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As part of a week-long programme, employees at the firm's London offices have been cycling on a specially designed bike that demonstrates how much energy you need to generate to charge an iPod, mobile phone or power an energy efficient light bulb.

The energy bike was provided by Global Action Plan, a practical environmental charity that helps people make positive changes in their workplace, home, school, and community.

The charity was created in 1993 to focus on the practical activities people can take in their everyday lives for a better world.

In the UK, they work with individuals, communities, schools, SMEs and large companies to help people and organisations make substantial environmental and financial savings.

Carbon neutral 

Nationwide, employees at the Big Four firm were encouraged to continue to do their bit by using alternatives to travel, sustaining the significant progress the firm has made in reducing its environmental impact since announcing its carbon neutral commitment in 2007.

The firm has saved over one million miles of air travel by using new and updated video conferencing facilities, 85 per cent of electricity is now provided from renewable sources, 60 per cent of waste is recycled and 89 per cent of it diverted from landfill.

Moira Elms, a management board member at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, said that the campaign had been a really fun way to get people involved in an issue that is close to the firm’s heart and activities.

“The fantastic response by our people certainly demonstrates their interest in not only taking part, but making a personal difference to our sustainability performance as well,” she added.

Climate change slipping down the agenda

As part of PricewaterhouseCoopers overall sustainability programme, activities over the past twelve months have included:

• the introduction of a range of learning and development programmes including dedicated modules in responsible leadership and sustainability;
• promotion of seasonal produce in on-site catering through a sustainable procurement initiative;
• a reduction in air travel by one million miles through the use of the firm’s Telesuite video conferencing facilities;
• recycling of 60 per cent of the firm’s waste, including the diversion of 85 per cent from landfill: the equivalent weight of
• 250 desk side printers in aluminium cans
• One double – decker bus full of toner cartridges
• 5000 laptops weight of plastic cups

Employee’s community commitment increased by 30 per cent with 3,810 employees volunteering in communities nationwide.

Over £5.9m - a 40 per cent increase - was contributed through donations, professional time and volunteering support, including the firm’s twenty year programme supporting schools and charities in the boroughs of Southwark and Westminster.

PwC's Global CEO survey recently reported that climate change had slipped down the agenda for UK CEOs, with only a third 'extremely concerned' about its threat to UK business growth and prosperity.

Sixty-four per cent called on the government to show leadership in developing mitigation strategies for addressing climate change.

Overall last year's concern about climate change and natural resource shifted to the more immediate threat of the rising cost of energy globally.

Related articles

• How green is your accountant?
• New climate change guidance for financial sector
• Global business backs climate change action

Related links

• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Global Action Plan