OLIVER, the world’s first and only company to exclusively design, build, and run in-house agencies for brands, is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Ad Net Zero Award by Campaign magazine. The nomination recognises OLIVER’s commitment to sustainability and its industry-leading efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its operations.
In 2023, OLIVER achieved an impressive 27% reduction in global operational emissions in 2023 vs 2022, preventing 1,479.1 tonnes of CO2e from being emitted. This includes a 36% reduction in supply chain emissions and a 12% reduction in business travel emissions. This accomplishment highlights OLIVER’s successful integration of sustainability into its fast-growing global operations.
Sustainability at the Core
OLIVER’s ambitious net zero strategy is not a standalone initiative but an integral part of its core business plan. By embedding sustainability principles across all departments, the company has fostered a culture of responsibility and innovation. [Lucy Usher] from the UK Senior Leadership Team has ensured that sustainability is a company-wide priority, supported by Rebecca Owen, Sustainability Project Manager driving global operational transformation, and Aleksandra Vergunova, Global Sustainability Reporting Specialist leading on global sustainability reporting needs.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that sustainability isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for us—it’s woven into the fabric of every decision we make,” said [Usher], Head of Sustainability at OLIVER. “Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to our team’s dedication to making a tangible, positive impact on the environment.”
Regular internal communications have increased awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives, with all employees familiar with Ad Net Zero, AdGreen, and ChangeTheBrief. OLIVER’s production teams are leading the way, with 770 employees trained in sustainable production through AdGreen, and over 200 carbon footprint reports generated across 46 brands in 2023.
Industry Leadership and Innovation
OLIVER has established itself as a sustainability leader in the creative industry. The company was recognised as AdGreen’s top super user, leveraging the AdGreen Carbon Calculator to measure and manage production emissions. Additionally, OLIVER’s ChangeTheBrief-trained creatives played a key role in OLIVER’s contribution to the ‘Agency for Nature’ campaign by Purpose Disruptors and Glimpse, which was shortlisted for two awards in February 2024.
OLIVER’s unique approach to sustainability is bolstered by its Change Team, which integrates climate action with racial justice, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusive and holistic sustainability efforts.
Driving Change in Creative and Operational Practices
Internally, OLIVER promotes sustainable travel choices, renewable energy adoption, and energy efficiency through employee benefits like the cycle-to-work scheme and the HeatScheme.
To calculate its operational emissions, OLIVER used the Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology, supported by an external consultant. For production emissions, OLIVER uses the AdGreen Carbon Calculator, further enhancing its data-driven approach to sustainability.
