"ACCA Digital Forest"
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a global professional accounting body recognised in 180+ countries, continues to embed sustaina Read more
Project Update 2
Project Update 1
Digital Forest
Forest with 150 Trees planned
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ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a global professional accounting body recognised in 180+ countries, continues to embed sustainability into its core purpose. As part of this vision, ACCA has launched a meaningful tree plantation initiative inspired by the urban forest concept, a model that brings nature back into city spaces, enhances biodiversity, and strengthens environmental resilience.
This initiative has been undertaken in honour of the ACCA Strategic Business Case Challenge 2025 winning teams, the ACCA India Awards 2025 winning organisations, and the esteemed group members of the India Leaders Edition series. By dedicating these plantations to outstanding achievers and thought leaders, ACCA aims to celebrate excellence while contributing to a greener, healthier future.
Through this effort, ACCA reaffirms its commitment to the net-zero journey, championing responsible, climate-conscious action. The urban forest created through this initiative will not only help combat pollution and heat stress but also serve as a lasting symbol of ACCA’s commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly growth.
At ACCA, every responsible step, big or small, helps shape a more resilient tomorrow. With this initiative, we are nurturing a legacy that aligns professional excellence with environmental stewardship.
Project Planning & Execution
No of Trees: 150
Plantation Location: DRDO Phase 2 Township, Phase 2, C V Raman Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560093
Plantation Date: 27th November 2025
Name of Species: Mahagony, Cinnamon, Honge tree, Orchid, Banyan, Indian Rosewood, Bay leaves, Bamboo, Oleander
Species Selection & Its Benefits:
The tree species chosen for ACCA’s Urban Forest Plantation Drive were intentionally curated to embody resilience, growth, and long-term sustainability qualities that reflect ACCA’s purpose of shaping a better, greener world. Mahogany adds strength and structure, growing into a towering symbol of stability and long-term vision. Cinnamon enriches the ecosystem with its aromatic bark and medicinal qualities, fostering biodiversity and natural wellness. Honge Tree enhances soil fertility and supports pollinators, reinforcing ecological balance. Orchid Tree, with its beautiful blossoms, attracts bees and butterflies, creating vibrant biodiversity pockets. Banyan stands as a timeless symbol of wisdom and endurance, offering vast shade and air-purifying benefits. Indian Rosewood contributes durability and environmental richness, supporting local fauna with its hardwood presence. Bay Leaves introduce aromatic foliage and natural pest resistance, adding both ecological and cultural value. Bamboo grows rapidly, improving soil health, absorbing carbon efficiently, and strengthening green cover. Oleander, with its colourful flowers and hardy nature, brings aesthetic charm and resilience to the landscape.
Together, these species create a dynamic, climate-adaptive, and sustainable urban ecosystem, one that exemplifies ACCA’s commitment to environmental stewardship, net-zero ambitions, and a greener, more resilient future.
Beneficiaries Details
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Target Population: Employees, stakeholders, and local community members of Bangalore
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Age Group: All age groups focus on adults to seniors
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Gender: Inclusive of all genders
- Social & Economic Status: Open to all social and economic backgrounds, emphasizing community involvement
Planting Methodology and Its Advantages
Urban Forestry: An urban forest is a network of trees, shrubs, and vegetation strategically planted in urban areas to enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide green spaces for community well-being. It helps mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, promotes mental health through accessible green areas, and supports local wildlife by creating habitats. Urban forests play a vital role in building resilient, sustainable cities that benefit both the environment and the people who live in them.
Advantages of Urban Forestry
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Climate Regulation and Cooling Effect: Urban forests help mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling through transpiration, lowering temperatures in cities, reducing the need for air conditioning, and conserving energy.
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Improved Air Quality: Trees absorb pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, leading to improved air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses in urban areas.
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Stormwater Management and Flood Prevention: Urban forests improve the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, reducing stormwater runoff, preventing flooding, and promoting groundwater recharge, thus helping manage water resources efficiently.
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Soil Erosion Control: The deep root systems of trees prevent soil erosion, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or steep slopes, stabilizing the land and reducing soil loss in urban environments.
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Aesthetic and Recreational Value: The transformation of unused spaces into green zones adds aesthetic value to the area and provides employees and local communities with recreational spaces, making the workplace more enjoyable.
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Enhanced Community Engagement and Well-being: Urban forests provide accessible green spaces where communities can engage in recreational activities, improving mental health, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among residents and employees.
