Kpmg, be sustainable to compete

Our goal is to accompany players in the energy sector along the path of decarbonisation and energy transition. The challenge is to assist our clients towards business and operating models that ensure environmental sustainability, universal access to energy and energy security. Models that provide for the centrality of the customer to whom we offer totally decarbonised energy products and services, considering all the emissions generated during the life cycle”. PierMario Barzaghi is Partner & Head of Sustainability of KPMG Italia, a company present in 143 countries around the world, with 265,000 professionals, active globally in business services.He was recently appointed as a member of the committee of experts supporting EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) to provide technical advice on sustainability reporting standards at EU level. of training courses on sustainability at some Italian universities (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, SDA Bocconi, Tor Vergata University in Rome, LIUC University in Castellanza).

How much has awareness in terms of environmental impact increased in the business world?
“A lot, but it has increased especially in the last period. Just as awareness of the complexity of climate issues and the commitment necessary to achieve the objectives has increased. On the results of the commitment, single and shared, and the effects of the measures linked to example to the Pnrr, we need to think in the long term”.

What are, in detail, the most effective lines of action suggested by KPMG?
“The starting point is the definition of a clear ESG strategy with respect to which to launch a transformative program aimed at implementing a green, adaptive and resilient operating model. The evolution of the business passes from the transformation of the structure of key processes: technology and digitalisation, capital allocation, commercial strategies, open innovation, M&A integration, to close with the most important represented by human capital”.

He often underlines that the impact of green innovations on the economy leads to growth: investing is also worthwhile from an economic point of view. Don’t companies feel “forced” to be sustainable?
“Exactly, for two orders of reasons. First, because the consumer asks for it and the market recognizes it, as does the investor. Green initiatives are recognizable, provided they are concrete and not purely marketing operations, therefore linked to the temptation of greenwashing But then there is an equally important aspect: investments in the environment have a fundamental social implication, attracting and retaining – thanks to the drive towards research – the best talents. But there is no shortage of risks”.

Which ones, for example?
“Companies must become aware that adopting ESG models, referring in particular to the largest regulatory platform of reference, the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and in general being sustainable and embarking on an energy transition path is not only a question of regulatory obligation. Since the market and the stakeholders have become sensitive to these issues, sustainability is a competitive factor, capable of determining the very survival of companies on the market”.