2020 Annual Financial Report

Chapter 4 : Corporate social responsibility – non-financial performance

4.4.2.6  Environmental impacts

For the last 15 years or so, Publicis Groupe has implemented its “Consume less and better” environmental policy, which is based on seven pillars – each backed by a performance indicator (see Section 4.5 Environment):

  1. reduction in transport;
  2. reduction in energy consumption and switch to 100% direct-source renewable energy;
  3. reduction in the consumption of natural resources and raw materials;
  4. reduction in waste volume;
  5. reduction in the impact of campaigns and projects carried out for clients: A.L.I.C.E. (Advertising Limiting Impacts & Carbon Emissions). See Section 4.2.2.2;
  6. reduction in the impacts related to goods and services purchased: CSR self-assessment and environmental P.A.S.S. (Publicis Groupe Providers’ Platform for a self-Assessment for a Sustainable Supply chain). See Section 4.2.5;
  7. carbon neutrality for the entire Groupe by 2030.

Employees in all entities have come together to reach these targets, to find local solutions enabling them to better manage “unavoidable” impacts.

The Groupe joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to raise its requirements and commitment to alignment with the Paris Agreement, based on the 1.5 °C by 2030 scenario (see Section 4.1.5).

A number of collaborative tools in place in agencies mean that more than 95% of Groupe employees can work remotely in the event of severe weather conditions. Audits are carried out throughout the year to analyze the resistance of the IT systems and to confirm the effectiveness of backup security systems to ensure service continuity.

Publicis Groupe expects its suppliers to make a serious commitment to combating climate change and alignment with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Action plan and key indicators

The main elements of the action plan are presented in Section 4.5. The key axes are:

  • reduction in absolute carbon emissions in line with SBTi targets for 2030;
  • carbon neutrality by 2030 (scopes 1+2+3);
  • suppliers assessed on their commitments and actions to reduce their environmental impacts and fight against climate change.

4.4.3   Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Plan

The Groupe complies with the provisions of the French law known as “Sapin II”, Article 17 II.1°. The Groupe has set up a prevention plan as provided for by law, including the code of conduct (Janus), and the anti-corruption policy, illustrating acts and behaviors relating to corruption or influence peddling that are prohibited. The Groupe is also in compliance with the other anti-corruption laws applicable where we operate. The compliance program is based on seven elements:

  1. Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Policy, including a guide on employee behavior in various circumstances;
  2. whistleblowing system that can be used if violations of the Groupe’s policies are found (Reporting Concerns policy, also known as “Whistleblowing”);
  3. regular review of risk mapping including risks of exposure for corruption purposes;
  4. reviews of third parties (clients, suppliers and partners);
  5. accounting procedures and controls to prevent and detect corruption;
  6. employee training both online and in person;
  7. monitoring the effectiveness and implementation of the Groupe’s anti-corruption compliance program.

The Groupe’s legal experts play an important role in the application of anti-corruption laws and regulations. They are part of the Shared Service Centers (Re:Sources) and report to the Groupe’s Legal Department, which constantly monitors this issue. Their mission is to conduct prevention, to ensure that the processes and procedures are in place and applied, and adapted to the local market. The objective is to have the same high standards in accordance with local regulations and with Groupe ethics rules.

Politic

The Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption policy is rolled out at all levels of the organization and is based on the principle of Zero Tolerance of any form of corruption or fraud. All employees must comply with this policy, as well as local laws or regulations. This policy includes:

  • the formal prohibition of any form of fraud or corruption, or influence peddling;
  • major risks requiring a high degree of vigilance;
  • rules relating to gifts or entertainment with third parties, or other forms of lobbying;
  • the system for reporting any violation of this policy or applicable anti-corruption laws.