Case studies

Caribbean nations are highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters and often lack reliable data for informed decision-making. While sustainability is a priority for many clients, financing and establishing the right policies and regulatory frameworks to make this transition, remains a challenge.

I want to help change that. In my role, I support clients by helping them to meet both their regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations through effective reporting, enabling them to establish more robust methodologies for analyzing sustainability-related risks and opportunities. It’s how I make the difference.

I began my career at KPMG Caricom as an assistant accountant in Audit before transitioning to our Advisory practice, where I was helping clients to strengthen their internal controls and enhance accounting reporting. After gaining valuable experience in financial reporting, I wanted to work in an area that resonated more fully with my personal passions.

Noticing a lack of ESG conversations in the Caribbean at the time, I took action. Fueled by my personal commitment to sustainability and witnessing the unique and devastating impacts of climate change on island nations, I engaged with local KPMG partners to advocate for the development of a local ESG practice aligned with the efforts of KPMG firms globally.

Through research, I highlighted how by leveraging KPMG’s global experience, we could help Caribbean organizations integrate climate and sustainability considerations into their operations. Recognizing the pressing need to start this journey, I became the ESG Driver for KPMG Caricom.

Given the real impacts of climate change we face in the Caribbean, my work, of helping embed sustainability considerations in everything they do, is vital in supporting the adaptation, resiliency and transformative economic journey of the region.

KPMG Lower Gulf has positively impacted the organizational governance capabilities in the region by launching an innovative Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) service in collaboration with Microsoft and IBM. The service is designed to provide organizations across the UAE with a reliable, cost-effective solution to enhance business performance through better risk-based decision-making.

The collaboration aims to ensure that organizations receive real-time, risk-based insights, significantly reducing employee workloads and improving audit efficiency.

The service centers around a risk hub, built on IBM’s OpenPages and hosted on Microsoft Azure. This scalable, AI-powered platform streamlines GRC processes, enabling clients to quickly initiate their governance and compliance efforts. This solution facilitates business continuity and internal audits while empowering in-house risk teams through training and ongoing support from KPMG’s risk professionals.

This strategic work exemplifies KPMG's commitment to helping clients transform business performance, address evolving regulatory challenges, and maintain stable growth.

In today’s increasingly complex regulatory and sustainability landscape, many businesses are looking for a more integrated and holistic portfolio of services to help them meet their corporate goals.

One example of this integrated approach can be seen at Engie, a leading global player in low-carbon energy based in France. KPMG France has been working in an advisory capacity for Engie for a number of years and was recently appointed as its auditor.

With a depth of knowledge and experience in place, KPMG France and Engie have a strategic collaboration that not only encompasses traditional auditing services but also integrates ESG Assurance, to help align with the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in France. The successful integration of these services is underpinned by KPMG France's commitment to leveraging technology and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver increased value and make a difference to clients.

Further enhancing the skills and experience of local professionals, KPMG France is drawing on the breadth of the KPMG global organization, utilizing insights centers and global Centers of Excellence to present innovative technologies including AI. Through solutions such as AI transaction scoring, KPMG France is highlighting the increasing role of responsible AI in enhancing business processes and the delivery of value through improved insights.

In this way, KPMG France's appointment by Engie marks a significant milestone in the delivery and implementation of responsible AI and sustainable business practices to key businesses across France, demonstrating the firm’s continued ability to be a trusted advisor in the evolving landscape of low carbon energy. 

In March 2024, amid increasing regulatory pressure regarding the risks of greenwashing and with a strong desire to position itself as a leader in greenwashing prevention, a prominent German bank approached KPMG Germany to help navigate the increasingly complex landscape. Seen as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Germany and a groundbreaking project for KPMG across multiple jurisdictions, this important engagement brought together the experience, knowledge and capabilities of KPMG professionals to work together with the client to better mitigate the risks associated with inaccurately evidencing green claims.

KPMG Germany began this work by establishing key milestones, recognizing the absence of a tailored framework. The project unfolded in several phases, with the initial phase focusing on conducting an in-depth analysis of the regulatory environment and reviewing critical documents from the European Central Bank and relevant British authorities to gain a better understanding of the wider regional landscape and other jurisdictional activity.

This research provided a comprehensive overview of the external risk landscape, including the potential for lawsuits and regulatory penalties, as well as highlighting a number of internal operational risks. Taken together, the analysis demonstrated the urgent need for action.

Across further phases that included training for employees and the creation of a detailed roadmap to ensure ongoing compliance, KPMG Germany was able to mobilize its multidisciplinary approach and expertise to help ensure that the client had robust and credible sustainability reporting processes in place.

Through this engagement, KPMG Germany has helped the bank establish a robust process and high standards for greenwashing prevention. The initiative has also put KPMG Germany in a position to support other organizations in the banking sector, offering best practices and proven capabilities that aim to enhance the trust and engagement of the wider stakeholder community and facilitate the further integration of sustainable business practices across the sector.

