Planet
Reducing our impact on the environment to build a more sustainable and resilient future
Become a net-zero carbon organization by 2030.
Achieve 1.5°C science-based target (50% emission reduction compared to 2019) by 2030.
"In 2023, global temperatures soared 1.48°C above the pre-industrial average. While the call to limit climate change isn‘t new, we’re noticing a growing cross-sector commitment to decarbonization. We must unite forces to collectively tackle this pressing challenge by: investing in renewables, re-imagining business models and supply chains, embracing circular design, and investing in cutting-edge technologies and research. The time for decisive, transformative action is now. At KPMG in Belgium, we take a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to supporting our clients on their decarbonization journey. We address the many challenges our clients face, such as mapping their emissions, defining ambitious yet realistic targets, integrate efficiencies, set up monitoring systems, and assess the impact on their organization."
Kobe Geryl Senior Manager, KPMG in Belgium
Climate change is among the most pressing issues facing the world today — triggering economic transformation, driving fundamental business model change, and re-thinking what ‘business-as-usual’ looks like. Business commitments to reach net-zero emissions and reduce impacts on the planet have increased rapidly. As the global push toward decarbonization accelerates and the impacts of climate change play out globally, businesses are preparing for a low-carbon future, rising to meet stakeholder demands for accountability on plans, action, and progress.
Strong targets and robust transition plans to decarbonize business operations and supply chains - together with targets and actions to reduce impacts on nature - are now expected. Boards are under significant pressure to address environmental issues, and it is critical that businesses grasp the implications of climate and nature risks and opportunities.
Understanding the urgency, we’re helping clients prioritize climate goals within their business strategies and have developed a leading global climate change and decarbonization practice that can deliver frontier solutions to clients. Our experts are dedicated to working collaboratively with our clients on their journey to a low-carbon future.
KPMG does not manufacture any products – our biggest assets are our people – and our direct impact on the environment is limited. Nevertheless, while energy consumption, decarbonization, water, and waste management may not be material topics for KPMG, we still believe that we have a responsibility to look at the impact of our operations, make efforts where possible to reduce our negative impact on the environment, and play our part in the global decarbonization effort.
KPMG in Belgium is committed to contributing to achieving the global 1.5°C science-based target as expressed in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12). Practically, this means improving our impact on climate change through more sustainable consumption and allocation of resources, as well as emissions-reducing initiatives where possible.
Our dedication to promoting sustainability and reducing harmful emissions to support our vision for a more environmentally friendly future is evident:
Since October 2023, we have transitioned to a fully electric fleet offering, prioritizing clean and sustainable transportation solutions. Any pre-existing lease contracts on fossil fuel vehicles are no longer renewed once they expire.
We actively promote alternative mobility options, underscoring our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
Our offices are designed to be environmentally friendly, implementing sustainable practices to minimize our ecological impact.
We prioritize the use of renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
We emphasize responsible waste management, and continually strive to improve recycling processes to further reduce waste across all our offices.
We implement efficient water usage practices across all KPMG offices in Belgium to demonstrate our commitment to responsible resource management.
Our business travel policy reflects our dedication to sustainability, emphasizing eco-friendly alternatives and responsible travel practices in alignment with our ESG framework.
Like many businesses, KPMG in Belgium has continued to grow and we’ve expanded the size of our workforce by almost 39% since 2019 (FY18-19). Since the end of the pandemic in 2022 (FY21-22), and taking our recent growth into account, our total transportation emissions (scope 1) have increased alongside a rise in purchased goods and services (scope 3), while our energy-related emissions (scope 2) decreased in 2023 (FY22-23).
Overall, this results in a slight increase in total emissions from 2019-2023, yet we still achieved a 27% emissions reduction on an individual basis. While much of this reduction can be attributed to COVID-19 pandemic measures, it also reflects our longer-term investment in operational efficiencies, including the transition to more sustainable offices,the commitment to transforming our fleet to a fully electric offering, promoting alternative means of transport for commuting and business travel, and the normalization of more flexible remote working policies.
We’re continuing to work to decouple the effects of our growth from our emissions and, through internal communication campaigns and a range of people incentives, we’ve already seen behavioral changes take root among our workforce that will help to achieve this.
The trend of our people increasingly embracing sustainability measures and adopting alternative mobility options is encouraging. While the full impact of these changes on reducing emissions may take time to manifest, the positive environmental transformation is already underway and will steadily contribute to a cleaner, sustainable future in the years ahead.
