Grant Thornton releases 2024 ESG report highlighting progress towards sustainability, inclusion and growth

Business Wire

22-04-2025

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton, one of America's largest brands of professionals providing end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, has released its sixth annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which highlights the firm's progress towards achieving key sustainability goals throughout fiscal and calendar year 2024 and reinforces its commitment to making Grant Thornton an exemplary place to work.
The report outlines key milestones in the firm's sustainability journey, including approval of its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and investment in renewable energy certificates (RECs) to help reduce emissions. In calendar year 2024, Grant Thornton reduced its overall GHG emissions by 40% from its 2019 baseline, making strong progress toward its 2030 goal of a 55% reduction. In addition, the firm again earned a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis, one of the world's largest providers of business sustainability ratings, which recognized the firm's ongoing excellence in sustainability practices.
'At Grant Thornton, how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver,' said Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. 'Our commitment to responsible and ethical governance is foundational to the trust we build with clients. Running our business responsibly, fostering inclusion and advancing sustainability efforts isn't just smart business, it's the right thing to do. It's how we create lasting value for our clients, our people and our communities.'
The report also emphasizes Grant Thornton's long-standing dedication to inclusion and belonging — a core component of its growth strategy and a top ESG priority for employees. In the past year, the firm:
Was named one of the 'Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion' by the Disability Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year.
Achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for the eighth consecutive year.
Ranked #36 out of 500 businesses on Forbes' 'America's Best Employers for Diversity' list.
'We're committed to creating a workplace where teammates can bring the best of themselves,' said Rashada Whitehead, national managing principal, Culture, Communications & Inclusion. 'While we take pride in the recognitions we've received, our focus remains on listening to our people, driving continuous growth and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.'
Professional development also remained a priority in 2024. Grant Thornton colleagues earned more than 4,000 credentials through the firm's industry-recognized digital badging program. The firm's learning and development initiatives also received top honors from Brandon Hall Group — a human capital management research and advisory firm — including three Gold awards for its audit manager workshop, its industry badging program and a coaching and mentoring program.
Grant Thornton prepared its ESG report with reference to established external ESG frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for the professional and commercial services industry and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The report also describes the alignment of the firm's efforts with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (U.N. SDGs).
To learn more about Grant Thornton's efforts and to download the 2024 ESG Report, visit here.
About Grant Thornton
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
'Grant Thornton' refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.