We are committed to protecting the planet

As part of McKinsey’s growing efforts related to the climate and environment, we will reduce our emissions by 2025 in line with science-based targets on the 1.5°C pathway. This new commitment is a step forward on our journey toward a net-zero-carbon future. Our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action, is core to fulfilling our purpose of helping create positive, enduring change in the world.

Two years ago, we made our first company-wide commitment on environmental sustainability. We took those steps simply because we know the issue matters—to our people, to our clients, and to society. We became 100 percent carbon neutral. We also became the first global consultancy to join RE100, a coalition of organizations committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity. By reducing the intensity of our travel, transitioning to the use of renewable electricity, and supporting hundreds of local environmental initiatives, we are making significant progress in achieving our growing commitments related to climate. Learn more about our carbon footprint.

We are also engaging our suppliers to help reduce their footprint. We have made this a core topic in commercial conversations with more than 50 of the world’s largest airlines and five large hotel groups, and we are continuing to work with them to strengthen their environmental performance. Together, these suppliers account for nearly 90 percent of our carbon footprint.

To offset all remaining emissions that we have not yet been able to eliminate, including those from travel, we invest in carbon-reduction projects independently verified to international standards.

More than half of our global office space has achieved green-building certification. We target the highest standards for new offices and major renovations (LEED Gold or Platinum, or equivalents). Already 36 percent of our global office space meets this standard. In the last year, two of our biggest offices (London and New York) moved into LEED Gold-certified buildings. We are also committed to minimizing our waste footprint—for example, by reducing single-use plastic in our offices and by expanding our recycling programs.

Beyond our own footprint, we seek to use our knowledge and capabilities to support others who are working to improve the environment.

For more than ten years, McKinsey’s research has provided a fact base on emission-reduction opportunities and their associated costs and investment needs. We put our research into action through pro bono support of environmental not for profits and, most recently, through the work of McKinsey.org. Through its flagship initiative Rethinking Recycling, this McKinsey founded not for profit is developing new recycling solutions that will put all waste to productive use for the benefit of communities and the environment.