News

Earth Day 2023: Liza Robbins

April 21, 2023

Sector: ESG

As Earth Day 2023 approaches, it is important to acknowledge the importance of sustainability in the corporate world. Due to the increasing environmental difficulties, it is crucial for businesses to integrate sustainable methodologies into their activities. In this article, Liza Robbins, Chief Executive of Kreston Global, provides her perspective on how tax and accounting specialists can assist businesses in focussing on sustainable practices.

  • Earth Day 2023 theme is ‘Invest in our planet.’ Businesses can profit significantly from a sustainable transition if they invest early on. How do you think businesses will profit – or benefit?

Climate change has become a crucial topic in today’s business world, with various stakeholders such as staff, clients, suppliers, and investors expressing their concerns about the impact of businesses on the environment. As a result, they have high expectations for companies to engage in sustainable practices. Ignoring these issues will result in negative consequences for the reputation and profitability of the business, as sustainable companies are more attractive to stakeholders.

The recruitment and retention of top talent have become significant challenges for businesses globally. Individuals increasingly seek to work for companies that have a positive impact on the planet, and the focus on sustainability can be a key factor in attracting and retaining employees. Therefore, organisations that integrate sustainable practices into their operations will benefit in terms of attracting and retaining talent.

Governments and regulators worldwide are also introducing new policies and laws to combat climate change, and organisations that adopt carbon reduction strategies now will be better equipped to navigate these new requirements. Adopting sustainable practices not only ensures regulatory compliance but also enhances the organisation’s reputation and brand value, positioning the organisation as a trailblazer in sustainability, which is highly attractive to stakeholders. In summary, businesses must recognise that sustainability is not a peripheral issue but a core concern that can drive long-term success and stakeholder satisfaction.

  • What is the role of accounting networks like Kreston Global in the education and behaviour change that firms and their clients need to take us to net zero by 2050?

At Kreston Global, we recognise the significant role we play in driving positive change in the world. As representatives of the accounting profession, we take great pride in our network’s ability to create a lasting positive impact. With over 25,000 individuals across 115+ countries, we have the reach and the influence to shape the global business landscape.

Our connectivity allows us to leverage our position to educate and consult on sustainable business practices, showcasing good practices that positively influence firms and their clients. At Kreston Global, we firmly believe that sustainability is a critical aspect of modern business, and we actively promote this mindset to our network and beyond.

  • Kreston Global recently partnered with Treedom Agroforestry to mitigate the emissions generated by enabling our members to connect face-to-face. What actions have you taken in your firms or your personal life that you can share that will help mitigate or reduce emissions?

At our organisation, sustainability is a top priority, and we have taken significant steps to integrate it into our operations. As part of our Strategic Plan, we have made a commitment to ESG and positive impact, and have enlisted the help of our network experts in this area, establishing an ESG Committee to identify best practice that can be shared across the organisation. We strongly believe that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a critical aspect of responsible business practices.

On a personal level, I am deeply committed to the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle mantra. I believe that we should all be mindful of our consumption patterns and strive to reuse items whenever possible. For instance, I have significantly reduced my car usage and prefer to walk or cycle for short journeys. I am delighted that the pleasant weather has made this more feasible lately.

At Kreston Global, we are also committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We carefully consider our travel plans and aim to combine multiple uses for a single flight whenever possible, such as attending meetings or conferences. We are dedicated to doing our part in creating a more sustainable future, both at work and in our personal lives.

To read more about the sustaiblity and ESG reporting in Kreston Global, click here.