Committed to protecting the planet

Building upon our previous commitments to climate action in accordance with UN Sustainable Development Goal 13, we have set science-based targets to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For our remaining footprint, we will remove carbon from the atmosphere through mainly nature-based solutions—and reach net-zero climate impact by 2030.

Consistent with a 1.5-degree pathway, from a 2019 baseline, we will reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 25 percent by 2025, including by increasing our use of renewable electricity. We will also reduce our Scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel 30 percent per employee over the same timeframe by embracing alternative working models as we transition into the next normal.

These new firmwide commitments expand upon our 2018 commitments to reduce emissions, transition to 100 percent renewable electricity, and become carbon neutral. Learn more about our carbon footprint (PDF).

During our transition to net-zero, we will continue to compensate for all our emissions, including those from travel, by investing in carbon-reduction projects certified to international standards.

Nearly two-thirds 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 46 percent of our global office space meets this standard. Our Atlanta and Brussels offices recently achieved LEED Gold and BREEAM Excellent certification, respectively, and additional projects are under way. 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.

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 65 percent of our carbon footprint.