Last updated: 27 Jul 2026 02:00 Posted in: Sustainability
The Association of International Accountants (AIA) is proud to have played a key role in the development of Ecologi's updated Net Zero Accountancy Protocol, helping to create a practical framework that supports accountancy firms in taking credible and consistent climate action.
Working as part of a steering group alongside fellow professional accountancy bodies, as well as leading firms Bishop Fleming and Duncan & Toplis, AIA contributed its technical accounting and finance expertise to ensure the protocol reflects the needs of the profession.
Developed specifically for accountancy firms of all sizes, the protocol provides a clear, sector-focused approach to planning, implementing and evidencing net zero action. It is structured around Ecologi's 3Rs Framework: Reduce, Restore and Report, bringing together internationally recognised guidance, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net Zero Standard and the Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Offsetting into a practical framework for the profession.
The updated protocol has been designed to:
As sustainability expectations continue to grow, accountancy professionals have an increasingly important role to play, not only in advising clients but also in leading by example within their own organisations. The protocol helps firms translate sustainability ambitions into practical action while strengthening transparency and accountability.
Nicola Perry, Chief Operations Officer at the Association of International Accountants, said:
"AIA is committed to equipping its members with the knowledge and practical tools they need to respond to the evolving sustainability agenda. We are proud to have worked alongside Ecologi and our fellow professional bodies to help shape a protocol that provides clear, credible guidance for accountancy firms. By embedding climate action into everyday practice, firms can demonstrate leadership, strengthen stakeholder confidence and support the transition to a more sustainable future."
Dimitri Theocharis, Chief Executive Officer at Ecologi, said:
"The accountancy profession has a unique opportunity to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy by setting the same high standards for itself that it encourages in its clients. The Net Zero Accountancy Protocol provides a practical, evidence-based framework that enables firms of every size to plan, implement and demonstrate meaningful climate action. We are grateful to AIA and our steering group partners for helping ensure the protocol reflects the expertise and needs of the profession."
AIA has worked closely with Ecologi for several years as part of its wider commitment to environmental sustainability. This latest collaboration reinforces AIA's commitment to supporting members with practical resources and guidance that enable responsible business practices and advance the profession's contribution to a more sustainable economy.
The Net Zero Accountancy Protocol represents another important step in helping accountancy firms embed sustainability into everyday practice and strengthen their role as trusted advisers in an evolving business landscape.
Read the Net Zero Accountancy Protocol to discover how your firm can plan, implement and evidence credible climate action, while demonstrating leadership in the transition to a more sustainable economy.
READ UPDATED PROTOCOL"By embedding climate action into everyday practice, firms can demonstrate leadership, strengthen stakeholder confidence and support the transition to a more sustainable future."
Nicola Perry, Chief of Operations, AIA