• KPMG brings together the global network of member firms’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments under one umbrella, Our Impact Plan
• It incorporates a roadmap to become net-zero carbon by 2030, as well as a commitment to increase inclusion and diversity and to drive sustainable growth for clients and stakeholders
• It includes progress against newly created Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics and specific commitments across four categories: Planet, People, Prosperity and Governance

KPMG recently published its first global environmental, social and governance (ESG) plan. Our Impact Plan bringing together new and existing ESG commitments under one umbrella, focusing on four important categories: Planet, People, Prosperity and Governance.

The plan also catalogues current data across the global network of member firms and reports against metrics outlined in a report created by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and drafted in consultation with its International Business Council (IBC), entitled Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism, which KPMG had a key role in shaping. KPMG will continue to strengthen its commitments outlined in the plan and improve reporting on its progress in the months and years to come.

KPMG Global Chairman and CEO, Bill Thomas said, “By harnessing our convening power, digital capabilities and expertise, KPMG has an opportunity and responsibility to help shape and lead on some of the critical issues the world faces—doing so is core to our purpose to Inspire Confidence and Empower Change. Now is the time to improve how we do what we do for the better, and we can jumpstart that momentum by measuring our actions, learning from each other, and holding each other accountable. Our Impact Plan is only a start, and we know we need to do more, but it is a step that will help KPMG become an even better organization.”

“The world faces existential challenges that require cooperation, collaboration and a willingness to do what is right across all parts of society, including business. Using our Values as a guide, our Impact Plan clarifies our commitments and actions across four important categories: Planet, People, Prosperity and Governance. That’s how we change and through the everyday work of our firm, we will focus on building trust and delivering growth with purpose for business leaders in Romania – bringing the best of KPMG to help our clients so all our communities can thrive and prosper. This plan is a commitment to communities, for the benefit of which we will act ethically and strategically in sustainable and planned development, in coordinating social development with international geopolitical objectives, and in developing inclusion in education. It is a progressive, modern program, enhanced by a green agenda and a platform to support post-pandemic communities, through resilience and economic efficiency. This plan has the capacity to encourage Romania to move in the right direction in terms of reducing climate risks, an area in which our country has never had a "culture", nor economic reflexes developed in accordance with it. It is Romania's chance to implement the paradigm of "smart" cities, which use new technologies in decarbonizing economies - few understand that a "green" economy involves a platform for investment, new jobs, implementation of "smart" transport systems and, in particular, partnerships between the private and the state environment to support new energy systems. In terms of human resources, Romania will find in this plan a starting point for overcoming polarizations and disparities in employment, substantiating a new model of corporate citizenship. Perhaps the most seductive part of the plan is to supply the UNESCO network with resources for the dissemination and development of global continuing education. Romania is changing its mentalities, its policies, and it is re-educating its professionals: for all these objectives, the KPMG Impact Plan is here”, explains Ramona Jurubiță, Country Managing Partner, KPMG in Romania.

Global Head of Corporate Affairs, Jane Lawrie added, “The challenges we face in our world were put into the spotlight in 2020, reminding us all that we need to act now to make a difference. KPMG has already made some important progress, but we know we have a long way to go. Our Impact Plan brings together our collective ESG commitments in one place, allowing us to measure our progress and hold ourselves accountable. We are also in a privileged position working with many global and local organizations, large and small, who are committed to addressing these world issues, and together we can make a real difference.”

“Our Impact Plan reaffirms KPMG’s long-standing commitment to the UN Global Compact principles, while delivering against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, Lawrie continued, “and over the coming months and years these commitments will be strengthened, and progress will be reported openly.”

Highlights include:

• Planet: We have pledged to become a net-zero carbon organization by 2030 through reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent, achieving 100 percent renewable electricity, and offsetting our residual emissions. 
• People: In 2020, we created a Collective Action Plan, drafted with input and participation from thousands of our colleagues, which will set ambitious goals for workplace diversity and equality. 
• Prosperity: KPMG’s partnerships with UNESCO and other organizations helped us to support people severely impacted by the learning crisis, and through our recently launched KPMG IMPACT network, KPMG firms are supporting clients on their journeys towards sustainability and shaping the future ESG agenda.
• Governance: In 2020, we updated our global Code of Conduct and refreshed our Values. We are also using our position and expertise to help harmonize ESG metrics, which includes our work with the WEF IBC to create the Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics, in addition to having accepted positions at the IIRC, TCFD, Corporate Reporting Dialogue and SASB, among others.