NEW YORK, N.Y. — PricewaterhouseCoopers intends to cut greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 2007 levels by 2012, the professional services firm said this week.
The announcement follows the company's efforts over the last year to measure its carbon footprint and zero in on firm-wide initiatives to reduce emissions in its U.S. operations. Three areas will be targeted: travel, workspace and commuting.
"Climate change has become a matter of managing risks, costs and reputation," Dennis Nally, the company's chairman and senior partner, said in a statement. "We believe that companies that embrace the issue of climate change will be better prepared to compete -- and win -- in tomorrow's increasingly constrained carbon economy."
The announcement was made during a week packed with corporate environmental and social commitments. PricewaterhouseCoopers' decision was unveiled earlier this week when the Carbon Disclosure Project released its latest
findings. Meanwhile, a slew of companies, such as Duke Energy, PepsiCo, Yum Brands and Wal-Mart, among others, announced
partnerships and initiatives during the Clinton Global Initiative Thursday.
Pricewaterhouse Coopers' decision to reduce its environmental impacts is expected to benefit the company in ways that go beyond financial: The move is expected to be used as a recruitment tool, as well as a way to engage workers.
The company's carbon footprint analysis included emissions from infrastructure, supply chain, travel and commuting. It will take advantage of telecommuting and teleconferencing technologies, as well as greener office practices, such as purchasing and duplex printing.
