• The firm voluntarily published gender pay gap data, which has stood at 6.2% since 2023.
• It needs to tackle its Scope 3 or indirect emissions; the company attributes this to short-term changes, such as building work.

MHA, a UK accountancy, audit and business advice specialist, has published its 2024 ESG report detailing its commitment to get to net zero by 2030.

The report will help the company operate with transparency in sustainable practices and allow stakeholders to delve deeper into its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

MHA has partnered with an independent firm to track and report carbon emissions to achieve net-zero goals. It has successfully reduced its direct emissions (Scope 1) by almost 40% between March 2023 and March 2024. However, over the years its indirect emissions have increased, raising alarm bells.

The accountancy firm operates in line with the TCFD guidelines to disclose its climate-related financial risks. This reporting framework is compulsory for larger organisations; MHA is following it to gain insights into where carbon reductions will have the greatest impact and to approach these changes as opportunities.

To reduce its carbon footprint, MHA has initiated several actions, such as appointing net-zero heroes in UK offices to drive carbon reduction efforts, planting a new tree when a new staff member joins in partnership with Ecologi, moving away from petrol cars, reducing air travel, and adopting a paperless approach.

On the social front, the company has launched the MHA 1892 Foundation to promote financial literacy and offer career development opportunities for young people. It has also established seven networks within the firm to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, and inclusivity, including networks for pride, faith, and gender equality.

Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, partner and head of sustainability ESG, said: "The publication of our carbon emissions represents transitional alignment with the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), established by international finance body Financial Stability Board (FSB).

"Only the world’s largest organisations are required to disclose this information, but we decided to do so voluntarily, giving us real clarity about the areas of carbon reduction which will have the biggest impact on our net zero ambitions and allowing us to approach carbon reduction as a real opportunity.

"Over the past year, we have undertaken several projects which have impacted our short-term indirect carbon emissions figures but will significantly benefit our long-term roadmap. This includes building and construction work, which will improve the long-term efficiency of our workplaces."

To learn more about MHA's 2024 ESG Report, click here.

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Source: MHA