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Industries and sectors driving deforestation: what you need to know

We recently did a deep-dive into the industries and sectors driving deforestation. We were curious: do all sectors contribute to deforestation? And which industries have the biggest impact? 
We learned that<a href="https://forest500.org/"> every six seconds</a>, an area of forest the size of a football pitch is destroyed to make way for the production of commodities such as soy, beef, timber and palm oil. Here’s the full scoop.

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Forests cover <a href="http://www.fao.org/3/ca8753en/CA8753EN.pdf">31% </a>of the land on our planet and they are critically important for stabilising our climate. They regulate ecosystems, protect biodiversity, support livelihoods, and play an important role in taking carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere. Approximately <a href="https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/forests-and-climate-change#:~:text=Approximately%202.6%20billion%20tonnes%20of,America%20%E2%80%93%20offer%20opportunities%20for%20restoration.">2.6 billion tonnes of CO2</a>, one third of the CO­2 released from burning fossil fuels, is absorbed by forests every year, and the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/">2019 IPCC special report of Climate Change and Land</a> stated that planting forests and protecting existing forests is a key component of all pathways seeking to  limit average global temperature increase to 1.5°C. 
Forests are also home to <a href="https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/forests-and-climate-change#:~:text=Approximately%202.6%20billion%20tonnes%20of,America%20%E2%80%93%20offer%20opportunities%20for%20restoration.">80% </a>of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, and provide critical ecosystem services that are important to both people and the planet, such as healthy soils, clean water sources, erosion control, crop pollination, and flood control.
Globally about <a href="https://www.un.org/esa/forests/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/UNFF13_BkgdStudy_ForestsSCP.pdf">1.6 billion people</a> (nearly 25% of the world’s population) rely on forests for their livelihoods, many of whom are among the world’s poorest. Over<a href="https://www.un.org/esa/forests/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/UNFF13_BkgdStudy_ForestsSCP.pdf"> 200 million people</a>, including many indigenous people, directly depend on forests for their survival. Forests produce more than 5,000 types of wood-based products and generate an annual gross value add of just over<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/forests"> $600 billion</a>.

As we’ve seen, forests are critically important and must be protected. However, they are being cleared and degraded at a rapid rate, causing carbon loss as well as negative impacts on ecosystem services. Deforestation is the second largest source of anthropogenic emissions on the planet, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/28/deforestation-emissions-far-higher-than-previously-thought-study-finds-aoe">second only to the burning of fossil fuels</a>, causing <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation">15% of global greenhouse gas emissions</a>.
The clearing of forests also leads to the loss of habitat, and brings humans and wildlife into closer contact, increasing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola and HIV from animals to humans.
Global forest loss continues <a href="https://research.wri.org/gfr/forest-extent-indicators/forest-loss#how-much-tree-cover-is-lost-globally-each-year">at a rate of around 25 million hectares a year</a>. This is an extremely alarming rate, and studies have found that even when all other anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are phased out, ‘business as usual’ deforestation alone could still drive global heating above <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa836d">2°C by 2100</a>.

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Globally the loss of tropical forests has continued to increase. This is largely driven by the commercial production of four commodities: cattle, soy, palm oil and timber. 
Cattle ranching to produce beef, leather, gelatine and tallow is the leading driver of deforestation in Latin America, and deforestation for cattle ranching alone is responsible for the release of <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/amazon_threats/unsustainable_cattle_ranching/">340 million tonnes of CO2 each year</a> &#8211; about 3.4% of global annual emissions .  Soy production is another of the key drivers of deforestation in Latin America. This soy is used for personal care and medical products, fuel, food, and <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/food_practice/sustainable_production/soy/">most significantly as animal feed</a>.
Palm oil is a vegetable oil that is derived from the fruit on the African oil palm tree. It is used in a wide range of food, personal care, and household products, as well as to produce biofuel. The production of palm oil is linked to deforestation and climate changes as well as other issues such as habitat degradation, animal cruelty, and indigenous rights abuses. Palm oil production is the largest cause of deforestation in SouthEast Asia and other tropical regions.A recent study found that palm oil contributed to more than <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837717301552">14% of forest loss</a> over 2005-2015.
The production of timber is another major driver of deforestation and forest degradation across the globe and is used for a variety of products from construction and furnishing, to paper and fabric goods.

