PA Consulting — full event log
Every event we have on file across every reporting year. The Data-by-year tab summarises the top 10 per year; this page shows them all.
← back to Data by year2024· 13 events
PA purchases renewable energy credits to compensate for any non-renewable electricity sourcing across its global operations, which accounts for the majority of its Scope 2 market-based emissions reduction (3 tCO2e in 2024 vs 316 in 2023). The company has set a SBTi-validated target to source 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 against a 2019 baseline, achieving 99% in 2024 (up from 77% in 2023). PA also maintains ISO 50001 certification for its owned location (Global Innovation and Technology Centre) where it has more control over energy consumption.
sustainability_report p.15
Business travel (Scope 3 Category 6) is PA's single largest emissions source at 5,072 tCO2e in 2024 (down 5% from 5,358 in 2023 and significantly below the 2019 baseline of 9,217 tCO2e). In 2024 PA invested in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Scope 3 credits yielding a -50 tCO2e mitigation, with ambition to seed a long-term SAF industry partnership. PA's SBTi Scope 3 intensity target (per £m EBITDA) of -55% by 2030 covers travel. UK transportation energy fell 44% year-on-year to 2,296,143 kWh in 2024.
sustainability_report p.15
PA invested in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Scope 3 Category 6 credits in 2024, providing a -50 tCO2e mitigation entry in its GHG inventory. The company explicitly states this is the beginning of a long-term partnership and hopes to seed the SAF industry for the future. This is distinct from avoided emissions or traditional carbon offsets and represents an insetting-style approach to supply-chain decarbonisation for business aviation travel. No durable removal technologies (DAC, BECCS, biochar) are mentioned.
sustainability_report p.15
PA purchased renewable energy credits to compensate for any non-renewable electricity sourcing across global operations. This accounts for the majority of Scope 2 market-based reduction, bringing it to just 3 tCO2e in 2024 from 316 in 2023.
sustainability_report p.15
On 10 September 2024, as part of a group rationalisation exercise, the Company increased its investment in PA Consulting Group Holdings Ltd by £398.0 million through exchange of investor loan notes from Garden Midco 1 Ltd for shares.
sustainability_report p.93
Employee commuting (Scope 3 Category 7) is PA's second largest emissions source at 4,155 tCO2e in 2024 (down 1% from 4,201 in 2023, and up from the 2019 baseline of 3,646 tCO2e reflecting expanded headcount since baseline). This is tracked as part of the SBTi Scope 3 intensity target. UK transportation (personal car) data showed a 44% reduction in 2024 to 2,296,143 kWh, contributing to commuting reduction efforts.
sustainability_report p.17
PA Consulting received approval for its Science-Based Targets in 2024. Targets: reduce Scope 1+2 by 75%, reduce Scope 3 intensity (per £m EBITDA) by 55%, source 100% electricity from renewables, all by 2030 vs 2019 baseline. Also aims for net zero across value chain by 2040.
sustainability_report p.15
PA invested in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Scope 3 Category 6 credits in 2024, resulting in a -50 tCO2e mitigation entry. The company views this as seeding a long-term partnership with the SAF industry.
sustainability_report p.15
PA Consulting Group (Qatar) LLC was liquidated on 20 November 2024.
sustainability_report p.87
Purchased goods and services (Cat 1) is PA's third largest Scope 3 category at 8,962 tCO2e in 2024 (down 8% from 9,744 in 2023), primarily driven by subcontractor and professional services spend. In 2024, PA worked on improving its supply chain sustainability management systems as part of its SBTi commitments. The Scope 3 Cat 1 intensity target forms part of the -55% per £m EBITDA reduction objective by 2030.
sustainability_report p.15
PA has been actively decarbonising its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Cambridgeshire, UK — its only owned site. It maintains ISO 14001 certification for its main UK sites and ISO 50001 for GITC where it has more control over energy consumption. The firm has also invested in a 'no mow' biodiversity area at GITC. UK net energy consumption was 3817 GWh in 2024 (+3.2% from 2023). Scope 1 emissions remain near-flat at 314 tCO2e for 2024.
sustainability_report p.15
PA stated it will aim to achieve net zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2040, covering all Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This is in addition to near-term 2030 SBTi targets.
sustainability_report p.15
PA's carbon emissions for calendar year 2024 were verified according to ISO 14064. Emissions calculated per GHG Protocol on Well-to-Wheel and Cradle-to-Gate basis.
sustainability_report p.17
2023· 10 events
PA works with suppliers and customers to spread change across the value chain as part of its climate response. The firm has implemented a Social Value Community of Practice to monitor client requirements and respond to increasing customer expectations around climate change mitigation measures. PA's Sustainability and Circular Economy (S&CE) Proposition is resourced and aligned to capitalise on the growing sustainability market, and the firm is developing wider sustainability-related targets in line with WEF recommendations.
