Boston Consulting Group

Carbon per million dollars of revenue. The legacy industry-standard reference (CDP, MSCI). Useful for cross-sector context, but distorted by margin — high-margin firms appear artificially efficient. Read alongside the operational and asset intensities for the full picture.

OpEx (operating expenditure) is the running cost of the business — staff, services, energy, materials. This shows how carbon-intensive operations are per million dollars of spend. Removes the margin distortion that revenue-based ratios introduce.

EVIC (Enterprise Value Including Cash) is the firm's total capital footprint — equity + debt + cash + minority interest. The EU's standard intensity measure (SFDR PAI 3) — answers: how much carbon does each million of capital deployed in this business produce?

PP&E (Property, Plant & Equipment) plus leased real-estate assets is the firm's physical infrastructure on the balance sheet. This shows the carbon intensity of that physical footprint — uses Scope 1+2+3 for consistency with the other headline intensities. Surfaces stranded-asset risk for asset-heavy firms.

Carbon per FTE (full-time-equivalent employee) — the diagnostic measure for people-leveraged businesses where headcount, not capital, drives delivery. Captures the office, energy and travel footprint per person.

• · Puro.earth Registry
• · isometric
• · berkeley_voluntary_registry
• · CarbonPlan OffsetsDB

BCG transitioned direct electricity supply to renewable tariffs wherever feasible and procures unbundled energy attribute certificates (EACs) to reach 100% renewable electricity for the remainder. The firm seeks to align EAC purchases as closely as possible to country and year of electricity consumption. This shift drove ~82% of the Scope 1+2 emissions intensity reduction (95% vs 2018 baseline by 2023).

BCG is transitioning its carbon credit portfolio to 100% carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits by 2030, reaching 52% CDR in 2023 (up from 48% in 2022). The portfolio includes nature-based removals (afforestation/reforestation, mangroves, soil carbon) and hybrid/durable solutions (biochar via NetZero in Brazil and Exomad Green in Bolivia — tenfold increase to >3,000 tons biochar). BCG signed a 15-year DAC partnership with Climeworks and new deals with 1PointFive and CarbonCapture Inc, plus NextGen contracts with 1PointFive (DAC), CarboCulture (biochar), and Summit Carbon Solutions (BiCRS) for first deliveries by 2025. Committed to >100,000 tons durable CDR by 2030 via First Movers Coalition.

• Meetings, events and recruitment digitisation

  BCG redesigned global and regional meetings and L&D programs using a CO2 optimizer tool, reducing emissions per attendee by approximately 40-50%. Virtual recruitment tools and the HT2 (High Touch, High Tech) program produced a 52% reduction in total recruitment-activity carbon emissions vs 2018 baseline (72% intensity reduction accounting for headcount growth).

• Office energy efficiency and green building certifications

  Scope 1+2 reduced 95% per FTE vs 2018. Of remaining reductions beyond renewable electricity, 13% came from reduced natural gas heating and shifting leased car fleet to hybrid/EV (49% of leased cars by 2023, up from 7% in 2018). More than 45 BCG offices hold formal green building certifications (LEED Platinum, BREEAM, HQE Excellent, WELL Gold). New Paris office (Le 75) avoided 394 tCO2e by reusing 81+ tonnes of existing materials.

• Internal meetings and events redesign

  BCG adapted format, cadence and location of practice and global meetings to lower emissions per attendee by approximately 40-50%. Event organizers use a CO2 optimizer tool that identifies the lowest-emission meeting location based on attendee distribution, allowing planners to maximize participation while minimizing emissions and cost.

• Office energy and green building portfolio

  BCG has reduced Scope 1 emissions through reduced natural gas consumption in offices and shifting leased car fleet to hybrid/EV (49% in 2023 vs 7% in 2018). More than 45 BCG offices hold formal green building certifications (LEED Platinum, BREEAM, etc.). New Paris office at 75 Avenue de la Grande Armée achieved HQE Excellent, LEED Gold, and WELL Gold, with circular renovation avoiding 394 metric tons of CO2 by reusing 81+ metric tons of materials, plus rooftop solar and geothermal.

• Business travel reduction (48.5% intensity cut by 2025)

  Business travel makes up ~80% of BCG's emissions. The firm has set an SBTi-validated 48.5% per-FTE reduction by 2025 vs 2018, already achieving 62% reduction by 2023. Levers include: cascading carbon budgets to regions/practices/functions; purposeful co-location teaming models with clients; weekend stays at client sites; case emissions calculator and CO2 optimizer tools for case leaders; promoting train over flight where viable; and supporting SAF adoption via the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance.

• Business travel reduction (~80% of emissions)

  Business travel makes up ~80% of total emissions and is the dominant primary lever. Target: 48.5% reduction per FTE by 2025 vs 2018. By 2023, achieved 62% reduction per FTE (already past target zone). Strategies include cascading carbon budgets to regions/practices/functions, purposeful co-location teaming models, weekend stays at client sites, case emissions calculator dashboards for MDPs and project leaders, shift to rail where possible, and investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance.

