Press release
28 Nov 2023  | London, GB

EY awarded Sustainable Markets Initiative’s 2023 Terra Carta Seal

Press Contact

  • EY is one of 17 global companies to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s 2023 Terra Carta Seal
  • The EY organization has been recognized for promoting long-term value creation and collaboration with clients, international bodies and likeminded organizations to drive transformation in sustainability reporting
  • Designed by Sir Jony Ive, the Terra Carta Seal embodies the vision and ambition of His Majesty King Charles III and the Terra Carta

The Sustainable Markets Initiative today announces that the EY organization has been awarded its 2023 Terra Carta Seal. The Seal recognizes global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future.

The Terra Carta Seal is awarded to companies that have demonstrated the success of a high-impact, large-scale, company-wide project, initiative or strategy that aligns with one or more of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s 10 Terra Carta Articles. The Articles underpin the Terra Carta, the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s guiding mandate that provides a road map and framework to accelerate the transition to an ambitious and sustainable future, placing ‘”Nature,” “People” and “Planet” at the heart of global value creation.

The EY organization is recognized for its ability to collaborate with clients, international bodies, business leaders and other like-minded organizations to achieve collective goals beyond the reach of any single entity.

The EY organization was an early mover, collaborating with the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism and 30 global companies representing a workforce of 20m people throughout the investment value chain and US$30t of assets under management to demonstrate that organizations are more likely to create sustainable long-term value, including societal impact, by improving their ability to identify, measure and communicate this value. The project produced a long-term value framework, along with associated metrics, to define and measure long-term value, used by EY professionals and others today to tell a strategic, holistic story on the value they create for all stakeholders.

The EY organization also worked with its Big Four colleagues and Bank of America as part of the World Economic Forum International Business Council’s (WEF-IBC) Stakeholder Metrics Initiative, introducing a curated set of metrics, drawn from existing standards, to allow comparability and consistency across four foundational pillars: “Planet,” “People,” “Prosperity” and “Principles of governance”. More than 200 global businesses across industries have committed to disclosing these metrics in their annual or sustainability reports.

This effort has led to several productive private sector engagements and offers of support for the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), established at the United Nations Conference of the Parties in 2021 (COP26), in the quest to establish a global baseline for sustainability reporting.

Beyond helping transform how businesses approach sustainability reporting, this work has significantly influenced EY teams strategy. This includes expanding disclosures, fortifying the EY Global Non-Financial Reporting Hub; launching an integrated annual Value Realized Report , while broadening its environmental, social and governance (ESG) service offerings for clients.

Today, the EY organization remains dedicated to enhancing transparency and accountability. The commitment extends to driving further convergence and optimization of non-financial reporting standards through collaborations with standard setters, international institutions and helping clients through their journey.

Carmine Di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO, said:

“As the EY organization proudly receives the Terra Carta Seal, it symbolizes a significant milestone in the EY journey towards sustainable and inclusive business practices. This recognition underscores an unwavering commitment to measuring what matters, increasing transparency and creating long-term value for EY people, clients and society. The Terra Carta Seal serves as a testament to ongoing efforts and dedication to delivering value to EY stakeholders and building a better, more sustainable working world.”

The Terra Carta Seal was launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales. Since its inception, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has awarded its coveted Seal to just 83 companies globally.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO, Sustainable Markets Initiative, says:

“The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal recognises those companies which are taking great strides in delivering real-world outcomes. As we stand on the eve of COP28, public, private sector and philanthropic actors will come together at the inaugural Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum to bridge the gap between ambition and action.  It is examples exemplified by the 2023 Terra Carta Seal winners that are helping to inspire and lead the way.”

For the first time this year, the judging process involved independent, external partners Verdantix and the Expert Review Panel, who worked together to assess the eligibility and impact of each nominated project against recognized global sustainability criteria.

David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix, says:

“We are privileged to work with the Sustainable Markets Initiative, contributing our expertise in independent evaluation to the judging process. We take great pride in being an integral part of this esteemed global initiative, alongside a distinguished and diverse panel of experts. Together, we are dedicated to acknowledging and applauding the companies who lead the way in demonstrating their commitment to creating a sustainable future.”