Often, people only associate deforestation with agriculture or food production. However, the four forest-risk commodities described above are found in many value chains, across a large number of sectors. For the average company, <a href="https://www.cdp.net/en/research/global-reports/global-forests-report-2016">24%</a> of their revenue is dependent on these four forest-risk commodities. 
These products are used as key ingredients across a range of products from burgers and lipsticks, to construction materials and car seats. However, the link between deforestation and the goods we buy are often hidden by the structure of global supply chains.
A recent report by CDP (a charity that runs the global disclosure system, allowing companies to report and manage their environmental impacts) found that some companies report they are still unaware of the presence of the four main forest commodities in their supply chain or operations, or they are unaware of their impact. Below we highlight a number of sectors, and how they use these products.

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Agriculture 
The single largest cause of deforestation and forest degradation globally is agriculture, with large-scale commercial agriculture accounting for <a href="http://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/">40% </a>of tropical deforestation, and local subsistence agriculture for another <a href="http://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/">33%</a>.
Forest is cleared at alarming rates to grow crops, particularly soy and palm, and to provide grazing land for livestock, especially cattle. Agriculture is the clear cause of deforestation to produce the four forest-risk commodities. However, the sectors in which these commodities are used is often less clear.
Both export-driven, large-scale agriculture and small-scale agriculture have impacts on deforestation. If you take the Amazon rainforest as an example, commercial, large-scale agriculture, particularly for animal feed, and biofuels using soy and palm oil, is a key pressure that has been responsible for the <a href="https://wwfeu.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_living_amazon__report_2016_mid_res_spreads_1.pdf">largest losses of natural habitat</a> in the Amazon rainforest in recent decades. However, small-scale agriculture and legal and illegal settlement of small-scale farmers is expanding and is also impacting on forest loss.

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Food and beverage
The majority of deforestation in this sector is linked to meat, soy, and palm oil. Meat production is the most significant driver of deforestation, because as well as the vast clearance of land for grazing livestock (particularly cattle), huge amounts of forests are removed so that the land can be used to grow soy to feed the animals that we eat.
Soy is one of the four major forest-risk commodities, and more than <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-10/Risky%20Business%20-%20October%202017.pdf">80%</a> of soy grown globally is used to feed animals, particularly poultry, pigs and dairy cows.  Therefore, deforestation is at the core of many animal products that we consume: meat, dairy and eggs.
Soybeans also contain approximately <a href="https://www.bothends.org/uploaded_files/document/Soy_Barometer2014_ENG.pdf">18%</a> oil which is refined and used as vegetable oil for cooking in a wide variety of processed food. A valuable by-product from crushing soy is lecithin. This is an emulsifying agent in food products such as chocolate, cookies, peanut butter, and coffee creamers. About<a href="https://www.bothends.org/uploaded_files/document/Soy_Barometer2014_ENG.pdf"> 6%</a> of the global soy production is directly used in food products, predominantly in Asia: soy sauce, tempeh, tofu, soy flour, soy milk, textured vegetable protein and edamame. 
The most well known cause of deforestation within the food sector is palm oil. This is the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet, and is found in margarine, chocolate, pizza dough, instant noodles, ice cream, cookies, packaged bread and much more!
Food packaging is also a culprit, as the pulp and paper used to make them come from timber. Not all items appear on the shelf in cardboard packaging, but almost all will have arrived at the supermarket packed in a cardboard box. Wood is also used in the processing of some foods, for example smoking.
Automobile
Leather for cars comes from cattle. The non-profit organisation <a href="https://phys.org/news/2020-09-european-carmakers-leather-fuelling-deforestation.html">Earthsight</a> has revealed that some of Europe’s biggest car makers, including BMW and Jaguar Land Rover, use leather linked to deforestation in South America. These automakers buy leather for vehicle industries that is originally sourced from cattle ranches on illegally razed land in Paraguay.
The automotive and tyre industry is also the biggest consumer of rubber. Almost <a href="https://www.cdp.net/en/forests">90%</a> of natural rubber is produced in South East Asia, where it has become a leading driver of deforestation.

