As we move into a new year, ASL Global's CSR Director, Emma Pomeroy, reflects on the progress made to become a more sustainable business over the past two years, and looks forward into 2022 and beyond to see what opportunities still lie ahead on ASL’s sustainability journey.
Over the Christmas break, I took time to reflect on our progress since we launched the One World initiative back in January 2020. It’s only been two years, but the dominating presence of Covid makes it hard to keep track of time. We’ve all lived through an extraordinary period of history, one which has affected the world in small and large ways, and will continue to do so for some time to come.
Like all businesses, ASL was affected by the pandemic, but thanks to the commitment of my colleagues, and the support of our wonderful clients & suppliers, we have weathered the storm. As Covid took hold in early 2020, it coincided with the launch of ASL's new sustainability initiative, ‘One World’ initiative, which had three clear goals; to reduce our environmental impact, to inspire our partners to do the same, and to help our local communities flourish.
These goals are still in place today, and despite Covid's best efforts to disrupt our plans, I'm pleased to say we have made real progress in that time.
Making Progress Towards Carbon Neutrality
For example, in 2020 we reduced our Scope 2 & 3 emissions by 50%, and this year we have developed an emissions calculator to help drive down products’ carbon footprint, as well as supporting some fantastic community projects in over 50 countries worldwide.
In 2020 we commenced the voluntary disclosure of our environmental performance through CDP. Not because a client had demanded it of us, but because it was the right thing to do, and we find it provides us with a useful reporting framework to help us on our sustainability journey.
In 2021 we went further by committing to the most ambitious Science Based Targets initiative target, to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Our own target, verified by the SBTi, is to become a net zero business by 2025. It’s ambitious, but we have already made great progress - later in the year, ASL became a carbon neutral business through our support of environmental and community carbon offsetting projects.
Building Sustainable Value Chains
We’re committed to a more sustainable future and we expect our suppliers to take the same approach.
We continue to collaborate with our customers to create more sustainable marketing activations and build a truly transparent sourcing model.
It's important that we work with suppliers, assessing their current position and helping them develop their own roadmaps towards sustainability. Its one of the most important elements of the One World initiative, because its so fundamental to the responsible value chain management service we offer our clients.
A Diverse and Inclusive Business
We believe that diversity of thought, experience, beliefs and cultures helps build a more innovative, successful business. Uniquely in our industry, not only are the majority of our shareholders female, but ASL is also predominantly led by female employees.
In 2022, ASL stands alone in the marketing services sector as a women-owned, women-led business - something I'm personally very proud of, having worked in this male-dominated industry for almost 30 years.
Looking Ahead with a CSR Culture
The past two years have been about establishing baselines, achieving some great quick wins, and, most importantly, educating our teams about sustainability. We’ve succeeded in creating a genuine CSR culture which runs through ASL Global – everyone understands what Sustainability really means, and what they can do, both as part of our business, and as individuals, to help make a positive difference.
We're now well placed to move forward with a set of progressive, strategic ESG goals, which I believe sets ASL apart as a business taking the lead with a real commitment to sustainable marketing execution.
This comprehensive ESG framework will drive ASL’s activity for the next three years, as we focus on attaining a net zero position. Of course, this is a huge challenge, but it's exciting to know that the roadmap is in place, with the whole business energised and 100% focused on delivering the goals we have set ourselves.
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Discover more about ASL's ONE WORLD initiative