KPMG has played a pivotal role in advancing green energy initiatives in the Czech Republic through its collaboration with CEZ Group, one of Central Europe's largest energy companies. Over the past three years, KPMG's multidisciplinary teams, comprising specialists from the Czech Republic, the UK and other international locations, have been instrumental in securing financing for a new generation of nuclear power plants. This initiative aims to transition the Czech Republic towards greener energy sources by supplementing existing power plants and reducing reliance on coal.

KPMG Czech Republic's involvement has encompassed various aspects, including financial, business, economic and regulatory advisory services. The firm facilitated negotiations with the European Commission and engaged with key stakeholders such as the Czech Government, law firms, banks, and rating agencies. In 2024, CEZ Group received confirmation of financing from the European Commission, marking a significant milestone in the project.

KPMG Czech Republic continues to work across private and public entities providing advisory support, solutions and insight that helps clients to advance their sustainable energy ambitions, building a better, greener and more resilient world.

As part of KPMG’s network of human rights specialists, I contribute to client engagements that help companies better respect and protect human rights. Starting as a graduate in management consulting, I quickly found my way to KPMG Australia as part of the KPMG Human Rights & Social Impact Services team. My work spans a number of exciting engagements, from assisting federal government departments with the integration of modern slavery due diligence into their procurement processes, to helping renewable energy companies engage with First Nations communities.

A recent career highlight was working with a global mining company to help them overcome delays at one of the world's largest mines. Progress at the site had stalled due to a number of challenges related to development permissions and community engagement.

Working together with the client, our team helped them better understand historic nature and significance of the proposed development area and the resultant community opposition, offering recommendations that were aligned to international human rights standards.

Our proposals highlighted the complexity of the issue and encouraged increased dialogue between the company’s Board, the rights holders and the affected communities. The project's significance and the opportunities it gave me to engage with senior stakeholders were invaluable. Even though I was one of the youngest members of the team, with the trust and support of the senior partner and their recognition of my expertise in this area, I participated in many of the final discussions with senior counsel, the CFO and the CEO, helping to reach a positive outcome.

I’m currently on secondment to KPMG Netherlands, where I am assisting companies to better navigate the growing portfolio of human rights and ESG regulations. Here, I feel fortunate to be supported by and learn from colleagues who believe in KPMG’s role to help challenge and improve clients' human rights performance across the globe.

KPMG Australia has enhanced its sustainability initiatives through the implementation of a cloud-based supply chain management platform that aims to streamline Modern Slavery compliance processes for suppliers. Along with educational resources that are also available, the platform helps to foster a culture of greater transparency and accountability among KPMG’s supplier community.

The cloud-based tool aligns with various global standards and integrates third-party data feeds to facilitate the sharing of vital, real-time information, ensuring that suppliers are well-informed and equipped to meet compliance requirements. Once suppliers have completed the initial Modern Slavery assessment on the platform, only annual updates and sign-offs are required thereafter, helping to simplify the compliance process and to ensure that any changes are promptly reflected.

KPMG Australia's proactive approach demonstrates how they are using technology to drive efficiency and transparency across their supply chain while also addressing a number of critical social issues – helping parties to work more collaboratively together to meet the challenge.

As a civil engineer passionate about sustainability practices, my first big role was with a construction project for the Ministry of Defense in Qatar, managing water and sewage infrastructure for the Qatari coast guard. This experience highlighted the critical importance of water conservation and the environmental risks posed by ineffective systems.

Upon returning to my native Lebanon, I managed a water treatment plant and pursued a postgraduate degree in sustainable engineering focused on water management. I contributed to a study on the treatment and recycling of wastewater in Beirut to replenish an aquifer without resorting to energy-intensive desalination. However, the 2019 economic crisis and a devastating explosion in Beirut made me reconsider my path. Fortunately, I received a Dutch government scholarship to pursue an MBA focused on sustainability, which led to a thesis collaboration with KPMG Netherlands’ ESG team. 

Following this, I was delighted to be offered a job at KPMG Netherlands. My work has included a variety of water mitigation projects, including implementing a dry kiln process in cement production, recycling rainwater, and transitioning energy production from wet to dry cooling systems. These strategies have substantially reduced water usage. This experience underscored the interconnectedness of water and energy costs, especially as water prices continue to rise globally. 

In my client interactions, I emphasize the importance of integrating water management in their sustainability strategies. As clients recognize water's value, I believe effective governance and innovative solutions such as managed aquifer recharge will be crucial in addressing future water challenges and cost mitigation. 

Water is not just a resource; it is a lifeline for our communities and ecosystems. Through my work, I strive to make an impact and ensure we treat water with the respect it deserves. 