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Textiles
The leather from our shoes, bags and belts comes from cattle. Often the word ‘cattle’ is synonymous with ‘beef’, leaving leather to be labelled as just a by-product of the meat industry and meaning that the environmental impacts of the leather industry avoid scrutiny.
A report from <a href="https://forest500.org/sites/default/files/forest500_annualreport2019_final_0.pdf">Forest 500 </a>in 2019, found that 81% of the 64 most influential companies assessed for leather had no commitment to source deforestation-free leather, including Prada, Zara and Michael Kors.
Deforestation is also a factor in the supply chain of materials made from plant-based cellulose, such as viscose, rayon, bamboo and lyocell fibres. These fibres are made from timber, by processing wood until it forms pulp, adding inorganic fibres and spinning it until it forms fibres. Over <a href="https://forest500.org/analysis/insights/hidden-deforestation-fashion-industry-how-sustainable-sustainable-fabric">150 million trees </a>are logged annually for cellulose fibres for clothing.
Chemical
Many perfumes and flavourings, drugs, and cleaning products contain palm oil or soy. A valuable by-product from crushing soy is lecithin. This is an effective emulsifying agent used in paints, coatings, and waxes.  Palm kernel oil is also used in many chemicals for industrial use.  
Personal care
Many personal care products such as toothpaste, soap, and lipstick contain soy or palm oil. Lecithin, made by crushing soy, is an emulsifying agent that is used in cosmetics. Palm kernel oil is also used for making soap, toiletries, and cosmetics. Tissues, toilet paper, sanitary towels, tampons, and diapers are all made from wood.

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Retailers
Most retailers will sell items that have some of the four forest-risk commodities within them, whether that is furnishings, clothes, noodles, meat, dairy or confectionery.
An example is retailers that sell furniture. Most furniture is made from timber, varying from softwood furniture (e.g. pine) and plywood/laminate flat pack furniture to luxury hardwood (e.g. mahogany). These all have the potential to include damaging deforestation in their supply chain, unless it is ensured that they are sustainably sourced.
The same goes for leather furniture, sourced from cattle. Timber is also used to make musical instruments, tool handles, decorative items and for the packaging that most products will come in (e.g. pallets, cardboard boxes).
Forestry
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of forest destruction is wood production. Products made from wood can be divided into two categories: pulp and timber. Pulp is made from tree fibres and used to produce paper and related products. This is particularly an issue in Indonesia, where native forests are cut down for monoculture plantations of fast-growing tree species.
Timber is used for construction or high end-products like furniture and is linked to forest degradation, where valuable tree species are harvested, and the rest are left. These degraded forests are then <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01338.x">more likely</a> to be targeted for deforestation and conversion to other land use.

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Print Publishing
The print publishing industry uses paper made from timber in newspapers, books, magazines, office paper, packaging tissues and labels. Timber is also often used to create advertising billboards.
Construction
The construction industry uses timber for both interior and exterior materials including timber frames for houses. Timber is also widely used as a construction material in flooring (solid wood; laminate or parquet blocks), window frames, doors and doorframes, skirting, decking, garden buildings, telegraph poles, fencing, boat building, and railway sleepers.
Energy
Worldwide, <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/our_work/our_focus/forests_practice/forest_publications_news_and_reports/living_forests_report/energy_forests/">2.6 billion people </a>use traditional biomass, mainly wood and charcoal, as a source of energy. Most wood fuel is used in its country of production, particularly in rural areas and in developing countries, for heating and cooking, usually on open fires or in simple cookstoves. In recent years, there has been an expansion of ‘bioenergy’ in industrialised countries, where biomass such as timber is burnt to generate energy.
Finance
Many investments directly or indirectly fund forest clearance. Data from the latest <a href="https://forest500.org/sites/default/files/forest500_annualreport2019_final_0.pdf">Forest 500 assessment</a> of the 150 biggest financial institutions investing in companies in forest-risk supply chains shows that two thirds do not have policies in place to address this risk. 
Fuel
Biofuels are fuels that can be used to drive our cars and other forms of transport that are made from biomass. This has the benefits of reducing emissions associated with fossil fuels, however there are associated risks, including the effect on the world’s forests.  Biodiesel is a type of vegetable oil that is produced from crops. Most biofuel is made from soy or palm oil, both of which are leading causes of deforestation.
Pharma
Soy, palm oil, and even timber are found in a number of medical products. An example is aspirin, which is made from the bark of the white willow tree. The pharmaceutical industry is also an industry that is likely to be affected by deforestation. Of the 50,000 known medicinal plants, which are the basis of more than<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2015/01/13/la-deforestacion-un-dolor-de-cabeza-para-la-medicina-natural"> 50% </a>of all medications, up to a fifth are at risk of extinction at the local, national, regional, or global level due to deforestation.

