The Net Zero Accountancy Initiative, run by environmental consultancy Net Zero Now, is supported by ICAEW, ACCA, AAT and AIA, which are founding development partners.

The initiative helps accountancy firms measure and reduce their emissions ‘using tailored reduction plans, enabling them to reduce costs, increase client engagement and motivate staff’. It is aligned with the latest global climate science, including the SBTi, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The accountancy sector was estimated to be responsible for almost one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Net Zero Now calculates that if all UK accountancy firms signed up to the initiative, the emissions of the profession could be reduced by as much as 300,000 tons of greenhouse gases per annum over five years. 

The latest 10 firms to achieve certification include Grunberg & Co, Blu Sky, Inglis, Eco Accountancy, Harrisons Accountancy, Your Local Bookkeeper, RRL Cornwall, Prager Metis, Green & Moore and Purple Lime. These firms have set ambitious targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5C pathway.

In total, the 10 certifying firms were responsible for 7,000 tonnes of emissions in 2022 – equivalent to the emissions from driving 17 million miles in a petrol car. All have now committed to annual reporting of their footprint and to reducing their scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and to ambitious scope 3 targets.

When asked whether larger accountancy firms were looking to sign up to the scheme, a Net Zero Now spokeperson said the organisation works ‘with a good chunk of the UK’s largest accountancy firms, with more potentially joining soon. We’re working with five of the top 50 and MHA is in the top 20. We’re also doing the footprinting for ICAEW, AAT and AIA’. 

Accountants play an important role as influencers of behaviour across business and interest in the programme is increasing as clients look for evidence accounting firms are taking sustainability reporting seriously.

David Rothera, head of business development at Net Zero Now, said: ‘Accountants have a huge influence on the way we do business in the UK, advising senior leaders and influencing critical business decisions.

‘By showing that they take the transition to a more planet-positive future seriously, these firms are leading the way for the entire sector, and our wider economy, to take action.

‘Accountancy firms that join this important initiative can help attract and retain staff, reduce costs and meet the increasing demand from clients for firms aligned with their own climate commitments.’

One of the latest certified firms is global accounting firm Prager Metis LLP. Simon Winters, partner at the firm, said: ‘Prager Metis is proud to be working with Net Zero Now. Assessing the environmental impact of each operational sector has taught our team about what it takes to reduce carbon emissions in an effective and sustainable manner.

‘Our team is confident that with Net Zero Now’s assistance, we will accomplish all our goals and share our experiences with others. This initiative will inspire other organisations to recognise the growing need for a more sustainable future.’

A further 21 firms have signed up to the Net Zero Accountancy Initiative for the first time and are undertaking a full calculation of their greenhouse gas emissions. The 31 firms signed up employ 4,000 people, and 10 of the firms are in the top 100 UK accountancy firms, including MHA and Bishop Fleming.

Ewan McClymont, head of responsible business, Bishop Fleming said: ‘The support that we’ve enjoyed from Net Zero Now has been instrumental in us not only calculating our annual carbon footprint, but also helping us develop a reduction action plan that will achieve the greatest impact. We have much to do but are confident that we can achieve significant progress in this area going forward.’ 

Adam Williamson, head of responsible business at the Association of Accounting Technicians, said: ‘We’re committed to working towards Net Zero as is reflected in our strategy, outlining our plans up to 2030.

‘We are utilising the Net Zero Now platform to ensure accurate data collection and analysis which will allow us to identify our key emissions’ hot spots in the short term, and to develop appropriate science-based reduction targets in the longer term. 

‘These tangible commitments are required across the sector and wider society to ensure that we all show leadership and help the drive toward building a sustainable future.’

Net Zero Now offers an accountants package giving access to an online platform to measure carbon  emissions, calculate carbon footprint, benchmark, track and manage emissions, and identify areas for improvement, as well as certification. Pricing for an accountancy firm with 50 staff, for example, starts at around £125 ex VAT per month with access for up to seven users.