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IROs: Advertising & Marketing (SAM)
Jasper Akkermans avatar
Written by Jasper Akkermans
Updated over 4 months ago

ESRS E1 - Climate change

Topic

ESRS E1 - Climate change

Sub-topic

Climate change adaptation

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Impact - potential positive

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Sustainable advertising practices mitigate climate impacts

Example

Advertising agencies like Ogilvy are integrating sustainable practices into their operations to reduce carbon footprint. By adopting energy-efficient office spaces, using eco-friendly materials for marketing materials, and promoting digital advertising over print, Ogilvy reduces its environmental impact and contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.

Reference

Ogilvy Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS E5 - Circular economy

Topic

ESRS E5 - Circular economy

Sub-topic

Waste

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Impact - potential positive

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Marketing campaigns can have a positive impact on the environment

Example

Marketing companies are promoting recycling initiatives, encouraging positive ESG practices. Companies like WPP are developing campaigns to encourage recycling and reuse among consumers - having a positive impact on waste reduction efforts.

Reference

WPP Sustainability Report, 2023

Topic

ESRS E5 - Circular economy

Sub-topic

Waste

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Opportunity

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Long-term

Title

Investing in sustainable marketing solutions promoting recycling

Example

Investing in sustainable marketing solutions that promote recycling and reduce waste can enhance brand value, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and lead to long-term cost savings.

Reference

Unilever Sustainable Living Report, 2023

ESRS S1 - Own workforce

Topic

Own workforce

Sub-topic

Equal treatment and opportunities for all

Sub-sub-topic

Employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities

IRO

Impact - potential positive

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

Promoting diversity in creative campaigns

Example

Advertising agencies such as BBDO are championing diversity by actively recruiting and supporting employees with disabilities in creative roles. This inclusive approach not only enhances workplace diversity but also enriches creative outputs by incorporating diverse perspectives.

Reference

BBDO Diversity and Inclusion Report, 2023

Topic

Own workforce

Sub-topic

Equal treatment and opportunities for all

Sub-sub-topic

Employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities

IRO

Impact - potential positive

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

Inclusion improves company culture

Example

Inclusion of minorities can improve company culture and performance, whilst fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. WPP has diversity and inclusion programs to ensure a diverse workforce at all levels.

Reference

WPP Sustainability Report, 2023

ESRS S4 - Consumers and end-users

Topic

Consumers and end-users

Sub-topic

Information-related impacts for consumers and/or end users

Sub-sub-topic

Access to (quality) information

IRO

Impact - potential negative

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Short-term

Title

Irresponsible marketing can have negative environmental impacts

Example

Irresponsible marketing practices can mislead consumers, resulting in misinformed decisions, unhealthy lifestyles, and misinformation. WPP ensures all marketing campaigns adhere to ethical standards to maintain consumer trust.

Reference

WPP Sustainability Report, 2023

Topic

Consumers and end-users

Sub-topic

Information-related impacts for consumers and/or end users

Sub-sub-topic

Access to (quality) information

IRO

Impact - potential negative

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Short-term

Title

Ethical considerations in influencer marketing

Example

Influencer marketing agencies like InfluencerDB are implementing ethical guidelines to ensure influencers disclose sponsored content transparently and responsibly. This practice aims to prevent misleading marketing practices that could negatively impact consumer trust and brand reputation.

Reference

InfluencerDB Ethical Marketing Guidelines, 2023

Topic

Consumers and end-users

Sub-topic

Information-related impacts for consumers and/or end users

Sub-sub-topic

Access to (quality) information

IRO

Risk

Location

Downstream

Time-frame

Short-term

Title

Legal and regulatory fines for data privacy non-compliance in digital advertising

Example

Non-compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) in digital advertising practices may lead to significant legal and regulatory fines, impacting financial performance and brand reputation.

Reference

Facebook Transparency Report, 2023

ESRS G1 - Business conduct

Topic

Business conduct

Sub-topic

Protection of whistleblowers

Sub-sub-topic

IRO

Risk

Location

Own operations

Time-frame

Medium-term

Title

Risk of whistleblowing exposing ethical violations

Example

Whistleblowing within advertising agencies like DDB Group can expose unethical practices such as fraud, bribery, or conflicts of interest. This can lead to legal investigations, reputational damage, and financial penalties. DDB Group implements robust whistleblowing policies, anonymous reporting channels, and whistleblower protection measures to encourage transparency, address ethical concerns promptly, and mitigate risks associated with unethical conduct.

Reference

DDB Group Corporate Governance Report, 2023

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