Peter Lacy named Accenture's Sustainability Lead & Chief Responsibility Officer

Accenture has looked to better the sustainability efforts of its industry rivals by appointing its first Chief Responsibility Officer. Peter Lacy will also function as Accenture’s Global Sustainability Services Lead, in a move that coincides with the announcement of a raft of new goals relating to the firm’s carbon footprint.

Peter Lacy is currently the leader of Accenture Strategy in Europe, and Sustainability globally. He has decades of industry experience advising senior leaders of companies and public organisations on strategy development, digital transformation, innovation and sustainable growth – having worked as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, and a Strategy Consultant with Andersen Consulting along the way.

A recognised expert on sustainability, having pioneered the quantifying of value of the circular economy, Lacy has authored two books: 'Waste to Wealth' and its follow-up, 'The Circular Economy Handbook'.

“I am excited that Peter will step into this critical new role, as we help create sustainable growth for our clients and continue to lead the way toward a future of shared success,” said Accenture’s Global CEO Julie Sweet. “Peter is a trusted advisor with an unparalleled ability to understand sustainability as a lens for growth, and I know his visionary leadership will drive groundbreaking results for our clients and for our company.”

Lacy will take on the newly created roles of Chief Responsibility Officer and Global Sustainability Services Lead as of December 1st, and will work to oversee the integration of sustainability and responsibility for all stakeholders into its client services as well as Accenture’s operations.

This will see him work closely with clients and ecosystem partners to help transition industries to low-carbon energy; reduce the carbon footprint of IT, cloud and software; design and deliver net-zero, circular supply chains; embed sustainable practices; and reskill workforces. Lacy will also join Accenture’s Global Management Committee.

In this position, Lacy will also oversee Accenture’s own efforts to match the climate goals of its rivals. For example, Accenture will look to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025 – five years ahead of the bulk of the consulting industry’s top table, who more often set this target for 2030.

The consultancy will look to reduce emissions by powering offices with 100% renewable energy, and enabling Accenture’s people to make climate-conscious travel decisions. By 2025, Accenture will also look to move to zero-waste work, reusing or recycling 100% of e-waste, such as computers and servers; and will eliminate single-use plastics in all locations at the conclusion of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Finally, Accenture will anticipate heightened water-risk, developing plans for their facilities to reduce the impact of flooding, drought and water scarcity in high-risk areas by 2025.