Our Ad Net Zero Chair updates the industry at RENEW 2022

Ad Net Zero Chair, Seb Munden (EVP & General Manager, Unilever UK & Ireland), discussed what’s in store for the year ahead at our conference RENEW 2022.

In conversation with Nina Hossain, he revealed that supporters have asked for an industry-specific gold standard certification to be developed, and so this will be the next big focus for Ad Net Zero in 2022.

Seb said: “This new certification will allow agencies, production, media, and advertisers to be accredited for their work in reducing emissions from ad operations and promoting more sustainable products and lifestyles.  It will embed best practice, provide accountability, support procurement, and help organisations communicate progress to net zero to stakeholders – to customers, clients, employees, and investors alike. Our aim is to launch the certification  in Q3.”

He went on to give an update on the Action Plan, noting that it will be key to benchmark the 2021 carbon data for supporters as proxy for the industry, and continue encouraging organisations to measure and reduce their emissions via tools such as the AdGreen Production Carbon Calculator and the IPA’s Media Carbon Calculator. Regarding Action 4 specifically, there is a plan to launch a dedicated Sustainability awards category, and on Action 5, the team will continue to promote the sectors efforts to media, government and the global business economy.

Seb also shared the news that Ad Net Zero is now receiving global attention, and as a result, international colleagues have been showing interest in learning how to implement Ad Net Zero in their markets. There are plans to build a global version of the Ad Net Zero Essentials Certificate which was launched in the UK last year.

To close his speech, Seb explained why Ad Net Zero is so important to advertisers. He commented: “It will take all our collective action for the industry to achieve net zero and more and more advertisers want their agencies and partners to take climate action . . . We encourage every part of the industry to join Ad Net Zero – let’s work as a collective, drive industry innovation, and deliver solutions that promote a more sustainable way of living.”

Seb’s full speech will be available to watch on demand via our YouTube channel from w/c 31st January. For more on Ad Net Zero, head over to its dedicated hub here.