London headquartered Deloitte, a business consulting company, announced a new initiative with Google Cloud aimed at helping clients manage climate risks, adopt eco-friendly solutions, and capitalise on the potential of low-carbon offerings.
The initiative will leverage technologies including generative AI and geospatial data to achieve these objectives. This collaboration underscores the broader trend of businesses working together to address climate challenges and promote sustainability in innovative ways.
Deloitte has also announced that it has been recognised as the first global systems integrator with Google Cloud Ready (GCR) – Sustainability designation, a programme that validates Google Cloud-aligned firms with business-ready technology to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.
By combining industry knowledge with Google Cloud’s technology, Deloitte aims to assist public and private organisations in transitioning to sustainability.
Transition to zero-emission vehicles
Deloitte and Google Cloud are collaborating to assist clients worldwide in achieving economic zero emissions. They’ve launched the Electrified Fleet solution, the first of multiple offerings on Google Cloud, which guides companies in transitioning their vehicle fleets to electric.
This solution includes an interactive dashboard for clients to plan their electrification journey, integrate telematics data, optimise resources, and monitor impacts.
Deloitte claims its Electrified Fleet solution has assisted Purolator, a Canadian logistics provider, in becoming a leader in net-zero transportation. Purolator aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
With Deloitte’s strategic roadmap, Purolator is on course to meet its emissions reduction goals and electrify 60 per cent of its last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030.
Cindy Bailey, corporate sustainability officer at Purolator says, “Deloitte’s Electrified Fleet solution has been a tremendous asset to Purolator as we identify ways to reduce our emissions in the near-term and fuel our long-term success by contributing to a better and more sustainable tomorrow.”
Reducing climate risk in the financial services industry
Deloitte and Google Cloud are also collaborating to utilise Google Earth Engine and their combined resources to assist global financial services companies.
They aim to leverage geospatial analytics to enhance visibility and provide insights into climate risks within lending and investment portfolios.
National Westminster Bank (NatWest) collaborated with Google Cloud, Deloitte, and Climate Engine to utilise Google Earth Engine for capturing climate-related data in its commercial banking portfolio, starting with agriculture customers.
Geospatial data provided insights for NatWest’s climate reporting obligations and supported customers’ climate and nature data collection. This data also helps farmers understand field-specific challenges like flood, drought, fire, and biodiversity risks.
The biggest climate problems being addressed
Deloitte and Google Cloud’s joint initiative focuses on sustainability, climate, and equity, helping clients tackle challenges like transitioning to clean energy, utilising sustainable finance, scaling eco-friendly offerings, advancing regenerative agriculture, decarbonising digital models, and creating equitable communities.
Jamie Sawchuk, partner and global sustainability leader for the Alphabet-Google alliance, Deloitte Canada says, “We are excited to be working with Google to take purposeful action to help mitigate climate risks, unlock the value of sustainable products and services, build green communities and green jobs and accelerate our progress toward a global net-zero future.”
Justin Keeble, MD for global sustainability, Google Cloud adds, “Through this programme, Deloitte and Google Cloud can leverage our unique roles to help bolster the momentum to address climate change with cloud-based technologies and AI. We’re eager to work alongside Deloitte and our clients to accelerate action on climate in this urgent decade of delivery.”
Brief about Deloitte
Deloitte is a leading provider of audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to global brands, including most Fortune 500 companies and numerous US private firms. The firm’s focus is on creating a positive impact, building trust, and promoting equity.
With a blend of business insight, technology expertise, and partnerships, Deloitte guides clients in diverse industries to shape their future. As part of a vast professional services network spanning 150+ countries, Deloitte’s member firms have over 175 years of combined experience.