Professional services firms have a critical role to play in the net-zero transition. Not only by reducing their own emissions, but by shaping the decisions, strategies, and investments of the companies they advise.
About the initiative
The Consulting Working Group led by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) is part of the Serviced Emissions Hub, a research and engagement initiative chaired by Oxford Net Zero that seeks to advance implementation of climate alignment within professional services, far beyond operational footprints.
The purpose of the Working Group is to convene consulting firms to collaborate on the development of leading practices for climate alignment. We aim to 1) support the consulting industry in turning their influence and advisory services into measurable climate leadership, and 2) establish net-zero-aligned portfolios as the industry standard.
This is an opportunity to help define what future-fit consulting looks like and establish the new standard for 1.5°C-aligned professional services.
Why being part of the working group
We’re looking for consulting firms that want to turn influence into measurable climate leadership
1. Strategic implementation of Serviced Emissions
Gain access to leading climate frameworks, methodologies and tools for implementing serviced emissions with guidance and support from ERI and the Serviced Emissions Hub. Learn by doing to be at the forefront of the transition to a net-zero-aligned economy.
2. Collaborative space and influencing opportunities for leading consulting firms
Collaborate with leading firms on the development of best practices for climate alignment. Influence and contribute to global climate standards and frameworks (e.g. Green House Gas Protocol, SBTi, ISO Net Zero Standards) to accelerate action and increase credibility and accountability in the consulting sector.
3. Strengthen your position as a leader of the net zero transition
Partners are offered opportunities to engage in thought leadership activities, showcase their work and co-host panels or roundtable events at key climate forums e.g. London Climate Action Week, Climate Week NYC, COP and Davos.
Serviced Emissions Framework
“Serviced emissions” refer to the greenhouse gas emissions that a professional services provider enables through its advice, creative work, or strategic decisions.
Professional Services Matrix (PSM) – Strategic approach to Serviced Emissions
The PSM is the strategic, science-based methodology used in the Consulting Working Group for applying the Serviced Emissions Framework. The methodology provides robust and practical guidance for evaluating portfolios across two dimensions: 1) the climate performance of their clients and 2) the potential climate impacts of their project work. By using the PSM, consulting firms can:
Risk Management
Understand current fiduciary risk exposure and avoid reputational damage by identifying and phasing out existing high-carbon and non-1.5°C-aligned projects.
Strengthen competitiveness
Assess the climate impact of the services provided and build a transition roadmap towards strategic portfolios that help clients implement and scale climate solutions.
Market differentiation
Demonstrate credible climate action and systemic risk management to clients, investors, and relevant stakeholders and position their brand as a leader in the transition to a net-zero-aligned economy.
Check out the PSM prototype application here
Interested in Joining the Working Group?
If you would like to know more about the initiative and discuss how you could engage, sign up below to have a chat with us.