• Business travel reduction (60% intensity cut since 2018)

  Business travel is our largest source of emissions. Target: 48.5% per FTE reduction by 2025 vs 2018. Achieved 60% reduction by 2022. Approximately 50% came through changes in the way we travel, 9% through aviation efficiency gains, 1% from SAF. Hybrid and flexible teaming models, weekend stays to reduce trips, default train booking for viable European routes, internal meeting carbon budgeting tools.

• Business travel reduction (largest emissions source)

  Business travel is BCG's largest emissions source. Target: cut Scope 3 business travel by 48.5% per FTE by 2025 vs 2018 baseline. In 2022, intensity was 60% below 2018, with ~50% from changes in travel patterns, 9% from aviation efficiency, and 1% from sustainable aviation fuel. Levers include hybrid/flexible teaming with clients, fewer trips per project, train-first defaults in Europe, and SAF partnerships with Qantas, Air Canada, Neste, SkyNRG, and United.

• Office energy: renewable electricity + fleet electrification

  Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity 94% lower than 2018 baseline. 82% from shift to renewable electricity, 12% from reduced natural gas heating and shifting leased car fleet to hybrid/electric vehicles. Hybrid and electric vehicles now ~40% of leased cars, +400% growth in fully electric since 2018. Several offices committed to renewing only electric leases from 2022 onward.

• Green office buildings and LEED/BREEAM certification

  More than 40 offices hold formal green building certification such as LEED Platinum or BREEAM. Partnered with specialist sustainability firm to develop green office selection and fit-out standards covering energy, water, furniture. Washington DC flagship office achieved 38% reduction in water consumption and 20% reduction in lighting power density vs average office.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) procurement

  Signed new SAF partnerships with Qantas and Air Canada, plus existing SkyNRG, Neste, United Airlines. Supported WEF Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate (SAFc) Emissions Accounting Guidelines. Participated in first joint SAF certificate pilot via Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA). Require RSB CORSIA / ISCC CORSIA certification.

• Fleet electrification (leased vehicles)

  Hybrid and electric vehicles now represent ~40% of BCG's leased cars, with fully electric vehicles up over 400% since 2018. Several BCG offices have committed to renewing only electric leases from 2022 onward. Combined with reduced natural gas consumption, this drove a 12% reduction in Scope 1 emissions intensity.

• Office energy efficiency and green building certification

  BCG targets the highest environmental standards for new offices and renovations, with 40+ offices holding green building certifications (LEED Platinum, BREEAM). The Washington DC flagship office targets 38% lower water and 20% lower lighting power density vs an average office. Combined with renewable electricity, office emissions (Scope 1+2) are 94% below 2018 per FTE.

• Office energy efficiency and green-building standards

  BCG developed green-building selection and fit-out standards. Over 40 offices have green building certification. New London flagship office is BREEAM Excellent / LEED Gold, all-electric with air-source heat pumps, 80m² solar thermal array, 28% lower embodied carbon than RICS benchmark. Office energy target: 92% Scope 1+2 intensity reduction per FTE by 2025 vs 2018 (already achieved 92% in 2021).

• Business travel reduction (largest emissions source)

  Business travel is BCG's most material emissions source. The firm set a 48.5% per FTE reduction by 2025 vs 2018, validated by SBTi. Achieved 87% intensity reduction in 2021 (largely pandemic-driven). Rolling out new case team models, virtual/hybrid meetings, MDP-led change agent network, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchases via SkyNRG, United Eco-Skies, Neste partnerships.

• Leased car fleet electrification

  Hybrid and electric vehicles now represent around one-third of BCG's leased car fleet. In 2021, BCG doubled the number of fully electric vehicles, with some offices committing to renew only electric leases from 2022 onward. Scope 1 emissions from leased cars reduced 13% despite 6% increase in fleet size.

• Office energy efficiency and green real estate standards

  BCG developed a new green-building selection standard for use with brokers during office selection, a green-office refurbishment standard for architects and contractors during fit-out, and best-practice operations documents. The TeamScape program rationalises office space to reduce energy consumption. Direct Scope 1+2 emissions target is 90% reduction per FTE by 2025 vs 2018 baseline.

• Leased car fleet electrification

  The leased car fleet contributed 71% of Scope 1 emissions in 2020. BCG tripled the number of hybrid and electric vehicles leased in 2020, reducing absolute Scope 1 fuel-consumption emissions by 10% despite a 10% increase in fleet size.

• Business travel reduction (30% per FTE by 2025)

  Business travel is BCG's most material emission source (~91 KtCO2e in 2020, 80% below 2018). BCG created an internal taskforce to define next-generation ways of traveling, named MDs in each region to lead local reduction, and built a London-developed travel emissions dashboard being piloted globally. The online booking tool now displays per-flight emissions (Europe, expanding to Asia/NA in 2021), prioritises rail over short-haul flights, and surfaces green hotels and EV/hybrid rental options.