                                                                                                -ends-

Notes to editors

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About the Terra Carta Seal

Sir Jony Ive and his creative team at LoveFrom created a physical and animated seal engineered with paper that is both simple and beautifully crafted. The design combines a host of natural references including oak leaves, fern, magnolia and honeybees and intricate patterns both in nature and in the arts, creating a visual celebration which reflects the power of and reverence for nature that is at the heart of the Terra Carta.

Read more: The Terra Carta Seal

About the Sustainable Markets Initiative

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, as Prince of Wales, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world’s “go-to” private sector organization on transition. Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action.

Read more: Sustainable Markets

About Verdantix

Verdantix is the essential thought leader for world-enhancing innovation. It supports changemakers with its proprietary data, unique expertise and executive networks. Its impactful analysis is delivered via a digital platform, consulting engagements and in-person events to thousands of decision-makers in more than 100 countries. From offices in London, New York, and Boston, the Verdantix research team applies the principles of rigor, accuracy, and curiosity to help its globally distributed clients solve their most complex challenges. verdantix.com.  

About LoveFrom and Sir Jony Ive:

Sir Jony Ive KBE is a designer. He joined Apple in 1992. As chief design officer, Jony was responsible for all hardware, user interface and packaging design, as well as the major architectural projects Apple Park and Apple retail stores. He led the design team for more than two decades, creating the iMac, PowerBook, MacBook, iBook, iPod, iPhone, iPad, AppleWatch, AirPods and HomePod. Co-founder Steve Jobs referred to Jony as his creative partner. He holds more than 14,000 patents worldwide, uniquely spanning both software and hardware design. Jony currently serves as chancellor of the Royal College of Art, is frequently voted one of Britain’s most culturally influential figures.

In 2019, Jony gathered the creative collective LoveFrom, which includes designers, architects, musicians, filmmakers, writers, engineers, and artists. The combined experience, achievement and recognition of these creatives is without precedent.

The collective has been working quietly together since 2019, announcing multi-year collaborations with Airbnb and Ferrari. It has studios in San Francisco and London. lovefrom.com

Related news

Businesses fall short on climate strategy and action, despite advances in reporting

LONDON, 28 November 2023. This year’s EY Global Climate Risk Barometer suggests a deep disconnect between organizations’ climate and corporate strategy.

EY awarded Sustainable Markets Initiative’s 2023 Terra Carta Seal

LONDON,28 November 2023. The Sustainable Markets Initiative today announces that the EY organization has been awarded its 2023 Terra Carta Seal.

EY supports initiative to drive progress toward corporate accountability for science-based climate targets

LONDON, 24 NOVEMBER 2023. Amid intensifying global climate change, EY teams have been supporting the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to develop a new report that helps organizations better understand the technical challenges associated with the measurement and reporting of progress toward science-based climate targets.

Businesses revise climate targets as reality of long-term sustainability transformation hits

LONDON, 22 November 2023. As the world gears up for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (NFCCC) COP 28, EY has published its 2023 Sustainable Value Study, surveying over 500 chief sustainability officers (CSOs) and equivalents representing companies with revenues over US$1b around the world.

EY announces appointment of Amy Brachio as EY Global Vice Chair – Sustainability

LONDON, 26 JULY 2023. The EY organization announces the appointment of Amy Brachio as EY Global Vice Chair – Sustainability, reporting to Carmine Di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO, as of 1 July.

EY modelling reveals multiple energy transitions accelerating around the world, but handbrakes risk progress

LONDON, 5 DECEMBER 2023 Changes to the energy system have reached critical momentum and will continue to accelerate over the next decade, but several handbrakes pose a serious risk and could stall progress, according to the new EY report, If every energy transition is different, which course will accelerate yours?

Offshore wind reaches crossroads, as spiraling costs and supply chain issues force developers to reassess projects – EY research

LONDON, 14 NOVEMBER 2023 Turbulent times in the offshore wind sector could change the way large-scale energy projects are built and funded in the future, according to the latest EY Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI).

