Interpublic Group — full event log

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP performed a limited assurance engagement on certain GHG emissions and certain people metrics for the year ended December 31, 2023.

sustainability_report p.201

In 2023, anti-harassment training was offered to all 56,000 global employees for the first time, expanding the reach beyond the prior US-focused training.

sustainability_report p.72

By 2023, Interpublic reported 133% progress toward its Scope 1 and Scope 2 reduction target (50% by 2030 vs 2019 baseline), with combined Scope 1+2 market-based emissions down from 96,102 to 32,433 tCO2e (66% reduction).

sustainability_report p.41

In 2023, IPG updated spend-based emissions factors for Scope 3 Cat 1 (purchased goods), Cat 2 (capital goods) to use U.S. EPA environmentally-extended input output supply chain factors. Cat 3 updated to combination of IEA and UK DEFRA factors. Result: Scope 3 Cat 1, 2, 3 emissions decreased slightly compared to past years.

sustainability_report p.55

In 2022 IPG became the first advertising holding company to publish its decision not to support marketing aimed at extending the life of fossil fuels, and now reviews climate impacts of prospective oil, energy, and utility sector clients before accepting new work.

sustainability_report p.40

In March 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, IPG suspended operations in Russia and ceded control to local management. Affects period-over-period revenue and headcount comparisons.

sustainability_report p.148

IPG became the first advertising holding company to publish its decision not to support marketing/communications aimed at extending the life of fossil fuels, and instituted a due diligence climate review for new prospective clients in oil, energy and utility sectors.

sustainability_report p.56

In 2022, IPG launched its first supplier engagement program with targeted outreach to top vendors for emissions data and climate strategies, improving Scope 3 measurement accuracy over time.

sustainability_report p.49

In 2022, IPG received official Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation of its near-term climate action targets: 50% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and 30% reduction of Scope 3 emissions by 2030, both from a 2019 baseline. Aligned with 1.5°C trajectory.

sustainability_report p.9

IPG acquired RafterOne in October 2022. All RafterOne data has been excluded from reported 2022 metrics due to limited data availability, affecting comparability.

sustainability_report p.45

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP performed a limited assurance engagement on certain greenhouse gas emissions and certain employee diversity metrics for the year ended December 31, 2022.

sustainability_report p.45

In 2022, IPG appointed Jemma Gould as first Chief Sustainability Officer, spearheading global sustainability programs and reporting to the Board annually with quarterly written updates.

sustainability_report p.15

RafterOne was acquired by Interpublic in October 2022. All data for RafterOne was excluded from the reported 2022 metrics due to limited availability of data, affecting comparability of 2022 figures.

sustainability_report p.44

Interpublic began receiving external assurance (limited assurance, AICPA AT105) by PwC for Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Category 6 (business travel) emissions in 2022.

sustainability_report p.67

Interpublic launched its inaugural supplier engagement program in 2022 to better understand, monitor and support reduction of suppliers' emissions, in connection with the 30% Scope 3 reduction target by 2030.

sustainability_report p.51

Last year's 2022 emissions data was submitted in the 2023 CDP prior to assurance process being fully complete. 2022 emissions data restated based on finalized post-assurance inventory. Did not meet 5% significance threshold for base-year recalculation.

sustainability_report p.66

In 2022, Interpublic announced a policy to review the climate impact of prospective clients in oil, energy, and utility sectors before accepting new work. Since putting the policy in place, IPG has turned down potential new business opportunities.

sustainability_report p.53

IPG previously used spend-based method for purchased goods and services. In 2022, top suppliers by spend were identified and supplier-specific emission factors (from CDP data and supplier survey) were applied. Resulted in lower reported Cat 1 emissions due to more accurate accounting.

sustainability_report p.26

In 2021, IPG committed to set an emissions reduction target in line with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making IPG a signatory to Business Ambition for 1.5°C and a member of the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign.

sustainability_report p.11

IPG set a science-based target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. Target approved by SBTi (validated May 2023), aligned with 1.5°C.

sustainability_report p.15

IPG set a science-based target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, covering categories 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Approved by SBTi.

sustainability_report p.19

IPG joined The Climate Pledge committing to net-zero carbon across the business by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

sustainability_report p.23

IPG set a target to procure 100% of its electricity through renewable sources by 2030 (baseline 2019, 0.3% renewable).

sustainability_report p.22

IPG became the first advertising holding company to commit to reviewing the climate impacts of prospective clients in oil, energy and utility sectors before accepting new work, and published decision not to support marketing aimed at extending the life of fossil fuels.

