- EY is one of 17 global companies to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s 2023 Terra Carta Seal
- The EY organization has been recognized for promoting long-term value creation and collaboration with clients, international bodies and likeminded organizations to drive transformation in sustainability reporting
- Designed by Sir Jony Ive, the Terra Carta Seal embodies the vision and ambition of His Majesty King Charles III and the Terra Carta
The Sustainable Markets Initiative today announces that the EY organization has been awarded its 2023 Terra Carta Seal. The Seal recognizes global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future.
The Terra Carta Seal is awarded to companies that have demonstrated the success of a high-impact, large-scale, company-wide project, initiative or strategy that aligns with one or more of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s 10 Terra Carta Articles. The Articles underpin the Terra Carta, the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s guiding mandate that provides a road map and framework to accelerate the transition to an ambitious and sustainable future, placing ‘”Nature,” “People” and “Planet” at the heart of global value creation.
The EY organization is recognized for its ability to collaborate with clients, international bodies, business leaders and other like-minded organizations to achieve collective goals beyond the reach of any single entity.
The EY organization was an early mover, collaborating with the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism and 30 global companies representing a workforce of 20m people throughout the investment value chain and US$30t of assets under management to demonstrate that organizations are more likely to create sustainable long-term value, including societal impact, by improving their ability to identify, measure and communicate this value. The project produced a long-term value framework, along with associated metrics, to define and measure long-term value, used by EY professionals and others today to tell a strategic, holistic story on the value they create for all stakeholders.
The EY organization also worked with its Big Four colleagues and Bank of America as part of the World Economic Forum International Business Council’s (WEF-IBC) Stakeholder Metrics Initiative, introducing a curated set of metrics, drawn from existing standards, to allow comparability and consistency across four foundational pillars: “Planet,” “People,” “Prosperity” and “Principles of governance”. More than 200 global businesses across industries have committed to disclosing these metrics in their annual or sustainability reports.
This effort has led to several productive private sector engagements and offers of support for the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), established at the United Nations Conference of the Parties in 2021 (COP26), in the quest to establish a global baseline for sustainability reporting.
Beyond helping transform how businesses approach sustainability reporting, this work has significantly influenced EY teams strategy. This includes expanding disclosures, fortifying the EY Global Non-Financial Reporting Hub; launching an integrated annual Value Realized Report , while broadening its environmental, social and governance (ESG) service offerings for clients.
Today, the EY organization remains dedicated to enhancing transparency and accountability. The commitment extends to driving further convergence and optimization of non-financial reporting standards through collaborations with standard setters, international institutions and helping clients through their journey.
Carmine Di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO, said:
“As the EY organization proudly receives the Terra Carta Seal, it symbolizes a significant milestone in the EY journey towards sustainable and inclusive business practices. This recognition underscores an unwavering commitment to measuring what matters, increasing transparency and creating long-term value for EY people, clients and society. The Terra Carta Seal serves as a testament to ongoing efforts and dedication to delivering value to EY stakeholders and building a better, more sustainable working world.”
The Terra Carta Seal was launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales. Since its inception, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has awarded its coveted Seal to just 83 companies globally.
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO, Sustainable Markets Initiative, says:
“The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal recognises those companies which are taking great strides in delivering real-world outcomes. As we stand on the eve of COP28, public, private sector and philanthropic actors will come together at the inaugural Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum to bridge the gap between ambition and action. It is examples exemplified by the 2023 Terra Carta Seal winners that are helping to inspire and lead the way.”
For the first time this year, the judging process involved independent, external partners Verdantix and the Expert Review Panel, who worked together to assess the eligibility and impact of each nominated project against recognized global sustainability criteria.
David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix, says:
“We are privileged to work with the Sustainable Markets Initiative, contributing our expertise in independent evaluation to the judging process. We take great pride in being an integral part of this esteemed global initiative, alongside a distinguished and diverse panel of experts. Together, we are dedicated to acknowledging and applauding the companies who lead the way in demonstrating their commitment to creating a sustainable future.”
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