sustainability_report p.17
Employee commuting is one of the largest Scope 3 categories for PA, with global commuting emissions of 4,200.6 tCO2e in 2023 (up 54% from 2022). PA has introduced an EV salary sacrifice scheme and on-site EV chargers to support the transition to lower-carbon commuting, specifically targeting electric vehicles as a risk mitigation for its low-carbon technology risk identified under TCFD.
sustainability_report p.19
PA stated it is seeking ISO 14064 validation of its carbon footprint, signalling intent to obtain independent verification of GHG disclosures.
sustainability_report p.20
Restructuring actions undertaken in 2023 to align workforce with customer demand concluded in 2024. Average fee-earning headcount in 2024 was seven percent lower than in 2023, contributing to employment cost savings.
sustainability_report p.7
During 2023, PA continued improving efficiency at its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC), its only owned building, completing internal refurbishment and further updates to its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The £11m refurbishment project also included a complete roof upgrade and air handling unit replacement to improve thermal efficiency. PA has invested in upgraded submeters for electricity distribution. The firm is in planning stages for heating upgrades at GITC aimed at substantially reducing Scope 1 emissions.
sustainability_report p.19
PA identifies travel-related emissions as a key lever, noting that reducing travel emissions is likely achievable through changes in behaviour rather than substantial investment. Business air travel globally fell 19% year-on-year (from 14.7m km to 11.8m km in 2023), though business train and car travel increased, resulting in net higher overall travel emissions. Continued reduction in air travel supports the 75% Scope 1&2 and 55% Scope 3 intensity reduction targets.
sustainability_report p.17
PA undertook a significant restructuring in 2023, reducing closing headcount by around 11% versus start of year. The restructuring incurred £12.6m of employment, legal and other costs. Expected to deliver annual savings of ~£35m.
sustainability_report p.8
PA has set a target to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources as one of its three SBTi-aligned targets tracked to 2030 against a 2019 baseline. In 2023, the firm identified that increases in emissions occurred on sites without renewable power contracts, and stated it intends to procure post-market instruments to reduce emissions corresponding to non-renewable electricity consumption in the near future.
sustainability_report p.17
The increase in global Scope 1 emissions was partly due to the introduction of Netherlands-based pool car emissions into calculations, representing a scope expansion of reported categories.
sustainability_report p.19
PA set Science-Based Targets: reduce Scope 1 and 2 (market-based) emissions by 75%, source 100% electricity from renewables, and reduce Scope 3 intensity (per £ EBITDA) by 55%. Targets tracked against 2030 with 2019 baseline. Awaiting SBTi validation at time of report.
sustainability_report p.17
2022· 13 events
PA continued to develop and implement its hybrid working model in 2022, noting that as more people returned to the office, commuting emissions increased materially. The company is monitoring commuting data more robustly, having corrected a methodology error from 2021. Hybrid working is described as a structural approach to balancing office occupancy, with no plans to exit main office locations but continued review of lease requirements.
sustainability_report p.11
On 23 May 2022, PA acquired 100% of Design Partners Limited, a strategic and product design consulting firm in Bray, Ireland, for total consideration of £21.3 million generating £14.9m goodwill.
sustainability_report p.92
On 21 November 2022, PA acquired 100% of The Cambridge Group, LLC, a growth strategy consulting firm based in Chicago, US, for total consideration of £16.6 million generating £11.2m goodwill.
sustainability_report p.92
PA collected more information from office landlords and improved data gathering methodologies in 2022, resulting in apparent increases in waste and commuting emissions. The total global tCO2e rose 179% to 8,640.8 tCO2e partly reflecting better data coverage rather than purely real emission increases.
sustainability_report p.13
On 23 May 2022, PA acquired 100% of Design Partners Limited, a strategic and product design consulting company based in Bray, Ireland, for total consideration of £21.3 million. Contributed £3.5m aggregate turnover from acquisition date to year-end.
sustainability_report p.86
PA completed submission for science-based targets, pending validation. Targets: reduce absolute Scope 1-2 emissions by 50% by 2030; source 100% renewable electricity by 2030; reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity by 55% by 2030; achieve net zero by 2040 in accordance with SBTi.
sustainability_report p.11
Employee commuting data contained a methodology error in 2021 (reported as 23,872 km/706.6 tCO2e globally; corrected figure was 8,622,780 km/1,114 tCO2e). 2022 improvements in data collection and allocation methodologies across the broader Scope 3 footprint. Data not strictly comparable year over year.
sustainability_report p.13
Business travel returned towards pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and represented a significant cost and emissions increase (global business travel tCO2e rose from ~988 to ~4,727 tCO2e). PA has noted this as a key cost and emissions driver. The company acknowledges this still represents a reduction from the 2019 baseline and frames its hybrid working model as a structural lever to manage commuting and travel emissions going forward.
sustainability_report p.11
On 21 November 2022, PA acquired 100% of The Cambridge Group LLC, a growth strategy consulting firm based in Chicago, US, for total consideration of £16.6 million. Contributed £1.2m aggregate turnover from acquisition date to year-end.