Cyber leaders’ confidence in their organization’s defenses plummets, but costs mount

LONDON, October 12th 2023 – The EY organization today announced an expanded alliance with SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) to help organizations accelerate value-led sustainability action.

EY and Microsoft expand social impact collaboration and advance sustainability education worldwide with Green Skills Passport

LONDON, October 2, 2023 – Today, the EY organization and Microsoft announce the launch of Green Skills Passport, which helps learners aged 16 and over develop skills to find green jobs and pursue opportunities in the growing green economy.

EY reports record global revenue results of just under US$50b

LONDON, 13 SEPTEMBER 2023. The Global EY organization (EY) today announces combined global revenues of US$49.4b for the financial year ending June 2023 (FY23), an increase of 14.2% in local currency (9.3% in US dollars).

EY announces first graduates of EY Masters in Sustainability by Hult

LONDON, 29 JUNE 2023. The EY organization today announces the first-ever graduates of the Masters in Sustainability by Hult.

Consumer goods CEOs identify key ways to ensure thriving businesses in turbulent times while protecting people and planet

Kyoto, 5 June: The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has today published a report developed with EY bringing together opinions from 17 consumer industry leaders, to understand how they are working together to ensure resilient businesses and accelerate sustainability action amid multiple crises.

EY report: Social media most common, but least trusted, source for sustainability education

LONDON, 5 JUNE 2023. Younger generations are relying more on social media than schooling for their education on sustainability issues, according to the findings of a new report by the EY organization in collaboration with JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs.

Wavering consumer confidence could stall the energy transition, new index finds

LONDON, 26 April 2023. The energy transition is in full swing, but are consumers convinced of the benefits? Wavering consumer confidence may stall progress, according to a new Energy Consumer Confidence Index (ECCI) published today.

New EY survey finds critical link between sustainability governance and business performance

LONDON, 23 MARCH 2023. A new EY survey of more than 200 companies across 15 countries in Europe has identified a critical link between effective board-level sustainability governance and business performance.

EY Law sustainability and ESG law services boosted with appointment of Michelle T. Davies as EY Leader

LONDON, 08 MARCH 2023. The EY organization today announces the appointment of Michelle T. Davies as EY Global Sustainability Legal Services Leader, a newly created role to focus on helping businesses around the world manage a rapidly expanding mix of legal issues relating to sustainability.

EY Future Consumer Index: consumers opt for caution this holiday season to cope with rising cost-of-living

LONDON, 9 NOVEMBER 2022. Many consumer respondents globally are preparing for a greener, more financially cautious holiday season as health concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic begin to fade while cost of living and environmental concerns deepen, according to the latest EY Future Consumer Index (FCI ).

Consumer expectations and business profitability key drivers behind sustainability efforts new study find

LONDON, 27 OCTOBER 2022: Consumer businesses around the world are missing an opportunity to drive a sustainable future and create value by not adequately integrating the needs of consumers and policymakers, according to new research from Economist Impact, supported by the EY organization in a paper entitled: Progress and Profit: how consumer companies will scale sustainability through collaboration.

EY achieves highest growth in nearly two decades, reports record global revenue of US$45.4b

LONDON, 21 SEPTEMBER 2022. EY today announces combined global revenues of US$45.4b for the financial year ending June 2022 (FY22), an increase of 16.4% in local currency (13.7% in US dollars).

China, Norway and Sweden lead the pack on electric vehicle readiness – EY study

LONDON 6 SEPTEMBER 2022. China has retained the top position when it comes to progress toward an electric vehicle (EV) future, according to the latest EY Electric Vehicle Country Readiness Index.

EY and Hult International Business School announce new Masters in Sustainability, free for all EY people

LONDON, 24 FEBRUARY 2021. The EY organization, in association with Hult International Business School, today announces a fully accredited Masters in Sustainability, dedicated to EY people (312,000) exclusively.

EY reports global revenues of US$40b in 2021 and outlines record US$10b investment plan over next three years

LONDON, 9 SEPTEMBER 2021. EY today announces combined global revenues of US$40b for the financial year ended June 2021 (FY21), an increase of 4.0% in local currency (7.3% in US dollars), a solid result given the global economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.