KPMG was voted Sustainable Firm of the year at this month's inaugural industry awards by the International Accounting Bulletin.
Avind Hickman, editor of International Accounting Bulletin, said KPMG was able to demonstrate with hard data how much its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the KPMG network had made a difference. "It also showed thought leadership by holding the sustainability summit which has underscored KPMG's already very strong reputation on sustainability services."
Lord Michael Hastings Scarisbrick CBE, Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity, who accepted the award said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we have been awarded this globally recognized award of Sustainable Firm of the Year. KPMG and its member firms around the world take the challenge and responsibility of being fully engaged global citizens very seriously. We recognize a special obligation to be engaged in the problems of the world's poorest people, and we're passionate about reaching across borders and being at the forefront of bold, fresh ideas to build strong and sustainable communities. I am so proud of the passion and commitment by our people around the world."
Judges singled out KPMG for recognition as the only professional services organization at a global level to participate in the supply chain program of the Carbon Disclosure Project. They also praised the fact that KPMG has reduced its global carbon emissions by 29 percent since 2007 and the high-profile global business sustainability summit Business Perspectives on sustainable growth: preparing for Rio+20 held recently in collaboration with the UN Global Compact, United Nations Environmental Programme and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development.
Andrew Robinson who leads the firm's sustainability initiatives in the Lower Gulf is equally proud of the recognition. Andrew said that "in the Lower Gulf KPMG fully support the global initiatives including measuring and reducing our carbon footprint, participation in our global community initiatives, such as the Pakistan flood relief and an African Millennium Village project as well as supporting over 30 selected non-profit organizations in the Lower Gulf. Our people in the Firm are motivated to make a difference in the community, this is a value that we take very seriously and have great pride in our accomplishments."
Yvo de Boer, who is KPMG's Special Global Adviser on Climate change said: "This award acknowledges KPMG's goal to 'walk the talk' and help clients to turn the risks of climate change and resource constraints into opportunities. Opportunities that benefit not just businesses, but contribute to our communities and society."
Competitors were assessed on a broad range of sustainability criteria, allowing KPMG to present comprehensive data on key initiatives such as its Carbon Disclosure Project reporting, work with the Global Green initiative, its internal volunteering BRIGHT program, work with the Sustainable Benchmarking Alliance and its thought leadership shown through the global business Summit.
About KPMG International
KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 152 countries and have 145,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.
Omar Khan
Communications Manager (LG)
Omarkhan2@kpmg.com
Direct: 050-2506204
© Press Release 2012
