RSM International, the seventh largest global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, has partnered with BP to ensure its annual World Conference on the 27–30 October in Amsterdam is carbon neutral.

With the carbon footprint of such conferences estimated at around 531 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), based on travel, food and accommodation, BP has been asked to offset RSM’s footprint through its Target Neutral international carbon management programme. To provide context to what this means, 531 tonnes is also the equivalent to: 41,000 average days of driving a car, 87 households yearly emissions from gas and electricity and over 2,700 dishwasher cycles.

Target Neutral is a holistic initiative aimed at both offsetting and reducing global carbon footprints. BP’s low carbon development projects are accredited to an internationally recognised standard. The firm works with companies across the globe to limit the environmental impact of their actions.

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, said: “our partnership with BP gives us the unique opportunity to offset the negative environmental impacts of events such as our World Conference. BP is transforming lives with its work on carbon offset projects around the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries, and we’re proud to have the RSM name alongside this valuable programme.”

The RSM World Conference attracts circa 250 partners from RSM’s global network, together with senior industry commentators and guest speakers covering topics including leadership, innovation and the changing shape of the international accountancy profession.

RSM’s carbon offset will enhance one or more of the six projects within BP’s carbon neutral range of development initiatives around the world, which include methane capture in dairy farms in North America; sustainable building practices in Brazil; green power from landfill gas in Europe; cyclone resistant wind farms in Asia Pacific; reforestation projects in Africa; and green energy biomass projects in Asia.

RSM is also the lead sponsor of the highly prestigious European Business Awards which is also a Carbon Neutral business programme. The carbon neutral projects selected for BP Target Neutral are 100% compliant with the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance’s (ICROA) Code of Best Practice.