Global Chartered Accountancy institutes lead the way towards net-zero
As the world intensifies its focus on sustainability, Chartered Accountants and their institutes across the globe are taking a leading role in driving change towards climate-resilient and nature-positive economies and societies. Global Chartered Accountancy Institutes are working with jurisdictional governments, regulators, and standard setters to support the implementation of their respective regimes and develop guidance and tools to support their members. Through education, innovative practices, and bold sustainability leadership, the global Chartered Accountancy profession is shaping responsible business practices and advancing environmental stewardship
Key sustainability initiatives and targets
Chartered Accountancy bodies are spearheading impactful initiatives to align their operations and the profession with net-zero goals. Institutes like ICAI, ICAS, ICAEW, and CA ANZ have set ambitious targets for reducing their carbon footprint.
The Indonesian Institute of Accountants (IAI) has taken a proactive role in the sustainability disclosure standard-setting. As the largest Professional Accountancy Organisation in Indonesia, IAI formed the Indonesia Task Force on Comprehensive Corporate Reporting (TF CCR) in December 2020 to raise awareness on sustainability reporting standards. Leveraging over 50 years of experience in financial reporting, IAI is developing sustainability disclosures based on the ISSB Standards, emphasising the essential role of Chartered Accountants in transparency and accountability.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) launched a landmark initiative as part of its 75th-anniversary celebrations, pledging to plant 100,000 trees. This effort ties into national sustainability efforts, with branches across India planting thousands of saplings. Similarly, CA ANZ has committed to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and has cut travel emissions by 30% while monitoring Scope 3 emissions. ICAS has committed to net-zero by 2045, focusing heavily on reducing Scope 3 emissions and leveraging digitalisation to minimise its environmental impact. Chartered Accountants Ireland and ICAEW are also working towards net zero, with ICAEW expanding its Scope 3 emissions reporting to encompass its entire value chain.
Efforts like these demonstrate our collective commitment to energy efficiency, with ICAS and other Chartered Accountancy institutes leading the way in adopting renewable energy sources. For instance, SAICA continues to report its carbon emissions on Scope 1 and Scope 2 and has implemented solar energy systems at its headquarters and satellite office. CA ANZ has power purchase agreements that provide 100% renewable energy to its Sydney, Brisbane, Wellington, and Auckland offices. Across the board, these institutes are prioritising greener operations as part of the journey toward net-zero.