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We have prioritized a shift to a greener fleet due to the significant impact on reducing our CO2 emissions. With a target of completely phasing out fossil fuel vehicles to achieve a fully electric fleet by end of 2027, our commitment is evident in the current data for the fiscal year 2022-2023. Out of a total of 1,650 cars in circulation, 330 are already electric, and an additional 332 electric cars have been ordered. As of 1 October 2023, all vehicle options in our fleet offering are fully electric, and it is no longer possible to obtain or renew a pre-existing lease on fossil fuel vehicles via KPMG.
To further support our green fleet transition, our offices are equipped with 164 charging stations, with plans for further expansion in the coming months/years. Where possible, we also provide home installation of electric chargers for our people who opt for electric vehicles as part of their remuneration package.
These decisive moves underscore our dedication to sustainability and emissions reduction, aligning seamlessly with our vision for a more environmentally friendly future.
In addition to our ongoing transition to a more sustainable fleet, we remain dedicated to promoting alternative mobility to minimize our carbon footprint, with a commitment to increasing our commutes through other forms of mobility by 10% by 2025. We actively advocate for the adoption of alternative mobility solutions among our people for both commuting and professional travel. These diverse options - including trains, trams, buses, and bicycles - are seamlessly integrated into our Flex Reward plan, empowering each person to tailor their benefits according to their individual needs. In 2023, we also integrated the Legal Mobility Budget as an additional option for our people to manage their mobility in the way that suits them best.
Our flexible compensation system operates on a straightforward structure. At the beginning of each year, the year-end premium is projected and incorporated into our Flex Reward plan, accessible to our people in January. Throughout the year, individuals have the flexibility to allocate (part of) this amount towards alternative mobility solutions. Popular sustainable choices include leasing bikes and utilizing the Olympus Mobility app.
To further encourage the adoption of alternative transportation, KPMG provides a financial incentive for each day our people choose an alternative means of transport. This additional financial benefit is earned on top of their existing budget, allowing them to recover (part of) their initial investment.
Next to the alternative mobility solutions that we offer, working from home (2 days per week) and working from anywhere (with a maximum of 20 working days a year) also impacts the travel behavior of our people. To better equip their home office, we offer our people the opportunity to purchase screen/ headset and keyboard through Reflex system.
"I was initially hesitant about transitioning to an electric car, given that my role as an event manager involves extensive mileage and carrying equipment. However, I must confess that the experience has been remarkably smooth. Despite not having the possibility to have a charging station at home, charging stress has not been an issue. Regular visits to the office and access to the underground garage provide convenient charging options, ensuring I never face difficulties, even after events in the afternoon. I‘m pleasantly surprised by the ride quality, solidifying my conviction that I would never trade my electric car for a diesel. This transition not only aligns with my personal preferences but also contributes positively, by reducing impacts on the environment – a sustainable choice that is a win-win for both myself and the planet!"
Natalie RomboutsEvents Manager, KPMG in Belgium
"When I joined KPMG, I knew I wanted to take advantage of the office’s location and take the train to work (and avoid the traffic!). Even five years ago, KPMG offered an alternative mobility budget to use towards public transportation to the office. However, over the past year, the Legal Mobility Budget scheme was introduced and that has been a real game-changer. Now, I can use the budget received for turning in my company car to purchase not only my annual SNCB pass, but to top up my MOBIB card, use public transportation throughout the European Economic Area, rent a car and more – both for professional and personal use. I believe there’s tremendous benefit to coming to the office and meeting face-to-face with colleagues. However, I also appreciate the flexibility that I can work from home 2 days per week, when it makes sense to do so. In addition, we can "work from anywhere" up to 20 days per year, which has given me the opportunity to extend my trips abroad and spend even more time with family and friends who live outside of Belgium."
Kimberly RofranoStrategic Relationships Manager, KPMG in Belgium
Through deliberate considerations in the design, location, and operation of our buildings, we are dedicated to reducing our CO2 emissions and making a positive impact on the climate. Our focus extends beyond environmental concerns; we also strive to enhance the quality of our people’s work experiences and improve working conditions by fostering natural work environments.
Our "Post-X" office in Antwerp, which is classified as a passive building, serves as a prime example of our commitment to sustainability. Our "Passport" office in Brussels has earned a BREEAM Very Good certificate, recognizing its dedication to creating a Sustainable Built Environment.
BREEAM stands as a globally recognized sustainability assessment method, applied to master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It not only acknowledges but also places value on higher-performing assets throughout their lifecycle, spanning from new construction to in-use and refurbishment phases.
In our ongoing endeavors to champion sustainability, we actively encourage our building proprietors to choose 100% renewable energy in their energy contracts.
