By Molly A. Seltzer

Deloitte, the largest professional services organization in the world, has joined E-ffiliates as its newest member. Through the corporate membership program, Deloitte aims to connect to Princeton’s energy systems experience and help support the organization’s work related to achieving its net-zero goals and those of its clients.

Deloitte advises companies across industries on sustainability topics and on how to decarbonize their operations by investing in new technologies and innovations to transform their business models for success in a low-carbon future. The organization’s services cover a broad range of engagements with clients in consumer products and food systems, government and public sector institutions, and, increasingly, the energy, industrials and transportation sectors, according to Scott Corwin, managing director at Deloitte LLP and U.S. sustainability and climate change leader. Corwin said Princeton’s 2020 Net-Zero America (NZA) study, which describes technological options for the U.S. to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, heightened Deloitte’s interest in working with the study’s lead researchers at Princeton.

“Coming on the heels of the NZA, it was clear that researchers are identifying ways to transition – how it could unfold, be accelerated, or be stymied. The modeling helps provide specific roadmaps for entire industries to move away from energy-intensive, fossil-dependent processes and toward alternative, clean technologies, which is essential if we are to achieve the goals set in the Paris Accords,” said Corwin.

According to Chris Greig, acting associate director for external partnerships at the Andlinger Center, Deloitte’s membership gives Princeton an opportunity to collaborate on the challenges of accelerating a clean energy transition with an organization deeply connected to diverse businesses and operations around the world. These opportunities include studying how to transform supply chains, processes, and facilities to meet environmental goals.

Greig, the University’s Theodora D.‘78 & William H. Walton III ‘74 Senior Research Scientist, said Princeton’s research can help entire business sectors manage the transition to clean energy systems as quickly and painlessly as possible.

“It’s especially exciting having Deloitte as a member where our research can have major implications and help entire sectors transform the way they do business, which is critical to global sustainability goals,” said Greig.

Corwin said Princeton’s technical knowledge can help create more impactful results. Princeton’s expertise can help the organization deepen the impact of its work developing comprehensive and viable roadmaps for large corporations globally to reduce their emissions. The Andlinger Center’s Energy Systems Analysis Group will work primarily with Deloitte’s sustainability teams on energy transformation and climate-related projects. Corwin said the organization’s sustainability teams also work on standards and disclosures, and integrated strategies for overhauling operational practices to align with a net-zero 2050. He added that Princeton’s knowledge also may help Deloitte make progress addressing its own business and climate risks.

“The center’s focus aligns very closely with Deloitte’s sustainability goals across fundamental core systems – energy, mobility, industrial, and food – of the global economy,” Corwin said. “This enables new technologies, sustainable operating practices, and business models to accelerate progress towards and succeed in a low-carbon future.”