geisha.kowlessar@guardian.co.tt
PwC firms across the Caribbean have committed to offset 100 percent of their business, air travel and energy consumption to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Through this transformative initiative, PwC firms operating in The Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, East Caribbean, Jamaica, T&T and Turks and Caicos, have each made the pledge to reduce absolute carbon impact while driving efficiently.
In a statement Zia Paton, Advisory Partner and Corporate Responsibility Leader, PwC T&T explained, “PwC in the Caribbean is setting an example and demonstrating that businesses have a key opportunity to grow demand for clean energy across the globe.
“We are proud to adopt this proactive initiative implemented by the PwC global network as we do our part in minimising the environmental impact from our operations.”
She noted the company was also engaging people to raise awareness of sustainability issues and encouraging them to take action to reduce their own environmental impacts.
“This underscores our overall perspective as PwC in the Caribbean already supports a number of environmental and sustainability-focused non-profit organisations throughout the region,” Paton added.
PwC’s environmental initiatives around the Caribbean include PwC T&T completed renovation of its Port-of-Spain office to reduce energy consumption.
The firm now occupies four floors instead of five and has installed motion-sensor lights and air conditioning timers.
Additionally, all meeting rooms are equipped with audio and video conference technology to encourage employees to use online meeting forums and reduce their local and international travel needs, the statement said.
“As an added benefit, this flexibility is greatly appreciated by PwC’s employees since it reduces transit-related stress and encourages greater productivity,” the statement added.
It said with the collective support of partner firms in Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas and T&T, PwC was the sustainability sponsor supporting the climate change and risk reduction presentation at the 37th Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) Conference of Accountants held recently in Jamaica.
PwC Bermuda is also taking action to support a more sustainable future by investing in a number of environmental sustainability initiatives such as ‘clean parks’.
PwC Bermuda has offset its no single-use plastics and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.
PwC Cayman Islands has continued its support for shark and PwC Bahamas has invested in reusable PwC water bottles, coffee mugs, plates, cups and utensils for staff at its office.
“These commitments are in recognition of the need to accelerate the pace of change when it comes to managing our carbon footprint and contributing to creating and maintaining sustainable and thriving communities,” Paton added.