Today, we are pleased to report that over 96% of our total energy consumption is derived from renewable, eco-friendly sources. This achievement not only aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility but also underscores our dedication to shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
Our office parking infrastructure includes 164 charging stations to accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicles among our people and visitors. This investment in charging infrastructure reflects our commitment to sustainability and our proactive approach towards reducing transport emissions. The electricity for these chargers is also primarily sourced from renewable energy. In line with our environmental priorities, we have ambitious plans to expand our charging infrastructure in the coming months and years, ensuring that our facilities remain at the forefront of supporting the transition to cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation.
We prioritize responsible waste management and work to enhance our recycling procedures to minimize waste across all our offices. We actively seek out alternatives that can transform minor adjustments into significant cumulative benefits, including:
Actively recycling paper, cans, plastic, batteries, and glass throughout our offices. Since transitioning to a paperless approach in 2017, we‘ve substantially reduced paper waste from 84 tons in 2017 to 4.8 tons in 2023. In the upcoming fiscal year, we will further encourage our staff to improve recycling practices through an internal awareness campaign.
Promoting the use of Green Earth cups over traditional mugs and disposable cups. These cups, which lack a plastic coating, are easily recyclable and have a lower environmental footprint from production to disposal. Given our annual consumption of approximately 1.2 million coffee cups, simple changes like this can have a significant impact.
Recycling printer toners and ink cartridges, while also striving to extend the lifespan of our ICT equipment. In 2023, we donated 300 laptops to various organizations and schools, aiming to equip individuals, particularly those affiliated with these organizations, with the necessary tools to excel in an increasingly digital landscape.
Utilizing flooring made of 100% regenerated ECONYL® yarn at our Zaventem headquarters, which is sourced from recycled fishing nets and other waste materials. Additionally, the carpet tile backing incorporates recycled material, and KPMG ensured the overall production of the carpet tiles was CO2 neutral by participating in modulyss‘ CO2-reducing CO2RE carbon capture initiative.
Belgium is facing a growing challenge of water scarcity, a concern that is increasingly evident across the country. While water may not be a material topic for KPMG, we recognize its significance and strive to address it by enhancing the efficiency of our water usage across our various offices in Belgium. Through initiatives aimed at optimizing water consumption, such as implementing water-saving technologies and promoting responsible water usage practices among our people, we aim to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to water conservation efforts in the region.
Moreover, KPMG extends its commitment beyond internal operations by collaborating with clients on water management projects. By leveraging our expertise in sustainability and resource management, we assist clients in developing strategies and implementing solutions to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity on their operations. Through these collaborative endeavors, we not only support our clients in navigating water-related challenges but also contribute to broader efforts aimed at promoting sustainable water management practices in Belgium and beyond.
We contributed for example to proactive water management: we supported the Coördinatiecommissie Integraal Waterbeleid (CIW) with the management of the Blue Deal program, aimed at transforming our water system to a more (climate) resilient and sustainable system through more sustainable water management, more efficient and circular water use and various innovative partnerships.
Through these collaborative endeavors, we not only support our clients in navigating water-related challenges but also contribute to broader efforts aimed at promoting sustainable water management practices in Belgium and beyond.
Recognizing the significant environmental impact of travel-related emissions, we are committed to making conscientious choices that prioritize sustainability while meeting our business objectives. This entails a shift towards more environmentally friendly modes of transportation and a reassessment of our travel practices to align with our sustainability goals.
As part of our efforts to decrease our CO2 emissions from business travel, we have implemented key updates to our travel policy in 2022. Notably, we have mandated the use of rail travel for trips covering distances of less than 400 kilometers, thereby promoting the use of a low-carbon alternative to air travel for shorter journeys.
Additionally, we are taking proactive steps to minimize the frequency of business travel bookings, where feasible, in line with our commitment to reducing our overall carbon footprint.
These strategic adjustments underscore our commitment to sustainability and represent tangible steps towards achieving our objectives of mitigating the environmental impact of our business operations.
Within KPMG in Belgium, a sustainable procurement policy was established to integrate the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into our company’s procurement processes and decisions. As such, we hope to realize our sustainability commitments by working together with our suppliers.
First, we expect all vendors to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which requires them to assess the carbon footprint of their products and services. We also try to reduce demand by consuming less, as well as integrating sustainability criteria into our tenders and evaluating the ESG efforts of our suppliers.
To boost our decarbonization journey, KPMG in Belgium has identified an Internal Carbon Price (ICP). This means that, in the future, we will be applying an additional cost for the carbon emissions of a specific KPMG business case or expense in our internal accounting and will allocate the funds collected to a separate decarbonization fund. This decarbonization fund will be strictly dedicated to supporting our decarbonization journey and will only be used to finance actions, such as investing in nature-based solutions or technology-based carbon removals.
In January 2023, we were awarded the EcoVadis Silver rating for our sustainability efforts and activities.
