Forvis Mazars brings net zero target forward in ESG overhaul
Forvis Mazars has released its 2024 UK Sustainability Report, setting out a sharpened set of environmental and social goals, including a revised net zero target and a broader push to embed ESG considerations throughout the organisation and its services.
The professional services firm has brought forward its net zero emissions target across its operations and value chain by five years, from 2050 to 2045.
The new goal is backed by science-based emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, a move the firm says reflects both urgency and accountability in how it manages climate risk.
“At Forvis Mazars, we take pride in our ability to evolve as we continuously prepare for what’s next,” said James Gilbey, CEO of Forvis Mazars in the UK.
“Our approach to sustainability reflects our forward-looking approach, aiming to create lasting positive change, not just for our people and clients, but for society as a whole.”
The report comes at a time when professional services firms are under pressure to not only manage their own ESG footprints, but also to advise clients navigating tightening regulatory requirements and disclosure frameworks.
Forvis Mazars says it has expanded its involvement in sustainability standard-setting initiatives, offering input through external panels and committees, and producing thought leadership content.
On the social side, the firm reported a 77% increase in work experience placements offered to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
It also deepened its partnership with the education charity IntoUniversity, hosting a sustainability-focused hackathon to help students develop both their environmental awareness and digital skills.
In addition to community engagement, the firm said it had improved internal governance and quality control frameworks. These include updated quality assurance procedures and enhanced Quality Risk Management training.
It also cited greater integration of AI tools, piloting applications designed to streamline internal processes, such as a new data breach reporting tool.
Resources & Whitepapers
Accounting Software The power of customisation in accounting systems
Technology and governance were cast as central to maintaining service quality, particularly as professional standards and stakeholder expectations evolve.
While the report notes the benefits of automation, it also flags the need for ethical oversight, citing the development of a “control environment” around new digital tools.
Forvis Mazars continues to position itself as a firm navigating the dual pressures of growth and ESG responsibility. The sustainability report reflects a wider sectoral shift, where ESG initiatives are becoming a defining element of corporate strategy rather than a parallel exercise.