sustainability_report p.86
PA maintained ISO 14001 environmental management certification for selected locations and ISO 50001 energy management accreditation for GITC (owned facility). The company is also laying groundwork to extend ISO 14001 to new locations.
sustainability_report p.11
PA commenced refurbishment of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) near Cambridge in 2022, including replacing end-of-life air handling plant, re-insulating the roof, and completing replacement of fluorescent lighting with LEDs. A significant reduction in energy consumption is expected post-completion. PA also invested in improved submetering systems to enhance data quality, and maintains ISO 50001 energy management accreditation at GITC.
sustainability_report p.11
PA improved data collection and allocation methodologies across Scope 3 categories in 2022 to ensure correct allocation per GHG Protocol guidance. The company collects more information from landlords on leased office energy and is working to improve robustness and granularity of Scope 3 data generally. The Scope 3 emissions intensity target of 55% reduction by 2030 forms part of the SBTi submission, focused on business travel and other indirect categories.
sustainability_report p.13
PA sourced at least 75% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2022, evidenced across five PA sites where renewable sourcing can be verified. The company has submitted a science-based target to source 100% renewable electricity by 2030 as part of its SBTi-pending submission. PA continues to collect data necessary to switch to market-based electricity emissions reporting. The GITC owned facility maintains ISO 50001 accreditation and is undergoing refurbishment to improve energy efficiency.
sustainability_report p.14
2021· 12 events
PA's board committed in 2021 to reach net zero across all operations by 2030 and to set Science Based Targets in line with a 1.5°C global temperature rise, as part of developing the firm's first formal Carbon Reduction Plan.
sustainability_report p.13
Green Consulting Solutions Limited (renamed PA Consulting Group Limited) acquired PA Consulting Group Holdings Limited on 2 March 2021 for total consideration of £1,842.7m (£1,575.9m equity + £266.8m loan note repurchase). Funded by £650m term loan and £1,182.2m preference shares. First reporting period covers 10 months of trading from acquisition date.
sustainability_report p.5
The holding company incorporated on 20 November 2020 as Green Consulting Solutions Limited was renamed PA Consulting Group Limited on 2 March 2021 following the acquisition of the former PA Consulting Group. This is the first set of results for this legal entity; no financial comparatives are presented.
sustainability_report p.4
2021 marks PA's first formal Carbon Reduction Plan, developed alongside net zero 2030 commitment and SBTi target-setting. The report data was compiled and verified by an external consultancy.
sustainability_report p.13
COVID-19 continued to suppress business travel in 2021, with global air travel emissions down 55% vs 2020. A gradual increase in travel was observed during 2021 as restrictions eased and hybrid working began. Management expects global travel to steadily resume in 2022.
sustainability_report p.13
In 2021, PA's board committed to setting Science Based Targets aligned to 1.5°C and to reaching net zero across all operations by 2030. This forms the basis of the firm's first formal Carbon Reduction Plan. GHG data is compiled and verified by an external consultancy under GHG Protocol and SECR, covering Scope 1 (gas, F-gas), Scope 2 (grid electricity), and Scope 3 (business travel, procurement, T&D losses, waste, commuting).
sustainability_report p.13
GHG reporting follows location-based approach per SECR requirements. However, the report notes that taking into account individual renewable electricity contracts for several offices (including GITC in Melbourn, UK), UK emissions would reduce to 1,900.4 tCO2e and global to 2,574.4 tCO2e under a market-based approach.
sustainability_report p.16
PA frames client sustainability work as a key growth area, including designing new EV chargepoint concepts unveiled at COP26, partnering with clients on sustainable packaging, assisting with the sustainability benefits of organisational agility, and helping clients think about water decarbonisation. The firm expects more business opportunities in these areas as clients accelerate their own sustainability transitions post-COVID.
sustainability_report p.6
The net assets recognised in the 31 December 2021 financial statements were based on provisional assessment. 2021 comparative information was restated: trade and other current liabilities increased by £3.8m, deferred tax liabilities by £0.3m, and goodwill by £4.1m (Note 25.2).
sustainability_report p.88
COVID-19 accelerated adoption of remote and hybrid working at PA, which materially suppressed business travel emissions in 2020 and 2021 (global air travel down 55% year-on-year). Management is transitioning to a permanent hybrid model, balancing the expected recovery of global travel in 2022 against a structurally lower travel baseline as clients and staff move to hybrid ways of working.
sustainability_report p.13
PA holds individual renewable electricity contracts for several offices, including the GITC in Melbourn, UK. Applying these contracts reduces UK location-based GHG from 2,427.3 tCO2e to 1,900.4 tCO2e and global total to 2,574.4 tCO2e. Reporting follows the location-based approach per SECR but the market-based impact of renewables procurement is disclosed separately.
sustainability_report p.16
PA is improving maintenance regimes and upgrading its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Melbourn, UK — its only owned facility. Actions include replacing lighting with LEDs, upgrading the building management system for better analytics, and preparation for a major refurbishment expected to begin in 2022. The firm expects substantial energy savings from these measures on the path to net zero.
sustainability_report p.17