sustainability_report p.40

PwC performed limited assurance on certain GHG emissions and employee diversity metrics for year ended Dec 31, 2021. IPG expanded scope of assured metrics to include Scope 3 Category 6 (Business Travel).

sustainability_report p.5

As of year-end 2021, IPG reduced global occupied office space by 2.2 million square feet, approximately 22% reduction since 2019, contributing to lower emissions.

sustainability_report p.43

Interpublic announced company-wide climate action targets in 2021, validated by SBTi: 50% reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions by 2030 (1.5°C aligned), 30% reduction in Scope 3 by 2030 (2°C aligned), 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and net-zero by 2040. 2019 is the baseline year.

sustainability_report p.41

Interpublic's near-term science-based targets were approved by SBTi in May 2023, originally set June 2021. Target 1: 50% reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions by 2030 (1.5°C aligned). Target 2: 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 (well-below 2°C aligned). Both from 2019 base year.

sustainability_report p.116

Interpublic set a target to procure 100% of its electricity through renewable sources by 2030, applied portfolio-wide.

sustainability_report p.124

IPG committed to net-zero carbon across global operations by 2040 (signatory to The Climate Pledge), with 2030 interim targets of 50% Scope 1+2 reduction, 30% Scope 3 reduction, and 100% renewable electricity. 2019 is the baseline year.

sustainability_report p.43

IPG committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 across its entire portfolio.

sustainability_report p.16

IPG became a founding member of AdGreen, an Advertising Association initiative to mitigate the environmental impact of advertising production via carbon calculators, training, and offsetting plans.

sustainability_report p.12

In 2021, IPG announced new science-based targets: 50% reduction of Scope 1+2 emissions by 2030 (2019 baseline), 30% reduction of Scope 3 by 2030, 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and net-zero carbon by 2040. Targets submitted to SBTi for validation.

sustainability_report p.36

IPG committed in 2021 to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, aligned with 1.5°C, and committed to seek SBTi validation within two years.

sustainability_report p.13

IPG formally joined The Climate Pledge, committing to net-zero carbon across the business by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

sustainability_report p.17

2021 is IPG's first year calculating and reporting on its full Scope 3 inventory across categories 1-7. This was a significant expansion in disclosed Scope 3 emissions reporting.

sustainability_report p.15

Business travel emissions decreased significantly from 2019 (119,934 tCO2e) to 2020 (22,851) and remained suppressed in 2021 (16,939) due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, not structural change.

sustainability_report p.26

In 2021, IPG expanded our Scope 3 inventory beyond our historical air travel emissions reporting. Performed Scope 3 inventory on calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 including Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

sustainability_report p.37

PwC performed limited assurance on certain GHG emissions and employee diversity metrics. Scope expanded in 2022 reporting to include Scope 3 Category 6 (Business Travel).

sustainability_report p.5

In 2021, IPG announced new climate action commitments including net-zero by 2040 (Climate Pledge), 50% Scope 1+2 reduction by 2030, 30% Scope 3 reduction by 2030 (2019 baseline), and 100% renewable electricity by 2030. SBTi targets submitted for validation aligned with 1.5°C.

sustainability_report p.39

Following six years of GRI reporting, IPG published its first comprehensive ESG report aligned with GRI, SASB, TCFD, UN Global Compact and UN SDGs.

sustainability_report p.7

As of year-end 2021, IPG's business restructuring reduced office space by 2.2 million square feet globally (~22% cut of occupied spaces since 2019), helping reduce overall carbon footprint.

sustainability_report p.124

In 2021, IPG formally joined The Climate Pledge, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, committing to reaching net-zero carbon across its business by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

sustainability_report p.11

IPG committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 for its entire portfolio.

sustainability_report p.11

IPG became a founding member of AdGreen, an Advertising Association initiative aimed at zero waste and zero carbon advertising production through training, renewable energy and carbon offsetting plans.

sustainability_report p.11

In 2021, IPG announced an ambitious climate action plan with a goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2040, with intermediate science-based targets for 2030: 50% reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and 30% reduction of Scope 3 emissions, both against a 2019 baseline. Also committed to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Targets submitted to SBTi for validation.

sustainability_report p.36

In 2021, IPG expanded our Scope 3 inventory beyond historical air travel emissions reporting, performing Scope 3 inventory on calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 including categories: purchased goods/services, capital goods, fuel/energy-related, business travel, employee commuting, waste.