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Deforestation is a corporate responsibility issue that companies must address. The first step is to understand the risks in your business’ supply chain. Could your suppliers be linked to deforestation? Companies need to be more transparent about how they are using cattle, soy, palm oil and timber to enable the deforestation embedded in global supply chains to be publicly tracked. These risks can be addressed by working with your direct and indirect suppliers to ensure they are not driving deforestation and to promote sustainable production.
The Paris Agreement states that since companies are responsible for such a large percentage of emissions, they are also responsible for delivering the necessary reductions. By eliminating deforestation, the business community can deliver emissions reductions equivalent to <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/575ecca7b654f9dd886dec23/t/576c39fdd2b857d28be73608/1466710526653/The+Business+End+of+Climate+Change.pdf">0.5-1.2 billion </a>metric tonnes.

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Deforestation is a global problem; its reach extends far and wide into many sectors and industries. However, by recognising this issue and working with suppliers, businesses can ensure that they are promoting sustainable production.
We also need to work to restore the forests that have been degraded and destroyed. Ecologi is a subscription service that is focused on planting trees to restore forests worldwide, as well as investing in <a href="https://ecologi.com/about">certified carbon reduction projects</a>, and we have already planted over 5 million trees!  Our goal is to avoid 50% of all global greenhouse gases by 2040, through tree planting and carbon reduction Gold Standard climate solutions. Learn more about <a href="https://ecologi.com/business">carbon offsetting for business.</a>

Ready to make a difference for our planet? Get in touch, and let’s chat about how we can help you on your climate journey. 

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Ecologi acquires Net Zero Now

In a landmark move set to reshape corporate climate action, we’re excited to announce that Ecologi, the UK&#8217;s most trusted climate action platform, has acquired <a href="https://netzeronow.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Net Zero Now</a>, the sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction platform for businesses.
The combined entity operating under the Ecologi brand will create a single solution for industry climate leadership towards net zero. The integration combines sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction with world class verified climate projects that supports businesses wherever they are on their net zero journey.

<h2>The game-changing impact of this acquisition</h2>
The strategic acquisition solves two fundamental challenges in corporate climate action: businesses have been forced to choose between fragmented solutions and generic ‘one size fits all’ approaches that ignore crucial sector-specific needs. By combining Net Zero Now&#8217;s sector-specific protocol expertise with Ecologi&#8217;s platform funding top-tier climate projects, we&#8217;re creating a tailored and complete solution helping businesses lead their industries towards net zero.

Reduce emissions.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Measure Scope 1, 2 &amp; 3 emissions with sector-specific industry GHG protocols</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Set short term and long term reduction target emissions aligned to SBTi</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tailored reduction plans for sector-specific emissions pathways</li>
</ul>
Restore our planet.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Compensate for unavoidable emissions as you reduce them through 
funding verified, high-quality carbon avoidance and removal credits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contribute to global climate goals by funding climate Impact Funds for 
beyond value chain mitigation and/or as part of your products &amp; services</li>
</ul>
Report on progress.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corporate sustainability standards e.g. CSRD, SECR, SBTi, CDP, B Corp</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sector specific standards e.g. Accountancy, Hospitality, Public Sector</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Custom climate impact reports and embeddable dashboards</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communications toolkit for board and stakeholder engagement</li>
</ul>

Climate leadership starts here

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Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director of Net Zero Now, said:
<blockquote>Businesses want to take climate action, but they want to know they’re doing it right and what’s right for a restaurant business is not the same as what’s right for an accounting firm.  They need industry-specific guidance and clear pathways to climate leadership. By joining forces with Ecologi, we&#8217;re creating a platform that allows us to provide credible, simple and affordable, sector-specific, end-to-end climate solutions for businesses in our existing sectors and collaborate with industry partners on new sector-led solutions.</blockquote>

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The acquisition aligns with Ecologi&#8217;s mission to accelerate business climate action and grow our 24,000 strong customer base. Established sector protocols including hospitality and professional services will be the initial focus with plans to expand across additional industries throughout 2025.
With organisations under increasingly complex stakeholder and industry compliance demands for environmental accountability, this end-to-end solution also ensures streamlined reporting, monitoring progress, supply chain transparency, and voluntary disclosures. This transforms business leaders into climate leaders with the confidence to tackle their climate commitments head-on, communicating and meeting critical regulatory requirements like SECR, CSRD and SBTi.

