Our GHG Emissions
Table 1 below discloses the total amount of emissions in tonnes of CO2-eq for Scopes 1 and 2 and business travel emissions under Scope 3 for the past four financial years, starting from the 2019 baseline.
This year, we have revisited our baseline emissions calculation to be in line with PwC global network’s methodology, and we will provide further details on the data and methodology used (incl. modification of our 2019 baseline) and also on what actions have been taken to reduce our emissions to reach our targets.
Table 1: Annual PwC Luxembourg GHG Emissions (tonnes of CO2-eq)
| Actual Data (tCO2 eq) | ||||
| Summary emissions estimates | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Scope 1 Total | 312 |
195 | 181 | 304 |
| Scope 2 Total | 402 | 412 |
655 |
460 |
| Scope 3 Total | 5529 | 2671 | 307 | 1640 |
| Total | 6242 |
3278 | 1143 | 2404 |
Below we discuss the data and methodology in greater detail provided in Scope 1, 2 and travel-related Scope 3 emissions:
- Scope 1 emissions
- Scope 2 emissions
- Scope 3 emissions
Scope 1 emissions
The Scope 1 emissions comprise of our direct emissions emitted through owned or controlled assets, including the fuel oil consumption necessary to operate our generators and the amount of petrol and diesel used for our firm’s vehicles (Car sharing, owned tractors to remove snow, etc). This year, for the first time, we have also included the fuel oil consumption of our long-term leased cars (for business trips, excluding private journeys), which has significantly impacted our 2019 baseline emissions.
What's next?
Reducing Scope 1 emissions from the company car fleet remains a priority. As of January 2023, we’re committing to rent only hybrid or electric cars. This is consistent with our 2030 ambition to have 100% electric cars.
Scope 2 emissions
The Scope 2 emissions encompasses our indirect emissions associated with the energy (mainly power and heating) that we buy. Our 2019 baseline has remained unchanged since last year’s report.
Our main office building since 2014, Crystal Park, is an energy-efficient building, achieving an excellent rating from the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). We purchase 100% renewable electricity generated in Norway from wind and hydroelectricity from the Luxembourg Energy Office. This energy is included in the purchased renewable electricity in evaluating the emissions. At the end of 2023, Crystal Park will also host 50 charging stations for our electric cars. As of today, PwC Luxembourg with its 7 PwC Satellite Offices close to the Belgian, French and German borders, aims to reduce commuting distances and related CO2 emissions.
What's next?
In April 2022, we announced our commitment to move to a new building in 2027, which will be a Taxonomy Compliant and Carbon Neutral building (in construction and operations) and that uses 100% renewable electricity - WELL and BREEAM environmentally certified. The new building will further reduce electric consumption by about 30 %, thanks to photovoltaic panels, as well as our primary energy needs when it comes to heating (reduction of 70%).
Scope 3 emissions
Our Scope 3 emission reduction and offsetting commitment is currently limited to business travel. For air travel, the categorisation of flights was reviewed in 2022, and the emission coefficients have been adapted according to the class type. Flight categorisation has been improved in the last year, and the emission coefficients have been adapted according to the type of class. We have also widened Scope 3 by including more relevant data for land-based travel and accommodation. Together, these methodological changes resulted in a significant increase in our 2019 baseline estimate for Scope 3.
Improving the travel policy
While travel-related emissions are likely to increase again in FY23 as we reconnect with our clients and our network after the pandemic, we are already taking the first steps to deliver our commitment to reduce travel-related emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to FY19 baseline). The travel policy will be adapted to challenge our People to choose travel solutions that offer the best compromise in terms of environmental and time costs.
What's next?
Development of Travel Dashboard
An analysis of air travel data is being conducted this year to better understand what causes emissions increases, to develop targeted actions and to impose the newly adopted travel policy. The data will be displayed through a Travel Dashboard allowing real-time monitoring and transparent reporting that will enable our People to make better and more responsible decisions during business travel.
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