At dentsu, we believe in achieving meaningful progress for the brands we partner with and for society as a whole.

We believe that for business growth to be truly sustainable, we must accelerate the transition to a low carbon future and reduce the impact of climate change by becoming a Net Zero emissions business by 2030.

We are proud to be part of a select, but growing number of organisations that are aiming for the highest level of climate ambition to prevent a rise above 1.5°C, in order to mitigate the most dangerous effects of climate change.

But radical decarbonisation of our business and value chain is only the first step. As an industry we have the ability to change the way that people think, feel and act. Being fanatical about consumer insight sits at the heart of everything we do. Imagine what we can do if we work together to both raise awareness of the climate crisis and inspire people everywhere to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. That’s why at Dentsu we are also committing to helping 1 billion people make better, more sustainable choices. Our aim is to enable consumers to embrace lifestyles that will ease the burden on our planet, and support brands to develop new strategies and campaigns that will help them meet the needs of a more conscious consumer.

It’s by working together that we can create a better future for all of us. 

Dentsu Net Zero – for lasting good.

Getting to Net Zero by 2030

Our Net Zero strategy is underpinned by a new Science Based Target aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, committing dentsu to reducing our absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) by 46% by 2030 (from a 2019 base year).

By setting ambitious, science-based targets, as well as working with our ecosystem of clients, partners and suppliers, we will set about the radical decarbonisation of our entire value chain over the next decade. 

We will do this through five key areas:

Technology
We will assess, strategically select and then work directly with those key technology partners and suppliers that share our leading climate ambitions. Where possible we will collaborate with such partners to reduce emissions and stipulate the requirement to source 100% renewable electricity.

Flights
We will leverage corporate travel policies and increase our use of leading collaboration technologies to facilitate remote meetings and therefore reduce our reliance on flying our staff to global destinations for business. Where flying remains necessary, we will analyse and then choose more environmentally-friendly airlines and routes.

Research and Advertising
We will set an environmentally preferred policy which includes a list of preferred suppliers with emission reduction commitments, and establish ongoing dialogue with such material suppliers on data collection and emissions reduction initiatives. We will also ensure that procurement contracts stipulate the requirement to source 100% renewable energy.

Professional fees
As with research and advertising We will set an environmentally preferred policy which includes a list of preferred suppliers with emission reduction commitments, and establish ongoing dialogue with such material suppliers on data collection and emissions reduction initiatives. We will also ensure that procurement contracts stipulate the requirement to source 100% renewable energy.

Buildings and Fleet
We will ensure all dentsu buildings meet the leading environmental criteria in key markets, both in existing buildings and any new buildings going forward, and we will implement a global energy strategy  through which investments in energy efficiency can be focused. In support of our commitment to RE100, we will continue to be powered by 100% renewable electricity in all markets where we operate and collaborate with business to stimulate the production of renewables in every country across the globe.

Where we cannot decarbonise directly, we will work to offset any residual emissions. Where possible, we will focus our effort on offsetting projects that also deliver co-benefits aligned with dentsu’s wider Social Impact strategy and delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"As a company we believe in achieving meaningful progress for the brands we work with and for society as a whole. That’s why I’m delighted to announce that we are committing to becoming a Net Zero emissions company by 2030. Building on our achievement of powering the company on 100% renewable energy, we are committed to a future of renewable electricity and, where emissions are unavoidable, certified greenhouse gas removal projects. Dentsu has always been an industry first-mover and I’m thrilled that we are able to join those leading brands that have also pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2030." Wendy Clark, Global CEO, dentsu

Standards and reporting

We provide full and transparent disclosure of our progress to reaching Net Zero through CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project). In 2019, we were awarded an A- rating, reflecting our strong performance in implementing our climate strategy to date. We also disclose environmental data via Ecovadis and were awarded a silver rating in 2020. We are signatories to the UN Global Compact and RE100, and we are listed on the DJSI and FTSE4Good.