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Increased Property Value: Properties located near urban forests or green spaces tend to have higher market values, benefiting local property owners and increasing the overall appeal and livability of the area.
- Noise Reduction: Urban forests act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution and creating quieter, more peaceful surroundings.
Conclusion Elements
Impact
Direct Impact
| Parameters | Values | References |
| No. of Trees Planted | 150 | |
| Green Cover (Acres) | 0.8 | |
| Carbon Sequestration Potential (KG) | 20 |
Small to medium-sized trees can sequester around 10–48 kilograms (22–106 pounds) of CO₂ annually. https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/how-much-co2-does-tree-absorb |
| Carbon Sequestration by 150 mature trees ( Tons/year) | 3 Tons | No. of Trees x Carbon Sequestration by 1 mature trees per year |
| Carbon Credit Equivalent | 3 | One carbon credit is equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas. |
| Carbon Footprint of an avg Indian Citizen (Tons/Year) | 1.8 | https://www.iea.org/countries/india/emissions |
| Offsets Annual Carbon Footprint of (Adults) | 2 | Carbon offset by 150 mature trees per year / Carbon Footprint of an avg Indian Citizen per year |
(This impact analysis is forward-looking (An urban-forest project matures in 3-5 years)
Indirect Impact
Community Impact
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Improved Public Health: By improving air quality and reducing urban heat, the project indirectly contributes to better public health. The presence of green spaces encourages outdoor activities, which can reduce stress levels, promote mental well-being, and decrease the incidence of respiratory diseases.
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Environmental Awareness: Involving communities in urban forestry raises awareness about environmental conservation and promotes sustainable practices in daily life.
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Employee Morale: The initiative fostered a sense of pride and connection among employees, strengthening team bonds and their alignment with the company’s values.
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Inspiration for Change: By showcasing the potential of urban forestry, the project has encouraged other organizations and local communities to undertake similar initiatives.
- Cultural Shift: The initiative instilled a mindset of sustainability and environmental care among participants, creating advocates for green practices in their personal and professional lives.
Environmental Impact
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Carbon Sequestration: The trees planted through the ACCA urban forestry initiative absorb carbon dioxide, acting as carbon sinks and helping mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Soil Health Improvement: The tree planting initiative enhances soil health by enriching it with organic matter, improving soil fertility and structure, which supports the growth of surrounding vegetation.
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Erosion Prevention: Tree roots help stabilize the soil in urban areas, preventing erosion caused by wind and water while safeguarding nearby properties and infrastructure from potential damage.
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Biodiversity Conservation: By creating green spaces, the initiative supports local biodiversity, providing habitats for various species, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and enhancing the ecological balance in urban areas.
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Water Cycle Regulation: The urban forestry project helps regulate the water cycle by improving water retention in the soil, recharging groundwater levels, and reducing surface runoff, leading to a more balanced and sustainable urban environment.
- Microclimate Regulation: Trees planted through this initiative moderate temperature extremes, reduce wind speeds, and increase humidity, creating a favorable microclimate for both the community and the urban ecosystem.
Achievements
SDG Goals Achieved through Urban Forestry
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – ACCA urban forestry project enhances air quality and creates green spaces that promote physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and fostering a healthier urban lifestyle.
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SDG 4: Quality Education – By transforming the environment into a hands-on learning space that nurtures environmental literacy. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and values essential for building a sustainable future.
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Trees play a crucial role in water conservation by enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing surface runoff, and improving overall water retention. The ACCA initiative supports sustainable urban water systems through afforestation and green infrastructure.
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By mitigating the urban heat island effect, ACCA tree plantation efforts help lower ambient temperatures and reduce reliance on artificial cooling. The shade provided by trees enhances energy efficiency and promotes a more sustainable urban climate.
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The initiative generates employment opportunities in tree planting, maintenance, and ecological restoration, contributing to local economic development and green job creation.
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure –ACCA integrates sustainable urban forestry into infrastructure planning, promoting green innovation and enhancing urban resilience.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities –The initiative ensures inclusivity by engaging employees from diverse backgrounds in environmental conservation. By creating accessible green spaces, ACCA promotes environmental equity and ensures that all communities, including marginalized groups, benefit from cleaner air, mental well-being, and recreational opportunities.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – ACCA's commitment to urban afforestation contributes to creating more sustainable and resilient cities by increasing green cover, improving air quality, and enhancing urban biodiversity.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – ACCA's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its responsible approach to urban forestry, focusing on resource efficiency and long-term environmental benefits.