sustainability_report p.37

As of year-end 2021, IPG reduced global occupied office space by 2.2 million square feet, approximately 22% since 2019, partly driven by pandemic and flexible work, helping reduce carbon footprint.

sustainability_report p.43

IPG committed to a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, classified as well-below 2°C aligned.

sustainability_report p.14

In 2020, IPG officially reached 100% boundary coverage of all IPG and agency locations globally (over 350 facilities). The 2020 GHG emissions used an updated methodology which may cause variation in year-over-year comparisons.

sustainability_report p.124

In 2020, an enhanced methodology was implemented which may cause some variation in comparing year-over-year data. IPG also achieved 100% boundary coverage of all 350+ facilities for the first time.

sustainability_report p.143

In 2020, IPG reduced enterprise data center square footage by 60%, expecting additional energy reductions in coming years. Primary data center power consumption was reduced 32% in 2019 vs 2018.

sustainability_report p.61

In 2020, IPG saw 55% progress toward its Scope 1 and Scope 2 reduction target; reductions were attributed largely to office closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, not structural decarbonization.

sustainability_report p.39

In 2020, due to COVID-19, IPG vacated approximately 1.7 million square feet globally (11% of total space), shifting to work-from-home and flexible schedules. This will likely reduce business travel and Scope 3 emissions for the foreseeable future.

sustainability_report p.15

In 2020, IPG officially reached 100% boundary coverage of all IPG and agency locations and offices around the world (over 350 facilities), up from 65% coverage in 2017. 2018 became the first year with 100% boundary data.

sustainability_report p.20

The 2020 GHG emissions used an updated methodology which may cause some variation in comparing year-over-year data. 2020 also marked achieving 100% boundary coverage of operations.

sustainability_report p.37

In 2021, IPG expanded its Scope 3 inventory beyond historical air travel emissions reporting. Performed Scope 3 inventory for 2019 and 2020 calendar years including Cat 1 (Purchased goods), Cat 2 (Capital goods), Cat 3 (Fuel/energy), Cat 5 (Waste), Cat 6 (Business travel), Cat 7 (Employee commuting). Cat 4 included in Cat 1.

sustainability_report p.48

In 2020, having reached 100% emissions boundary coverage, IPG announced it is exploring opportunities to set more comprehensive and science-based targets in the future.

sustainability_report p.60

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP performed a limited assurance engagement on certain greenhouse gas emissions metrics for the year ended December 31, 2020 and certain diversity metrics as of December 15, 2020.

sustainability_report p.148

In 2020, IPG reached 100% boundary coverage of all IPG and agency locations worldwide (over 350 facilities), up from 65% coverage in 2017. 2018 was restated as the first year of 100% coverage data.

sustainability_report p.16

IPG saw a decrease in office occupancy due to COVID-19, with reduced hours and deviations from standard operations driving a ~36% YoY reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions. Business travel emissions also fell dramatically as employee travel came to a standstill during global lockdowns.

sustainability_report p.24

Company-wide restructuring initiative launched in 2020 reduced occupied office space by 2.8 million square feet (~28%) by year-end 2022, contributing to lower energy use and emissions. This complicates year-over-year emissions comparisons.

sustainability_report p.51

Since 2020 launch, restructuring/co-location strategy resulted in 2.87 million sq ft reduction globally (~28.7% cut to occupied spaces by year-end 2023). This affects energy/emissions trend interpretation.

sustainability_report p.47

IPG continued expanding its GHG emissions calculation boundary, now covering all IPG and agency locations of every size worldwide (100% coverage), up from 65% the prior year (which covered offices >50,000 sq ft plus all NA/UK offices). 2018 and 2019 data recalculated under new boundary.

sustainability_report p.62

Base year emissions are reported for 2018 with 100% global boundary coverage (Scope 1: 6,927.3 tCO2e; Scope 2 location: 77,874.5 tCO2e; Scope 2 market: 81,246 tCO2e), expanded from prior partial coverage.

sustainability_report p.16

In 2020, IPG officially reached 100% boundary coverage of all IPG and agency locations worldwide (over 350 facilities), up from 65% in 2017. 2018 was first year with 100% coverage data.

sustainability_report p.26

In 2017, IPG set a Scope 2 relative intensity target for a 10% reduction by 2030 in metric tons CO2e per employee from a baseline of 2015. IPG is exploring science-based targets to expand on this commitment.

sustainability_report p.40