<h2>More about Net Zero Now</h2>
Founded in 2021, Net Zero Now has developed a proprietary sector-led approach, which combines climate expertise alongside the sector knowledge and experience of relevant industry bodies, industry influencers and larger businesses to reach a consensus around what Net Zero means in practice for businesses in each sector. To date, the company has measured and validated 1.8 MtCO2e lifetime emissions supporting more than 50+ leading brands including Coca Cola Europacific Partners, L&#8217;Orèal, Heineken, Pernod Ricard, Subway, Hard Rock Cafe, Adnams, Edgbaston and James Cowper Kreston.

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4 hospitality companies leading the way on climate action

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have in the hospitality industry — it&#8217;s a business necessity. With increasing regulatory pressure, shifting customer expectations, and the growing impact of climate change, hospitality businesses are finding that taking action isn&#8217;t just about responsibility—it&#8217;s about resilience. This is particularly evident as 70% of Brits are now actively trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle (Nutritics, 2024), and 44% say sustainability is important in their choice of venue to visit (Morning Advertiser, 2023). From tackling food waste to cutting carbon emissions, the sector is facing both challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change.
At the heart of this transformation is the food system. The hospitality industry relies on farming—a sector responsible for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions and one that is increasingly vulnerable to climate disruption. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and supply chain instability are already affecting food availability and costs, making sustainability not just an ethical priority but a commercial imperative. This is reflected in consumer behavior, with 47% of consumers wanting more information about carbon footprints on menus, and 41% saying this information would influence their order (CGA Strategy, 2023).
Fortunately, forward-thinking hospitality businesses are stepping up, driven by clear market demand—34% of UK pub and restaurant goers are prepared to spend more in venues with strong sustainability credentials, increasing to 47% for Gen Z and Millennials (Sustainability Beat, 2023). This generational shift is significant, with consumers aged 18-34 being nearly twice as likely to pay more for sustainability than those aged 55+ (WaterAid, 2023).
As the food and beverage industry awakens to its environmental responsibilities, and with climate change threatening to fundamentally disrupt global food security, restaurants and food service enterprises are stepping up to take meaningful climate action. These pioneering businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can enhance business performance while making a positive environmental impact, even as they navigate the unique challenges of being both a contributor to and victim of climate change.
Read about four hospitality companies that are championing climate action, and explore how they are turning environmental challenges into business opportunities.
Whether it&#8217;s engaging employees, measuring carbon footprints, or developing new sustainable service offerings, these venues are setting the standard for a greener future in hospitality.
<ol>
<li>Hawksmoor: Leading Sustainability in Fine Dining</li>
<li>Freemans Event Partners: Pioneering Sustainable Event Catering</li>
<li>Lisini Pub Co: Family Legacy Meets Sustainable Innovation</li>
<li>The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol</li>
</ol>

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<h2>Hawksmoor: leading sustainability in fine dining</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li> Achieved B Corp certification in September 2022</li>
<li>Comprehensive review of operational sustainability across all locations</li>
<li>Implementation of energy reduction initiatives</li>
<li>Enhanced waste management systems</li>
<li>Water conservation measures</li>
<li>Integration of sustainability into staff training programs</li>
</ul>
Hawksmoor&#8217;s journey exemplifies how restaurant groups can lead in sustainability within the hospitality sector. Their comprehensive approach includes setting ambitious net-zero targets for 2030 while focusing on immediate operational improvements. The restaurant group&#8217;s commitment is evidenced by their systematic review of day-to-day operations across their locations in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and New York. What sets them apart is their holistic approach to sustainability: examining energy usage, waste management, and water consumption while maintaining their reputation for quality dining. Their structured approach to employee engagement includes a two-day intensive induction program that emphasises sustainability, making it a core part of their culture.
Ellie Besley-Gould, Head of Purpose at Hawksmoor, said:
<blockquote>We&#8217;ve been heavily involved with the Sustainable Restaurant Association since about 12 years ago&#8230; It&#8217;s a really important area for us to be stepping up the work in, looking at how we can inspire change.</blockquote>

