In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, the environmental cost of technology is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. ICT (Information and Communications Technology) already contributes 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is set to exceed 20% of global electricity consumption by 2030. Yet, despite this growing footprint, ICT decarbonisation remains one of the hardest-to-abate sectors due to supply chain complexity, reliance on third-party providers and a lack of consistent measurement frameworks. However, without action, digital transformation risks becoming a significant barrier to achieving corporate net-zero targets.
Recognising this challenge, KPMG UK collaborated with sustainability tech firm GoCodeGreen (GCG) in early 2024 to launch a Sustainable IT Programme. This pioneering initiative set out to fundamentally change how KPMG itself would measure, manage, and reduce ICT-related emissions—not through lofty ambitions, but through practical, data-driven action.
The programme began with a clear mission: to establish a robust and independent emissions baseline, aligned with global standards such as the GHG Protocol ICT Sector Guidance and ISO 21031. But it didn’t stop there. The team knew that real change required more than measurement—it demanded collaboration across the IT suppliers and vendors, transparency in Scope 3 emissions, and embedding sustainability as a core IT strategy, ensuring decarbonisation was integrated into the process.
A phased approach
In its first phase, the programme focused on building a comprehensive picture of KPMG’s ICT emissions baseline. This meant working closely with cloud providers, software vendors, and infrastructure suppliers to replace assumptions with actual emissions data. Audits were conducted to assess cloud workloads and software inefficiencies, while benchmarking exercises helped identify gaps and set a realistic roadmap for improvement.
With the baseline established, the second phase turned insights into action. KPMG and GCG rolled out assessments across KPMG’s IT operations, examining everything from network efficiency to software development lifecycles. The team developed a ‘Digital Carbon Reduction Plan’ that integrated direct emissions reductions with supplier-driven improvements. Procurement decisions were re-evaluated through a sustainability lens, and IT leaders received targeted training to embed carbon literacy into every digital transformation project.
The results
The partnership has already delivered transformative results. KPMG is on track to reduce ICT-related emissions by 23% by FY26. Scope 1 and 2 emissions have already dropped by 34%, thanks to data centre optimisation and cloud rationalisation. Scope 3 emissions have seen a 16% reduction, with a stretch target of 25% through continued supplier engagement and software efficiency improvements. Legacy applications and high-emission software have been decommissioned, and emissions tracking now reflects actual technology usage rather than industry averages.
But perhaps the most significant achievement is cultural. Sustainability is no longer a reporting requirement—it’s a core part of how KPMG makes IT decisions. The partnership with GCG has redefined what responsible digital transformation looks like, proving that software engineering, procurement, and supplier relationships are critical levers for emissions reduction.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the programme has entered its third phase in 2025, with a renewed focus on AI and high-performance computing workloads. As these technologies become more central to business operations, their energy demands are growing rapidly. KPMG and GCG are taking proactive steps to ensure that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of sustainability. Real-time emissions tracking will be integrated into procurement, and the environmental impact of AI workloads will be carefully evaluated to align with net-zero ambitions.
This initiative is more than a case study—it’s a blueprint for the industry. It shows that with the right data, collaboration, and commitment, digital decarbonisation is not only achievable but scalable. KPMG UK and GoCodeGreen have set a new benchmark for sustainable IT, proving that net-zero transformation is not just necessary—it’s possible.
KPMG and GoCodeGreen won ‘Major Project of the Year’ at the National Sustainability Awards 2025. Find out more here.
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