Plastics pollution poses serious environmental and human health challenges; I make the difference at KPMG by working towards a circular future that starts with reduction and aims to eliminate plastics pollution.

The statistics are alarming: global plastic waste generation has more than doubled since 2019, highlighting the need for global legislation.

My commitment to circularity began after a graduation project that focused on circular packaging. Shortly after, I traveled through Indonesia, where I witnessed the impact of plastic pollution while snorkeling with manta rays. Although many countries have recycling systems, much plastic waste ends up in places that lack adequate collection and recovery infrastructure, leading to harmful practices like burning waste that jeopardizes health and the environment.

In 2022, 175 countries and territories adopted a UN Environmental Assembly resolution to develop an international, legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

With over a decade of experience in the circular economy, I was seconded to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Plastics Action Partnership team.

My role at the WEF involved interviewing industry solution providers, NGOs, scientists, government representatives, and experts to develop a report that provides insights on moving toward an effective and impactful global plastics treaty.

This was not the first time that I have been seconded to a multi-stakeholder organization. Seven years earlier I was seconded to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), where I supported the creation of a framework for measuring circularity. Through collaborations with organizations such as the WEF and the WBCSD, KPMG gains valuable insights into new developments and stakeholder concerns and helps to create and foster a convening platform to address complex systemic challenges.

The growing focus on plastic pollution is already influencing businesses, with an international treaty likely to prompt some countries to implement legislation that could affect local economies. KPMG firms are well-positioned to advise clients through this transition. For example, in June 2023, KPMG Netherlands partnered with Naturalis Biodiversity Center to help organizations better assess their impact on nature and biodiversity, supporting their journey toward sustainability.

In a strong display of global collaboration, KPMG International brought together a dedicated team of climate specialists from multiple KPMG firms to work with the Azerbaijan organizing committee for COP29 – the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. KPMG subject-matter experts from firms around the world designed and delivered an immersive week-long course focused on climate change and sustainability.

Delivered to numerous government departments, state agencies, several state-owned enterprises and national organizations, as well as members of the COP Presidency, the course emphasized the importance of discussions around energy transition and climate finance. The training resulted in the creation of valuable educational materials that have since been shared across the KPMG network, enhancing member firms’ decarbonization knowledge and offerings.

The commitment shown by the global organization demonstrated our ability to mobilize resources and expertise, helping KPMG to play a truly impactful role at COP29, fostering discussions surrounding climate risk, adaptation, and the critical intersections of climate, food and health. The collaboration demonstrates KPMG’s ongoing dedication to driving meaningful change in the fight against climate change.

In 2022, I relocated from Montreal to Bermuda to join the KPMG Islands Group that includes islands in the Caribbean, Atlantic and Europe. This move has been transformative for me, shifting my view on climate change from one of critical but future concern to a pressing reality. My background in public policy, international development and sustainable finance has allowed me to align with the local government's vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

Within the Government, Healthcare & Sustainability Advisory practice, I work across the ESG and Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare (IGH) teams to help address the urgent issues of climate change and its impacts on government policy and healthcare in the islands and beyond including into the Global South. Our work focuses on adaptation, resilience, and decarbonization. One of the key initiatives that I am the most proud of is the development of our Climate and Health Service Proposition, part of the Global Center of Excellence (CoE) for Island Healthcare. This initiative tackles the unique challenges faced by island healthcare systems in trying to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change in vulnerable communities.

The CoE serves as a hub for KPMG professionals from across the various island communities to help facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration. On the climate and health nexus, it recognizes the critical role integrated strategies play in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and healthcare delivery.

Every day, I am inspired by our work and the impact we can make. It’s a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to building a greener, more resilient community in islands in the Caribbean, the Atlantic, Europe, and beyond.

At KPMG, I lead our global initiatives on nature and biodiversity within the corporate and financial services sector. What drew me to KPMG was our amplifier effect – KPMG’s extensive reach with major companies can drive meaningful change and impact on the ground.

My work at KPMG continues a personal journey that began at the age of 12 when my passion for animals and nature led me to pursue degrees in zoology and natural resources management. I have had the privilege of working as a conservation scientist, a policy expert in six government departments, and with the United Nations and various environmental NGOs. I believe that addressing the biodiversity crisis requires diverse perspectives, particularly from a business standpoint, where the challenge lies in balancing short-term economic needs with long-term sustainable development.

At KPMG, I have fostered a global community of "nature champions" across sectors, sharing insights on new developments, challenges, and best practices to deliver excellence for KPMG firms’ clients. We are committed to embedding nature and biodiversity into our core practices, ensuring sustainability is reflected in everything we do.

In October 2024, I had the honor of leading a delegation to the Biodiversity COP in Colombia, where we advocated for the crucial role businesses play in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. Earlier that year, I organized a workshop in Kenya that brought together businesses to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities on the African continent regarding biodiversity.