The race toward a net-zero future is intensifying, and a novel concept, “serviced emissions,” is rapidly gaining recognition within the business world. While traditional sustainability efforts have predominantly focused on heavy-emitting sectors like energy, transport, and manufacturing, which collectively contribute over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a critical leverage point has emerged: the reliance of these industries on professional service firms. These firms, including those in accounting, consulting, legal, and marketing, play a crucial role in shaping the operations and, consequently, the emissions of their clients. The concept of serviced emissions brings this influence into sharp focus, prompting professional service providers to acknowledge and address their impact on global emissions.
Serviced emissions, as defined by the United Nations Climate Champions Professional Service Providers Working Group, encompass greenhouse gas emissions arising from or influenced by client activities that are informed or enabled by the advice and services of professional service providers. This definition shifts the spotlight onto consultancies, law firms, and similar organizations, traditionally perceived as behind-the-scenes enablers. These firms now face a new strategic imperative: understanding how their activities shape their clients’ operations and resulting emissions. This realization presents both risks and opportunities. While some firms may grapple with the knowledge that their services contribute to substantial client emissions, others recognize the potential to accelerate the global transition to net-zero by aligning their client advice with ambitious climate goals, such as limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The concept of serviced emissions introduces a powerful lens through which professional service firms can view their impact and innovate accordingly. Existing corporate net-zero guidance largely overlooks emissions stemming from provided services, creating a significant opportunity for these firms to demonstrate leadership. They can leverage their influence to guide clients towards sustainable practices, acting as a “springboard” for broader change. This leadership is already manifesting across various professional services. Advertising and PR firms are engaging with initiatives like Clean Creatives and Ad Net Zero, while architects and designers are drawing inspiration from efforts like Built Environment Declares, a global network promoting sustainable built environments. Legal professionals are collaborating through initiatives such as Legal Charter 1.5 to develop methodologies for reducing client emissions. Furthermore, resources like the Professional Services Matrix provide a practical framework for all professional service firms to assess their impact through client activities.
The exploration of serviced emissions can yield surprising insights. A leading global advertising agency, for example, discovered that emissions from its top 20 clients dwarfed its own operational emissions by a factor of over 4,000. This revelation underscores the significant potential for impact that professional service firms possess. By acknowledging and addressing their influence on client emissions, these firms can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable transformation across various industries.
To effectively harness the potential of serviced emissions, professional service firms can adopt a four-pronged approach. Firstly, they should develop robust methodologies to measure and disclose their serviced emissions, providing a quantifiable assessment of their environmental impact through client activities. Secondly, sustainability principles should be integrated into their core service offerings, from consulting advice and legal counsel to financial products and marketing strategies. This integration ensures that sustainability considerations are embedded in every client interaction.
Thirdly, professional service firms should actively partner with their clients on their sustainability journeys. This collaboration involves assisting clients in setting ambitious climate goals, developing actionable sustainability plans, and tracking progress towards those goals. By working hand-in-hand with clients, professional service firms can facilitate the implementation of effective sustainability measures. Finally, these firms should leverage their collective voice to advocate for sustainable policies. By engaging with policymakers and promoting an environment conducive to sustainable business practices, they can amplify their impact beyond individual client relationships.
In conclusion, serviced emissions represent both a challenge and a strategic opportunity for professional service firms. By incorporating this perspective into every aspect of their work, these firms can gain a deeper understanding of their influence and amplify their positive impact on the global transition to net-zero. This not only ensures the future viability of their own businesses but also positions them as essential drivers of sustainable business transformation across all sectors. The spotlight is on professional service firms, and their actions will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.
