Driving meaningful climate action through the DCE Climate Fund

Overview

Deloitte is a signatory of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is deeply committed to achieving Net Zero. Recognizing that impactful climate action extends beyond the company’s own operations, Deloitte has embraced the concept of “Beyond Value Chain Mitigation” as outlined in the SBTi Net Zero standard. This forward-looking approach to help accelerate societal decarbonisation, has become central to Deloitte’s climate strategy.

To make this a reality, European Deloitte firms have established the DCE Climate Fund, aimed at driving meaningful climate action by investing in projects focused on CO2e avoidance, removal, and the restoration of nature and biodiversity. Seeking a partner with deep expertise in nature-based solutions to amplify their impact and fulfill their SBTi commitments, Deloitte partnered WeForest to lead transformative, on-the-ground initiatives.

The DCE Climate Fund – which includes the Deloitte firms in Austria, Central Europe, France including Francophone Africa, Germany, Luxembourg, and Portugal including Angola and Mozambique – was designed to support a portfolio of projects that not only reverse nature loss but also deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits. Senegal became a focal point for this initiative, leading Deloitte to partner with WeForest on the “Regreening Ferlo” project.

This project was selected for two main reasons: its strong emphasis on community-led decision-making, which empowers local stakeholders to drive sustainable outcomes tailored to their specific needs, and WeForest’s science-based approach, supported by a consortium of leading experts. This approach provides the critical evidence needed to demonstrate the social and ecological benefits of the project, which is vital for the successful, large-scale implementation of the Great Green Wall. WeForest’s proven track record in similar projects, combined with their comprehensive monitoring and evaluation methodology, ensures that Deloitte can measure the impact of its initiatives across a wide range of metrics—not just in terms of carbon reductions but also in broader environmental and social outcomes.

Our Partnership

The partnership between Deloitte DCE and WeForest officially began in 2024, with the expectation that the initial results from the first year of support will provide valuable insights and lay a strong foundation for scaling the project further. Early stages of the partnership have already fostered greater alignment within Deloitte on the importance of integrated climate action, significantly motivating and engaging internal staff.

The ongoing collaboration with WeForest is expected to lead to measurable environmental impacts, ensuring Deloitte’s credibility and leadership in the sustainability space and meeting the high expectations of their talent, clients, and stakeholders.

In Ferlo, Senegal, Deloitte DCE is:

Restoring

hectares

Growing an estimated

trees

Mona Stapperfenne

DCE Climate Fund Lead

“We chose to partner with WeForest because they offer a unique combination of local engagement and scientific rigor. This approach ensures that our contributions to climate action lead to tangible, long-term benefits for both people and the planet.”

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