In 2019, Publicis Groupe achieved its initial Climate targets for 2020 and 2030. In 2020, Publicis Groupe launched a new cycle of actions by increasing its ambitions and voluntarily committing to an approach verified by the SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) for 2030 and 2040. The trajectory adopted is that of the Paris Agreement and a 1.5°C scenario. Under the ESRS, this policy covers:
[E1-2-25 (a) to (e), E1-3-28]
Publicis Groupe has seen its objectives validated by SBTi, aligned with their new 2021 method:
This projection includes another voluntary objective, which is the switch to 100% direct-source renewable energy throughout the Groupe. The options for obtaining RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) are managed centrally by the Groupe to deal, for example with a local shortfall in the renewable energy market.
These targets (on gross greenhouse gas emissions) anticipate the fact that disruptive technological and operational innovations still unknown on the market will be implemented in the coming years. Taking into account the essential acceleration, the “Net Zero Climate Policy” is backed by SBTi objectives. With a view to reassessing the SBTi targets, work on modeling the reduction trajectory began in 2023 and continued in 2024 on various significant items (air transportation, procurement, etc.) in order to better understand the levers for action. This work also makes it possible to discuss targets with internal stakeholders.
This environmental policy relies on an EMS (Environmental Management System) which has been in place for the past several years. It is based on the voluntary ISO 14001 standard, with precise targets, annual reporting with quantitative and qualitative data (via HFM CSRGRI, P.A.R.I.S., etc.) and proprietary tools (A.L.I.C.E., P.A.S.S., etc.) designed to constantly improve the measures in place and innovate both in terms of business lines and suppliers. This EMS applies to all subsidiaries; it is managed by the Groupe’s CSR Department under the supervision of the Chief Impact Officer, who is a member of the Management Committee, and is subject to continuous improvements. 23 subsidiaries representing 13.6% of employees are IS0 14001-certified.
The climate target is to be SBTi Net Zero by 2040. We have a single watchword: reducing all impacts. The reduction trajectory will not be linear, because the Groupe benefits from economic growth that automatically generates an increase in certain impacts, such as direct and indirect energy consumption, in the age of artificial intelligence.
An intermediate stage is planned with carbon neutrality for the entire Groupe before 2030 (neutrality meaning all GHG emissions offset by carbon credits). To offset irreducible impacts, VCCs (Voluntary Carbon Credits) are used only as a last resort. This annual operation is managed centrally by the Groupe and currently only covers the irreducible elements of Scopes 1 and 2, as well as air transportation (Business travel) in Scope 3. [ESRS 2 MDR-T-80 (a) to (j)]
The summary table of key data can be found at the end of this section.