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SDG 13: Climate Action – The plantation initiative actively supports climate action by sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating climate change effects through the expansion of green spaces.
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SDG 15: Life on Land – By restoring green spaces with native and fruit-bearing trees, the initiative strengthens biodiversity, supports wildlife, and contributes to a thriving urban ecosystem.
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By fostering inclusive decision-making and community-led governance, ACCA strengthens local environmental stewardship, ensuring transparency and collaboration for sustainable urban development.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The initiative thrives on collaboration with local communities, environmental organizations, and partners such as Grow Billion Trees. ACCA strengthens environmental partnerships to drive impactful urban sustainability and afforestation efforts.
ESG Achieved through Urban Forestry
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Environmental Impact: The ACCA urban forestry initiative significantly enhances environmental sustainability. By planting diverse tree species, the company boosts biodiversity, creates habitats for wildlife, and supports local ecosystems. Trees act as carbon sinks, reducing CO2 levels and mitigating climate change. Additionally, the initiative improves urban climate resilience by regulating temperatures, reducing the heat island effect, and enhancing water retention, ensuring long-term ecological health for future generations.
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Social Impact: ACCA urban forestry initiative fosters community engagement and well-being by encouraging local participation in tree planting and environmental awareness. The green spaces created improve air quality, promote physical activity, and enhance public health. The project generates job opportunities in tree planting and maintenance while promoting social equity by ensuring access to green spaces for all, including marginalized groups. These efforts build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable community.
- Governance Impact: ACCA demonstrates strong leadership and commitment to sustainability through its urban forestry initiative. The company ensures transparency and accountability by effectively communicating project plans and outcomes to stakeholders. By collaborating with environmental organizations and local communities, it amplifies the impact of its efforts. This approach aligns with the best governance practices, achieving environmental and social goals while promoting long-term sustainable growth.
Building Communities
One of the most impactful outcomes of ACCA's urban forestry initiative was the sense of unity and collaboration it cultivated. By involving employees, local communities, and volunteers, the project became a collective mission to create sustainable urban green spaces, fostering a shared commitment to a greener future.
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Empowering Communities: Participants became active contributors, gaining knowledge about urban forestry practices and taking ownership of the initiative. This empowerment strengthened their connection to the environment and reinforced their role as environmental stewards.
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Fostering Partnerships: The project brought together diverse stakeholders, including ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), Grow Billion Trees, and local communities, highlighting the value of collaboration in achieving environmental and social goals.
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Creating a Ripple Effect: As communities experienced the benefits of urban forestry, their enthusiasm inspired others to adopt similar practices, amplifying the initiative's positive impact across the region.
This initiative demonstrates that environmental sustainability thrives when rooted in collective effort. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, collaboration, and a shared vision for a healthier and greener future.
Commitment by Grow Billion Trees
Trees for Corporates
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1. ACCA Urban Forest Initiative
Imagine a forest that doesn’t wait for mountains or countryside—it grows right where traffic jams and chai stalls coexist. That’s exactly what the ACCA Urban Forest Initiative aims to achieve. By blending environmental responsibility with global professional excellence, ACCA proves that accountants don’t just balance books—they balance ecosystems too. This initiative focuses on planting trees in urban pockets, transforming unused spaces into thriving micro-forests. These green zones help purify air, lower city temperatures, and add a touch of calm to chaotic metros. With ACCA’s vision for a sustainable world, every sapling becomes a silent ambassador of climate action. And no, this forest doesn’t ask for an audit—just a little sunshine, rain, and care. By championing urban biodiversity, ACCA reminds everyone that sustainability isn’t a footnote in a report; it’s a responsibility that grows—literally. For students, members, and partners, this initiative stands as a refreshing example of how professional bodies can create real environmental value. In short, fewer carbon footprints, more leaf impressions. Now that’s a balance sheet Mother Nature approves of.
2. Sustainable Leadership by ACCA
If leadership had roots, ACCA would certainly be planting them deep in the soil of sustainability. Through its urban forest initiatives, ACCA redefines what it means to lead in the modern world—not just by shaping top-notch finance professionals but by inspiring them to think green while they think growth. Sustainable leadership isn’t a buzzword here; it’s a full-fledged strategy. ACCA’s approach nurtures the idea that every financial decision carries environmental weight, and what better way to illustrate that than literally planting the future? The trees symbolize resilience, long-term thinking, and slow-but-steady progress—values accountants know all too well. By taking a practical step toward carbon reduction, ACCA sends a powerful message that sustainability is not something we talk about during conferences and forget later. It’s action, intention, and impact—rolled into one beautiful green package. This isn’t your typical leadership program; it’s leadership that grows taller every year. And yes, while spreadsheets help predict growth, nothing beats watching sustainability rise from soil to canopy.
