Q&A: Daniel Gribbin, Director of Sustainability at Deloitte

Daniel Gribbin, Director of Sustainability at Deloitte Middle East (DME), leads the firm’s Sustainability and Health, Safety and Environmental Advisory practice, driving Deloitte’s mission to accelerate sustainability across the region. He works closely with governments, regulators and leading organisations to design and implement sustainability frameworks, decarbonisation pathways and ESG strategies that align with global standards while meeting local needs.

A key focus of his work is helping clients transform national ambitions - such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 target - into detailed, actionable roadmaps supported by strong governance, milestones and performance measures.

Alongside his technical expertise, Daniel advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into their core strategy, positioning organisations to remain compliant, resilient, and competitive in a rapidly evolving energy and regulatory landscape.

He shares his insights on hydrogen, AI and more.

How does DME leverage technology to help its clients make the clean energy transition?

At Deloitte, we see technology as the cornerstone of the clean energy transition. 

We support organisations in applying digital twins, advanced analytics and AI to optimise energy use, integrate renewables more effectively and reduce system inefficiencies. 

Blockchain-enabled traceability solutions are also helping provide transparency and credibility in carbon markets and renewable energy trading. 

By leveraging our global technology alliances, Deloitte ensures clients in the Middle East access the most advanced solutions while adapting them to local contexts, considering regulatory frameworks, infrastructure maturity and climate conditions. 

Technology doesn’t just enhance efficiency; it underpins accountability, enabling organisations to measure progress accurately and meet both national decarbonisation goals and international investor expectations.

How does DME empower organisations to enforce ESG as an economic strategy?

ESG today is no longer just a compliance or reputational exercise, it is a critical driver of economic performance. 

At Deloitte, we support clients in embedding ESG into core strategy by linking it directly to financial outcomes: attracting green financing, meeting supply chain requirements and securing investor confidence. 

We design ESG frameworks and reporting structures aligned with international standards, ensuring organisations can demonstrate credibility while also identifying operational efficiencies and new market opportunities. 

Our approach positions ESG as a lever for both resilience and growth, enabling organisations to future-proof their business, reduce risks and create long-term economic value while advancing sustainability objectives.

How is DME supporting industrial clients in using AI for carbon capture?

Hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement and oil and gas face unique challenges in decarbonisation. 

We are assisting organisations in exploring how AI can significantly enhance sustainability efforts beyond traditional carbon capture alone. 

AI is instrumental in optimising the overall energy usage of industrial processes, predicting maintenance needs to reduce downtime and improving supply chain efficiencies which collectively lower the carbon footprint. 

Machine learning models enable real-time adjustments that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, thus contributing to more comprehensive decarbonisation strategies. 

Beyond the technical aspects, we consult on financial and regulatory considerations, assist clients in evaluating green investment strategies, identifying renewable energy opportunities and engaging with policymakers. 

By integrating AI across various facets of industrial operations, we aim to empower clients to achieve scalable and sustainable decarbonisation.

What is the UAE's Hydrogen Leadership roadmap and how is Deloitte contributing to realizing this?

The UAE’s Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap outlines a national ambition to become a global hub for low-carbon hydrogen by 2031, serving domestic decarbonisation and export markets. 

Achieving this requires coordinated action across technology, regulation, infrastructure and investment. 

Deloitte is contributing by advising stakeholders on hydrogen economics, supply chain development and regulatory frameworks. 

We support feasibility assessments, certification alignment and cross-border partnership design, ensuring projects move beyond pilot stages to commercial deployment. 

Our role is to connect the technical, commercial, financial and policy dimensions, helping the UAE turn its hydrogen roadmap into a viable industry that supports its net zero 2050 vision and enhances the nation’s competitive global position.

What progress has DME made so far to help organisations across the Middle East reach net zero?

We have supported both public and private organisations across the region in moving from ambition to action on net zero. 

We’ve collaborated with governments to design national sustainability frameworks aligned with international standards and assisted corporate and private entities in setting science-based targets, mapping Scope 1–3 emissions and developing comprehensive decarbonisation pathways. 

Our work often extends into governance and capacity building, ensuring leadership teams and boards, across both public and private sectors, are equipped with the structures and support needed to sustain momentum and drive continual performance improvements over the long term. 

This practical approach encompasses renewable energy strategies, circular economy models and ESG reporting systems that meet global investor expectations. 

Progress is accelerating across the Middle East, with Deloitte’s role being crucial in ensuring that efforts are technically robust, economically viable and socially inclusive. 

Leadership support and a continual desire to improve performance are key to achieving these sustainability goals.