The Green Accountants (TGA) had been working with PSI, a prominent lighting and production company, for several years before sustainability became a topic of conversation. Like many client–accountant relationships, it began with compliance and financial reporting. But when PSI came under pressure to prove their environmental credentials, it was TGA’s proactive support that helped them respond, opening up a valuable new direction for both businesses.
The Challenge: Pressure Mounts on PSI
PSI, like many others in their industry, had often seen sustainability more as a “nice to have.” They may have recognised it was the right thing to do, but hadn’t fully appreciated the commercial benefits of embedding it into operations. In recent years, however, expectations in the events and lighting sector have shifted. Carbon Reduction Plans are now often mandatory in tender processes, and businesses unable to demonstrate progress are increasingly being overlooked.
Among media, arts and entertainment businesses in the UK, 46% have been asked to supply carbon emissions data as part of tender processes(1). The events industry is under growing scrutiny, with recent data showing that a typical indoor/outdoor event in the UK produces around 3.6 tonnes of CO₂e(2). PSI’s experience is increasingly common: 37% of UK SMEs, despite not yet being legally required to report emissions, were asked for carbon data by customers or procurement teams in the past 12 months(3).
When PSI lost a major contract due to their lack of a Carbon Reduction Plan, the cost of inaction became clear. TGA had been highlighting this risk for some time, encouraging the company to prepare. With the commercial impact now real, PSI asked for help.
The Turning Point: Carbon Literacy as a Catalyst
PSI’s leadership team enrolled in TGA’s Carbon Literacy for SMEs course. This provided clarity on why sustainability matters commercially, and how to lead meaningful change internally.
That clarity sparked momentum. PSI decided to put their full team through the training, opening the door to Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) status, and deepening their trust in TGA.
For TGA, moments like these always show the power of shifting from compliance-focused work to a proactive, advisory-based service offering. With sustainability services already in place, they were ready to respond and support.
The Solution: From Accountant to Sustainability Partner
PSI turned to TGA for continued support beyond the training. Together, they created a Carbon Reduction Plan tailored to the business, began tracking emissions using one of TGA’s recommended partners, and continued to communicate PSI’s progress to stakeholders.
This demonstrates how sustainability, while ethically sound, is also commercially valuable. PSI had what they needed to win back contracts and stay competitive. TGA, in turn, created recurring advisory work and deepened a long-standing client relationship.
Industry-wide context supports this shift. Nearly half of UK mid-tier accounting firms are planning to launch ESG-related services within three years – up from just 10% in 2024(4). Meanwhile, 87.5% of large firms are prioritising ESG objectives, and 91.7% of mid-tier firms say reducing environmental impact is now a core business priority(5).
The Results: Business Growth for Both Parties
Since completing their Carbon Literacy training and implementing their plan, PSI has seen direct results:
- Contracts they once risked losing are now secure
- New opportunities are emerging with clients who prioritise sustainability
- Their team is engaged – with some even switching to electric vehicles or making personal lifestyle changes inspired by the training
- Operational changes are underway, including solar panel installation and switching to a renewable energy provider
TGA remains part of that journey. They continue to support PSI with sustainability reporting, communications, and strategic planning. Their role has evolved, not just as accountants, but as long-term partners helping clients adapt to climate-related business challenges.
And for TGA, the impact is clear:
- Deeper client relationships built on forward-looking support
- New revenue streams through sustainability advisory and training
- A futureproofed practice offering services that technology can’t easily replace
- A strong foundation for winning new business by showing proven success in this area
Why It Matters
This case shows what happens when accountants step into the advisory space and respond to growing client needs around climate and ESG issues. Sustainability consulting helped TGA deliver greater value, stay relevant, and build a stronger, more resilient business.
For firms looking to grow in an era of automation, shifting regulation, and rising expectations, this kind of service is a huge strategic opportunity.
Sources
- Business Climate Hub UK. Media, Arts and Entertainment Net Zero Sector Guide.
- Conference News. UK events sector: Average indoor/outdoor event emits 3.6 tCO₂e.
- Business Climate Hub UK. 2024 UK Net Zero Business Census Report.
- ICAEW. Supporting members to develop new ESG skillsets. July 2025.
- Chartered Accountants Ireland. Sustainability & ESG Bulletin. July 2025.
Useful Links
Carbon Literacy for Accountants & Advisors