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<h2>Freemans Event Partners: pioneering sustainable event catering</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Achieved 38.4% reduction in emissions compared to projections</li>
<li>Implemented innovative &#8220;Zero Zone&#8221; testing area</li>
<li>Introduced shuttle buggies for reduced transport emissions</li>
<li>Deployed hybrid power generators</li>
<li>Established carbon menu labelling</li>
<li>Enhanced waste management through compostable solutions</li>
</ul>
Freemans Event Partners&#8217; journey demonstrates how large-scale event catering can embrace sustainability without compromising service quality. Their innovative approach at the British Grand Prix showcases their commitment to reducing environmental impact in high-pressure environments. The company&#8217;s dedication is evidenced by exceeding their initial 5% emissions reduction target and implementing a groundbreaking &#8220;Zero Zone&#8221; area for testing new sustainability initiatives. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: measuring and analysing emissions across all aspects of their operation, from food stalls to logistics and waste management.
Richard West, Sustainability Manager at Freemans Event Partners, said:
<blockquote>Through partnering we&#8217;ve realised that collaboration is key to making lasting and impactful environmental changes in the events catering industry. The process has been much more straightforward than we thought it would be and we look forward to setting even bigger reductions targets as we go forward.</blockquote>

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<h2>Lisini Pub Co: family legacy meets sustainable innovation</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48% through renewable electricity</li>
<li>Won the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award</li>
<li>Achieved lowest electricity demand in 10 years</li>
<li>Implemented LED lighting and sensor systems</li>
<li>Launched biodiversity project at Dalziel Park</li>
<li>Developed sustainable kitchen practices and menu innovation</li>
<li>Created venue-specific green teams</li>
</ul>
Lisini Pub Co&#8217;s journey demonstrates how family-owned hospitality businesses can transform their environmental impact while preserving their heritage. Their comprehensive approach combines traditional Scottish hospitality with modern sustainability practices across their venues, including the historic Angels hotel in Uddingston. What sets them apart is their innovative approach to sustainability: implementing competitive green teams across venues, achieving dramatic emissions reductions, and maintaining their commitment to quality service. Their structured approach includes both operational improvements and employee engagement, making sustainability a core part of their 45-year family legacy.
Siobhan Edwards, Director Lisini Pub Group, said:
<blockquote>It&#8217;s not until we&#8217;ve been working in the last year that we&#8217;ve really truly understood our carbon footprint. It&#8217;s the right thing to do, it&#8217;s the right thing for our customers, for our planet, for the environment, and actually it saves us money at the same time.</blockquote>

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<h2>The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Established 100-mile radius local sourcing policy</li>
<li>Implemented full venue LED lighting systems</li>
<li>Introduced reusable cups for music events</li>
<li>Developed nose-to-tail food waste reduction policy</li>
<li>Created vegetarian menu options to reduce emissions</li>
<li>Enhanced supplier partnerships for sustainability</li>
<li>Achieved an impressive 3-star rating in the Food Made Good Standard, scoring 92% overall and 91% specifically in environmental practices</li>
</ul>
The Assemblies&#8217; journey showcases how urban hospitality venues can lead in sustainability while building strong community connections. Since their inception in 2009, they&#8217;ve demonstrated that local sourcing and environmental responsibility can coexist with business success. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: analysing carbon ratings, implementing local sourcing policies, and creating innovative menu solutions. Their comprehensive strategy includes everything from sound system upgrades to waste reduction initiatives, making sustainability integral to their operation.
Anna Blightman, Brand Marketing Manager, said:
<blockquote>Something that our partnership has allowed us to do, is lay all the data out on the table so that we can actually look at it, and stand to analyse it and understand where we can make changes. If we don&#8217;t start now, when will we start?</blockquote>

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As these leading hospitality companies show, meaningful climate action can drive significant business benefits—from stronger customer and employee engagement to enhanced brand reputation and risk mitigation. By taking a thoughtful, transparent, and impactful approach, businesses can pave the way for a sustainable future.
Ready to take the lead in climate action? Book in a 30 minute discovery call with our Hospitality sector experts and find out more about partnering with Ecologi to measure your emissions, set reduction goals and fund high-quality climate action on the road to net-zero.