• Supply chain (Scope 3 purchased goods & capital goods)

  Supply chain emissions reported in Scope 3 purchased goods and services and capital goods categories (~120 KtCO2e in 2023 — Other Scope 3). BCG is gathering supplier-specific emissions data via CDP public disclosures for accurate calculation. Standard supplier RFP includes a sustainability questionnaire; 100% of supplier contract templates include a commitment to adhere to the Supplier Code of Conduct. Initiated mandatory prescreening for suppliers in higher-risk countries in 2023, with phased global rollout of ESG due diligence by end of 2024.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption

  BCG has been an early mover on SAF as a component of its net zero strategy, recognising SAF's potential to reduce jet fuel life-cycle emissions by up to 100% vs conventional jet fuel. In 2023, focus was on strengthening partnerships and contributing to an efficient SAF emissions reductions market, including involvement in the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance. BCG reports emissions with and without SAF reductions; in 2023, BCG did not yet use SAF certificates against its inventory.

• Employee commuting including remote work

  Employee commuting Scope 3 category now includes estimated emissions from remote working (added in 2023). BCG's hybrid teaming model and Flex@BCG framework reduce in-office commuting frequency. Local Green Teams (1,500+ members across 100+ offices) drive bottom-up initiatives such as the Amsterdam office's 'Veggie by Default' canteen program, estimated to save ~50 tCO2e annually.

• Supply chain decarbonisation and supplier emissions reporting

  BCG embeds ESG principles in procurement, including a Supplier Code of Conduct, supplier sustainability questionnaires in 100% of RFP templates, and 100% supplier sanctions monitoring. The firm is implementing supplier-specific emissions reporting to improve Scope 3 purchased goods/services and capital goods calculations. Initiatives align with Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the EU CSDDD. CDP partnership thought leadership highlights that supply chains generate 11x the emissions of in-house operations on average.

• Supply chain decarbonisation via CO2 AI and supplier engagement

  Deploying CO2 AI footprint calculator to provide transparency on supply chain emissions. Established sustainable procurement program with supplier sustainability questionnaires integrated into all RFP templates. All category managers attended sustainable procurement training. Worked with CDP on worldwide exclusive partnership to accelerate supply chain decarbonization via CO2 AI Product Ecosystem.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) procurement

  BCG signed new SAF partnerships with Qantas and Air Canada in 2022, while deepening engagement with SkyNRG, Neste, and United. SAF is the most viable in-sector aviation decarbonization lever, delivering up to 85% lower lifecycle CO2 than conventional jet fuel. BCG requires SAF certification under RSB CORSIA, ISCC CORSIA (preferred), RSB Global, RSB EU, ISCC Plus, or ISCC EU. SAF delivered ~1% of the 2022 business travel emissions reduction. BCG participated in the first joint SAF certificate pilot purchase through SABA.

• Supply chain (purchased goods and services) decarbonisation

  BCG evaluates Scope 3 purchased goods and services and capital goods emissions, using supplier-specific CDP data where available. Sustainable procurement integrates a sustainability questionnaire into 100% of supplier RFPs; 100% of supplier contracts require adherence to the Supplier Code of Conduct. Category managers receive sustainable procurement training. As Scope 3 supply chain is the second-largest source after travel, this is becoming a focus area.

• Supply chain (purchased goods & services) emissions engagement

  BCG built automated internal reporting tools to calculate Scope 3 purchased goods & services emissions, supplier-specific data from CDP disclosures where possible. Began piloting sustainability scorecards per spending category and trained 100% of category sourcing managers on integrating sustainability into procurement.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry mobilization

  BCG cofounded the Aviation Climate Taskforce with 10 global airlines and joined Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance, First Movers Coalition (committed to 5% SAF replacement by 2030), Clean Skies for Tomorrow, and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. Direct SAF purchase agreements with SkyNRG (8-year, 100,000 tons/year facility), United's Eco-Skies Alliance, and Neste covering Nordics travel on SAS/Finnair.

• Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) engagement

  BCG engages with airlines leading the low-carbon transition through core consulting and supplier relationship management. Since 2019 BCG has participated in the WEF-led Clean Skies for Tomorrow coalition workstream focused on creating a scalable marketplace for SAF, and supports SBTi aviation sector guidance.

• Supply chain / purchased goods and services

  Other Scope 3 emissions (purchased goods, capital goods, waste, commuting incl. WFH, upstream T&D, fuel- and energy-related activities) totalled ~82 KtCO2e in 2020. BCG quantifies supplier-specific data via CDP disclosures where available and integrates sustainability questions into the supplier RFP template to evaluate energy efficiency and carbon emissions of new suppliers; all category managers received sustainable procurement training.

• Climate consulting impact with clients ($400M / decade)

  BCG committed $400M over the next decade to enable teams to drive climate and environmental impact with clients. In 2020 BCG completed ~400 climate and environment projects with 300+ clients; the core climate team worked on two-thirds of these. The Center for Climate and Sustainability expanded into more industries and geographies. BCG is a knowledge partner to WEF Net-Zero Challenge, supports the UK COP26 presidency, and partners with SBTi, CDP, TED Countdown, WBCSD and US Business Roundtable.