Statement of intent:

The Union is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2045

In this section:

    Our six step plan

    We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and being responsible corporate citizens. To help us achieve this, we’ve created a 6-step plan to approaching scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduction:

    1

    Completion of a carbon footprint assessment so we can make and monitor changes accordingly. 

    2

    Based on step 1, identify and prioritise emission reduction opportunities for the short, medium and long term. 

    3

    Establish realistic and ambitious reduction targets to help drive action. 

    4

    Develop an action plan that can be monitored and evaluated. 

    5

    Implement and monitor progress regularly and report on benefits and challenges. 

    6

    Engage employees and stakeholders by providing training to help them understand their role in reducing emissions.

    Gong in the Union Church photo

    Where we are now

    Carbon Neutrality Baseline

    The Union’s Carbon Neutrality Baseline is expressed in tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) is based on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions only. Emissions calculations were based on 12 months gas consumption from May 2022- April 2023 and calculated through the environmental factor (EF) provided by the UK Government from 2023 (0.20 kgCO2e/kWh).
     
    The Union’s Carbon Neutrality Baseline is 71.3 tCO2e, of which 45.95 tCO2e are due to the fuel consumption at the company’s premises (Scope 1 emissions).

    Statistics - Burning of Natural Gas (Heating): 45.95 (tCO2e) Emissions, 229.7 MWh Annual Consumption; Electricity: 25.35 (tCO2e) Emissions, 112.45 MWh Annual Consumption

    For more information you can email info@union.co.uk and request information on our Sustainability and Circular Economy Policy.

    Our initiatives

    The Union is committed to doing great work, but not at the cost of our planet.

    Our existing initiatives to reduce emissions and improve sustainability include:

    Creation of a Circular Economy Working Group who have or are on their way to completing the IPA’s ‘Ad Net Zero Essentials’ programme.

    Completion of staff and client sustainability survey.

    Flexible and hybrid working.

    Video conferencing.

    Cycle to Work scheme.

    Film, field and print production considerations.

    Embedding sustainability into our culture.

    Disposal of electronic hardware/IT equipment.

    Digital software considerations.

    Quote on a wall "Change is the hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end." Robin S. Sharma

    Our future initiatives include:

    Enrolling all members of the Board in the IPA’s ‘Ad Net Zero Essentials’ programme or equivalent.

    Development of an internal communication programme to raise awareness about our journey to achieving Net Zero emissions.

    AdNet Zero training for all employees.

    Investigate options for introducing CO2 calculations into campaign strategies.

    Continued commitment to reducing business travel and the implementation of a sustainable travel policy.

    Develop guidance for production shoot days and field activations to maximise energy efficiency, including carbon tracking added to production schedules.

    Possible switch to a green business tariff.

    Possible support for employees switching to electric vehicles.

    Our targets

    Targets

    We pledge to attempt to reduce our carbon emissions in line with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and the UK Net Zero strategy, which suggests 50% absolute reduction by 2030 and reaching near Net Zero by 2040-2050. 

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