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4 accountancy firms leading the way on climate action

Accounting is part of the broader Professional Services industry, one of the largest sectors of employment in the UK. As of 2018 the sector accounted for 8.5% of UK employment combining full time and part time working; with an increase of 82,100 employees compared to the previous year. Within the professional services sector, almost all categories of employment increased within the same time period.
For decades, the professional services sector, particularly accounting, watched from the sidelines as global climate initiatives took shape &#8211; from the establishment of the IPCC in 1988 to the landmark Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. It wasn&#8217;t until recently that the industry began to wake up to its environmental responsibilities. A revealing 2019 Deloitte European CFO survey of 1,168 CFOs painted a stark picture: businesses largely lacked thorough climate risk understanding, had few governance mechanisms for climate strategies, and rarely aligned their emissions reduction targets with global climate agreements. 
However, the tide is turning dramatically, driven by a powerful wave of stakeholder pressure and a remarkable shift in investor sentiment. As the professional services sector awakens to its environmental responsibilities, and businesses with over 250 employees and £36m in revenue being required <a href="https://ecologi.com/articles/blog/does-your-business-need-to-disclose-its-carbon-emissions">by law</a> to report their emissions,  accountancy firms are stepping up to take meaningful climate action. These pioneering firms are demonstrating how sustainability can enhance business performance while making a positive environmental impact.
Read about four accountancy firms that are championing climate action, and explore how they are turning environmental challenges into business opportunities.
<ol>
<li><a href="#grunberg">Grunberg &amp; Co: Leading Innovation in Sustainable Accountancy</a></li>
<li><a href="#bishop-fleming">Bishop Fleming: Driving Employee Engagement Through Climate Action</a></li>
<li><a href="#duncan-toplis">Duncan &amp; Toplis: Rallying Teams Around Sustainability Goals</a></li>
<li><a href="#kreston-reeves">Kreston Reeves: Driving Growth by Pioneering Sustainable Advisory Services</a></li>
</ol>
Whether it&#8217;s engaging employees, measuring carbon footprints, or developing new service offerings, these firms are setting the standard for sustainability in accountancy.

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<h2>Grunberg &amp; Co: Leading innovation and gaining competitive advantage in sustainable accountancy</h2>
Key Improvements: 
• Achieved complete transition to paperless operations 
• Installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout offices 
• Implemented renewable energy transition plan 
• Established clear net zero target for 2030 
• Created transparent carbon footprint reporting system
Grunberg &amp; Co stands out as a smaller practice making bold sustainability commitments, proving that size doesn&#8217;t limit environmental impact. Under Managing Partner Robert Bean&#8217;s leadership, they&#8217;ve implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy focusing on practical, achievable goals. Their transition to paperless operations and installation of energy-efficient LED lighting demonstrates how technological innovation can drive environmental improvements. What makes their approach particularly interesting is their market positioning &#8211; they&#8217;ve recognised that demonstrating carbon consciousness gives them a competitive edge in client acquisition. Their commitment to achieving net zero by 2030 is backed by concrete actions and transparent reporting through the Ecologi platform.
Robert Bean, Managing Partner, said:
<blockquote>The climate crisis is an important issue, not just for me, not just for our firm, but for the world&#8230; It shouldn&#8217;t just be about the big four; it should be about all firms taking small steps to get to net-zero. Once you get down to it, it&#8217;s much more simple than you think it&#8217;s going to be. So don&#8217;t be fearful of it, and just plunge in and go for it.</blockquote>