3. ACCA Net-Zero Commitment
If net-zero goals had a mascot, it would probably be a smug little sapling growing faster than your smartphone updates. ACCA’s commitment to net-zero is more than a pledge—it’s a roadmap with roots, leaves, and a whole lot of oxygen. By investing in urban forests, ACCA actively demonstrates what responsible climate action looks like. Instead of just talking emissions, ACCA offsets them. Instead of just drafting sustainability frameworks, it brings them to life—one sapling at a time. Urban forestry fits perfectly into this mission because it’s high-impact, scalable, and surprisingly charming. Trees don’t complain, don’t send follow-up emails, and don’t ask for promotions—they simply stand there, absorbing carbon like quiet little environmental accountants. ACCA’s net-zero commitment showcases how professional bodies can lead global climate conversations through action, not jargon. By turning environmental promises into green reality, ACCA makes sustainability feel achievable, measurable, and refreshingly down-to-earth. Talk about an audit trail that even nature approves!
4. ACCA Climate Action Projects
Climate action often sounds like a superhero movie—but instead of capes, ACCA equips itself with calculators, qualifications, and nursery-grown saplings. Through its climate action projects, ACCA proves that you don’t need fictional powers to save the planet; you just need consistency, clarity, and a commitment to greener choices. Urban forestry forms a core part of these projects, giving cities the green breathing room they desperately need. From reducing pollution to enhancing local biodiversity, these efforts are ACCA’s version of environmentally responsible community development. Forget dramatic plot twists—this story has slow, steady transformation, improved air quality, and a canopy that grows better with time. Trees planted today will stand tall long after yearly audits and exam cycles have passed, silently representing ACCA’s promise to future generations. These climate action projects serve as living case studies, showcasing how even incremental steps can yield major long-term benefits. Mother Earth approves, critics applaud, and birds get free housing—win-win-win.
5. ACCA Green Recognition Program
Who says awards should only come with trophies? ACCA’s Green Recognition Program adds a refreshing twist by honouring achievements with trees—yes, actual trees that breathe, grow, and beautify cities. Instead of giving winners a keepsake that gathers dust, ACCA gifts them a legacy that gathers leaves. Through this program, award-winning teams and organisations are celebrated through dedicated tree plantations within urban forests. It’s recognition that feels good, looks good, and does good. Plus, nothing says “You made an impact” quite like a sapling named in your honour (well, metaphorically). This program not only rewards excellence but also encodes sustainability into ACCA’s culture. Every planted tree becomes a lasting symbol of vision, commitment, and positive contribution. And let’s be honest—future accountants might just brag, “My award grew into a forest.” With benefits that extend far beyond certificates, the ACCA Green Recognition Program is a trendsetter in climate-positive appreciation.
6. Urban Sustainability with ACCA
If cities had a wishlist, “more trees, please!” would definitely be on page one. ACCA steps in like a sustainability fairy godmother—minus the wand, plus detailed planning—to grant this wish through urban forest initiatives. Urban sustainability is not just an environmental priority anymore; it’s a necessity for livable cities. ACCA embraces this need by transforming overlooked urban spaces into green, thriving micro-ecosystems. These forests help control heat islands, improve air quality, and give city dwellers something rare, silence that isn’t caused by a power cut. ACCA’s involvement signals that sustainability isn’t limited to environmental organisations. With its global presence and influence in the finance profession, ACCA turns sustainable thinking into mainstream action. Trees, policies, principles—everything aligns toward greener urban living. So while urban populations continue rising, ACCA ensures the number of trees rises too, making future cities breathable, beautiful, and balanced.
7. ACCA Community Eco-Impact
communities love trees almost as much as they love good Wi-Fi. ACCA’s Community Eco-Impact efforts harness this universal love by bringing people and nature closer together. Through urban forestry initiatives, ACCA helps create pockets of green wellness that serve everyone—residents, commuters, wildlife, and even future accountants in need of study-break fresh air. Eco-impact isn’t just about numbers, though the stats are impressive. It’s also about emotional connection. Trees planted through ACCA’s initiatives stand as reminders that sustainability is a shared responsibility, one that grows stronger with community support. These forests enhance neighbourhood aesthetics, boost local temperatures (in a cooling way), and inspire conversations about climate action. Even better, they last much longer than most trend cycles. ACCA’s community eco-impact proves that when organisations think beyond traditional CSR, the result is real, measurable, and delightfully leafy transformation.
