Kearney nearly doubled amount of sustainability engagements in 2023

Kearney, a Chicago-headquartered management consulting firm, nearly doubled the amount of client sustainability projects it worked on in 2023, according to its fifth annual sustainability report.

The firm worked on over 300 sustainability-related engagements last year, up from 170 in 2022. The projects ranged from decarbonization strategy to sustainable supply chains and circularity.

“We are pleased to share Kearney's work in improving sustainability across the communities and environments we operate in as part of our path to net zero. In 2023, the world grappled with some of its most serious challenges, underscoring the urgent need for cross-industry collaboration to overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a sustainable future,” said Richard Forrest, partner.

Kearney last year launched its “Center for a Sustainable Future,” which connects leaders working on regenerative businesses with think tanks and experts. The firm also participated in COP28 and New York Climate Week.

In terms of its decarbonization progress, the firm in 2023 reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by 66% - surpassing its 2030 reduction target of 50%.

Kearney was also named to the CDP Climate A List, placing it in the top 17% of 21,000 companies, and achieved a platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of 100,000 companies evaluated.

The consulting firm plans to launch an internal carbon pricing program this year targeting air travel – using the funds to invest in carbon projects, sustainable aviation fuel, and other green initiatives.

"In 2024, we want to continue to build on our successes and embed sustainability in all we do. Our Internal Carbon Pricing program aims to drive transparency and accountability to reduce our travel-related emissions and enables us to invest in innovative and high-quality carbon projects, bringing us closer to our goal of being net zero by 2050,” said Pei Yun Teng, global director for social impact.