KPMG commits $500,000 to support Business Decarbonization Initiative at the John Molson School
“This partnership reflects KPMG’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will tackle climate and sustainability challenges,” says Michael Baratta, BComm 96, GrDip 97, Audit Partner at KPMG, pictured above left.
Stéphan Drolet, Regional Managing Partner at KPMG (at right) says KPMG is “proud to contribute both financial resources and our expertise to advance decarbonization knowledge and training at John Molson.”
The KPMG Foundation, together with KPMG’s Quebec office, has committed $350,000 to advance the Business Decarbonization Initiative at Concordia’s John Molson School of Business.
An additional $150,000 of in-kind services from the audit, tax and advisory firm will support the development of a decarbonization playbook series for organizations and brings KPMG’s total contribution to $500,000.
The Business Decarbonization Initiative provides students, practitioners and researchers with hands-on experience addressing sustainability challenges, promoting low-carbon strategies and supporting organizations in their decarbonization journeys. Through funding for impactful research, student engagement, roundtables, events and academic awards, KPMG’s support will enrich learning and innovation in sustainable business practices.
“This partnership reflects KPMG’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will tackle climate and sustainability challenges,” says Michael Baratta, BComm 96, GrDip 97, Audit Partner at KPMG.
“We are proud to contribute both financial resources and our expertise to advance decarbonization knowledge and training at John Molson,” adds Stéphan Drolet, Regional Managing Partner at KPMG.
The donation will be distributed over five years, as of December 2025, with annual contributions of $70,000 supporting the initiative’s key priorities, including:
- Decarbonization Playbook Series: Developing resources to guide organizations in sustainable practices
- Best Paper Award and event: Recognizing impactful academic research in sustainability
- Impactful research funding: Supporting research grants, research assistants and access to data
- Hosting roundtables and events: Fostering dialogue between students, researchers and industry practitioners
“This contribution ensures the Business Decarbonization Initiative can continue to innovate, providing students with practical experience in sustainability and equipping practitioners with useful guidance to approach the business decarbonization journey,” says Matthäus Tekathen, associate professor and department chair of Accountancy.
Anne-Marie Croteau, dean of the John Molson School, adds: “KPMG’s ongoing support strengthens our ability to offer transformative learning opportunities that connect academic knowledge with real-world sustainability challenges. We are sincerely thankful for their continued commitment.”
As part of the donation, KPMG will also mentor students, participate in academic and industry events and provide in-kind expertise for research projects. Through this partnership, Dean Croteau notes, students and faculty will gain practical insights into sustainable business practices, helping to shape the next generation of decarbonization leaders.