trust with our stakeholders and deliver sustained outcomes - and tackling our climate impact is crucial to both."

With this approach, which aligns to SBTi’s highest ambition level, PwC commits to decarbonising the way it operates and decoupling its business growth from emissions.

Colm Kelly, Global Leader for Purpose, Policy and Corporate Sustainability for the PwC Network adds:

“As we support our clients and suppliers in transforming their businesses to achieve net zero, we recognise the importance of actively reducing the climate impact of our own operational footprint – including scope 3 emissions. As such, PwC has committed to meet SBTi’s highest level of ambition and our scope 3 emissions reduction target aligns to the 1.5 degree scenario.”

As outlined in PwC’s global strategy, The New Equation, PwC has committed to transforming its business model to decarbonise its value chain, increasing transparency, and supporting the development of robust ESG reporting frameworks and standards. The PwC network will also engage its clients and suppliers to support them to tackle their climate impact.

PwC’s commitment involves four key areas: 

• Operations: PwC will reduce its emissions in line with a 1.5 degree climate scenario, including a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 50% absolute reduction in business travel emissions from a 2019 base by 2030. In addition, PwC will accelerate its transition to 100% renewable electricity and to mitigate its impacts today, PwC will continue to offset its emissions through high-quality carbon credits.

• Clients: PwC will work with its clients to support their efforts to make a net zero future a reality for all. Building on existing client work in sustainability and net zero transformation.

• Suppliers: PwC will engage with key suppliers, encouraging and supporting them to achieve net zero. We commit that 50% of our global purchased goods and services suppliers by emissions will have set their own science-based targets to reduce their own climate impact by 2025.

• Climate agenda: PwC will continue its long-standing programme of research and collaboration with business, policy makers, and NGOs to accelerate a net zero economy.

Using 2019 levels as a base year, PwC will regularly and transparently report on the progress of its operations’ targets, enhancing its GHG emissions reporting beginning in 2023, utilising expanded reporting based on the World Economic Forum/International Business Council (IBC) metrics, as well as the recommendations of the World Business Council on Sustainable Development.

Learn more about PwC’s net zero commitment here.