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<h2>Bishop Fleming: driving employee engagement through climate action</h2>
Key Improvements: 
• Established three-pillar sustainability framework 
• Implemented sustainable procurement policy with local suppliers 
• Reduced business travel through smart policies 
• Launched employee engagement initiatives including beach cleanups 
• Integrated sustainability into recruitment strategy, attracting 70 new apprentices annually
Bishop Fleming has distinguished itself by embedding sustainability into its core business strategy through their three pillars: Healthy Business, Healthy Communities, and Healthy Environment. Their approach is particularly noteworthy for its focus on talent attraction and retention &#8211; they&#8217;ve recognised that their annual intake of 70 new apprentices prioritizes employers with strong environmental credentials. The firm&#8217;s practical implementation combines high-level strategy with grassroots engagement: they&#8217;ve focused on sustainable sourcing from local suppliers, implemented smart business travel policies, and launched innovative employee engagement initiatives like beach cleanups with Surfers Against Sewage. Their climate action work has enabled them to measure their carbon footprint accurately and communicate progress effectively through internal webinars.
Ewan McClymont, Head of Responsible Business, said:
<blockquote>It is very clear that this generation of school leavers and graduates want to work for an organisation that is being proactive on sustainability and the environment. Our focus in this area has certainly helped in our recent re-accreditation as a Great Place to Work®.</blockquote>

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<h2>Duncan &amp; Toplis: rallying teams around sustainability goals</h2>
Key Improvements: 
• Generated 73,000+ units of renewable electricity through solar panels across four locations 
• Implemented comprehensive Green Initiative Policy across all offices 
• Created dedicated Sustainability Champion role with expansion plans 
• Delivered educational ESG webinar series for staff and clients 
• Set clear target to achieve net zero within 5-8 years
Duncan &amp; Toplis&#8217;s journey exemplifies how regional accountancy firms can lead in sustainability. Their comprehensive approach includes eight specific ESG targets integrated into their corporate strategy, from achieving net zero status to implementing sustainable stationery across all locations by December 2024. The firm&#8217;s commitment is evidenced by tangible actions &#8211; their solar panel installation across four offices has generated over 73,000 units of renewable electricity, demonstrating immediate environmental impact. Their Green Initiative Policy extends beyond energy to include green space transformation and waste minimization. What sets them apart is their structured approach to engagement: they&#8217;ve created a dedicated Sustainability Champion role and delivered a series of three webinars focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects. Working with Net Zero Now, they&#8217;ve not only measured their carbon footprint but identified that utilities, transport, IT, and goods/services are their primary emission sources, allowing for targeted reduction strategies.
The Duncan &amp; Toplis Leadership Team, stated that:
<blockquote>The purpose of our firm is to positively impact people, our communities and the world around us. We believe that by calculating our carbon footprint and setting ambitious Net Zero targets, not only will we ensure that we are authentic, but it also helps us to create an organisation that is fit for the future.</blockquote>

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<h2>Kreston Reeves: driving growth by pioneering sustainable advisory services</h2>
Key Improvements: 
• Achieved B Corp certification in December 2022 
• Achieved carbon neutral status after calculating their carbon footprint with Ecologi in 2021 
• Established comprehensive ESG reporting framework 
• Created Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) leads 
• Launched Kreston Reeves Foundation for community impact 
• Implemented tree planting initiative for every client in 2024, achieving over 66k trees funded for planting 
Kreston Reeves demonstrates how accountancy firms can embed sustainability into their core business strategy while achieving significant growth. Their achievement of B Corp certification and commitment to continuous improvement showcases their comprehensive approach to environmental and social responsibility.
How Kreston Reeves drives sustainability: 
The firm has implemented a comprehensive ESG strategy that combines environmental action with social impact. Their approach focuses on measurable outcomes and transparent reporting, while maintaining their position as industry leaders in sustainable advisory services.

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<a href="https://www.krestonreeves.com/people/james-peach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Peach, Audit and Assurance Partner</a> and SDG 13 ‘Climate action’ lead commented: 
<blockquote>As a firm, we recognise the part we must play in acting against the climate crisis, which is why our dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal ‘Climate action’ is so important to us. We’re proud to see the positive, tangible impact these projects are having on the planet, and we’re excited to continue working with Ecologi to reach more milestones!</blockquote>

As these leading accountancy firms show, meaningful climate action can drive significant business benefits—from stronger customer and employee engagement to enhanced brand reputation and risk mitigation. By taking a thoughtful, transparent, and impactful approach, businesses can pave the way for a sustainable future through climate leadership.
Ready to take the lead in climate action? Book in a 30 minute discovery call with our Accountancy sector experts and find out more about partnering with Ecologi to measure your emissions, set reduction goals and fund high-quality climate action on the road to net-zero.

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