Grant Thornton Ireland reinforces its leadership in credible climate action by achieving SBTi validation
Dublin, August 20, 2026 – Grant Thornton Ireland has achieved validation of its emissions reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global body enabling businesses to set emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. The validation confirms that the firm's climate commitments are aligned with internationally recognised best practice.
The validation follows an independent assessment process and recognises that Grant Thornton Ireland's emissions reduction targets are consistent with the level of decarbonisation required to support efforts to address climate change. It represents an important milestone in the firm's sustainability journey and reinforces its commitment to taking meaningful action to reduce its environmental impact.
Grant Thornton Ireland is one of just 31 companies nationally to have both near‑term and net‑zero targets validated by the SBTi. This places the firm among a small cohort demonstrating the highest level of climate ambition and scientific rigour.
As part of the validation, Grant Thornton Ireland’s commitments were formally recognised as science‑aligned:
- Net‑zero: Achieve net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.
- Near‑term: Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2023 base year and reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 42% within the same timeframe.
- Long‑term: Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2023 base year and reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 90% within the same timeframe.
Grant Thornton Ireland is also one of Ireland's Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) Champions, a national programme that recognises organisations taking practical action to support and promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this role, the firm is committed to leading by example, promoting sustainable business practices and helping to advance progress towards the SDGs across the wider business community.
This commitment is embedded across the firm through four strategic pillars: Environment, People, Community and Governance. These pillars are aligned with the SDGs and guide the firm's approach to responsible business, helping to create long-term value for its people, clients and communities. The SBTi validation supports the firm's contribution to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and demonstrates how Grant Thornton Ireland is translating its sustainability ambitions into measurable action.
Commenting on the achievement, Steve Tennant, Managing Partner, Grant Thornton Ireland and EMEA CEO of the Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform, said:
“SBTi validation provides confidence that Grant Thornton Ireland's targets are robust, measurable and aligned with recognised standards. It strengthens our resolve to reduce emissions, support clients and communities in the transition to a low‑carbon economy and deliver our sustainability strategy. It is also a testament to the expertise and commitment of colleagues across the firm who are helping to drive meaningful change.”
Commenting on the validation, Áine Keogh, Head of Sustainability, Grant Thornton Ireland, said:
“Independent validation is becoming increasingly important as clients, employees and other stakeholders seek greater transparency and accountability in relation to climate commitments. While SBTi validation is a significant milestone, it is not the end point. It confirms the credibility of the work already underway and underpins our commitment to delivering real, measurable emissions reductions over time.”
SBTi validation underscores Grant Thornton Ireland’s ambition to lead with integrity, deliver measurable climate action, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Ireland’s economy and society.
ENDS
About Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is a leading multinational professional services firm in Ireland, with approximately 2,900 people in offices across the island of Ireland, Bermuda, Isle of Man and Gibraltar. Our tax, audit and advisory teams work with organisations across sectors including technology, insurance, asset management, banking, life sciences, and aviation, as well as the public sector. We deliver practical solutions to help organisations achieve their goals, while maintaining our position as a leader in sustainability through long-term value creation, ethical practices and positive social impact.
Since January 2025, Grant Thornton Ireland has been part of the multinational platform established by Grant Thornton Advisors LLC in the US.
Grant Thornton Ireland is also part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
Contact: Fiona MacCarthy – Head of Communications
T: +353 87 000 0107
E: Fiona.maccarthy@ie.gt.com