8. ACCA Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship may sound like a heavy term, but ACCA makes it look effortless—like a perfectly balanced ledger. With education, ethics, and sustainability at its core, ACCA encourages individuals and organisations to step up for the planet. Through its urban forest plantations, ACCA demonstrates what modern stewardship truly means, caring for the environment while inspiring others to follow suit. This goes beyond planting trees; it’s about cultivating responsibility, foresight, and long-term positive change. Each tree symbolizes resilience, carbon absorption, and a future that’s slightly less dependent on air purifiers. ACCA’s stewardship stands out because it merges global professional values with local environmental needs. It shows that even in a digitally driven world, growth rooted in nature is still the smartest investment. And yes, while spreadsheets track progress, trees prove it. That’s the kind of stewardship future generations will thank us for.
FAQ
What is ACCA’s involvement in tree plantation and urban forests?
ACCA is committed to building a sustainable future by supporting urban forest tree plantation initiatives across India. As part of our purpose to create a better world, we plant trees in urban spaces to improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. These efforts reflect our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible global leadership.
Why does ACCA support urban forest initiatives in India?
ACCA supports urban forest initiatives because they address critical environmental challenges in rapidly growing cities. Urban forests help reduce pollution, cool city temperatures, and create healthier living spaces. By participating in these initiatives, ACCA reinforces its promise to support the global net-zero movement and promote sustainability through meaningful, action-driven contributions.
How does ACCA ensure its tree plantation efforts make long-term impact?
ACCA collaborates with expert environmental partners who use scientific methods for soil preparation, tree selection, and plantation care. We focus on native species, long-term monitoring, and community benefits to ensure lasting environmental impact. Our approach ensures that each tree contributes to carbon reduction, biodiversity, and urban resilience well into the future.
What types of trees does ACCA plant in its urban forest projects?
ACCA prioritizes native, climate-resilient species that naturally thrive in their respective regions. These species require less maintenance, support local biodiversity, and offer long-term environmental benefits. The focus remains on trees that provide shade, absorb pollutants, and attract local fauna—creating self-sustaining mini-ecosystems within urban spaces.
How does ACCA’s tree plantation initiative support India’s sustainability goals?
ACCA’s plantation efforts align with India’s national goals on climate action, cleaner cities, and biodiversity restoration. By developing green spaces, ACCA contributes to carbon reduction, improved air quality, and healthier urban environments. Our initiative complements India’s efforts to enhance green cover and move towards a more sustainable, climate-ready future.
Who benefits from ACCA’s urban forest projects?
ACCA’s urban forest projects benefit multiple groups—local communities, city residents, wildlife, and future generations. These green spaces help reduce pollution, improve microclimates, and offer healthier surroundings. Additionally, they serve as long-term assets that promote well-being, environmental awareness, and better quality of life for urban populations.
How does ACCA connect its sustainability purpose with tree plantation?
ACCA’s purpose is to create a better world through ethics, professionalism, and sustainability. Tree plantation naturally aligns with this vision by offering a practical way to address climate challenges. Through urban forests, we demonstrate that responsible leadership extends beyond accounting—it includes contributing positively to the planet and society.
Is ACCA planting trees as part of its net-zero ambition?
Yes. ACCA’s net-zero ambition includes meaningful environmental actions, and tree plantation is an important part of this journey. By planting trees, we support carbon absorption, reduce our ecological footprint, and make measurable contributions to climate action. This initiative complements our global sustainability framework and long-term climate commitments.
How does ACCA select locations for its urban forest projects?
ACCA chooses locations based on environmental needs, community benefits, and long-term project feasibility. Areas with low green cover, high pollution, or urban expansion challenges are prioritised. We work with experts to ensure the selected sites can support thriving forests and deliver maximum ecological and social impact.
What makes ACCA’s urban forest initiatives unique?
ACCA stands out because we integrate sustainability with professional purpose. Our urban forest initiatives are not symbolic gestures—they are carefully planned, scientifically executed, and aligned with global climate goals. By honouring achievers and leaders through tree plantation, we combine recognition with environmental responsibility, creating a legacy that grows greener every year.
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