WPP — full event log

WPP stated it will update Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon reduction targets in 2026, introducing long-term commitments consistent with SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard. Baseline will be recalculated to reflect business model changes. Refrigerant gases to be included in Scope 1 from 2026.

sustainability_report p.33

In February 2024 WPP refinanced its $2.5bn revolving credit facility with updated environmental and social metrics approved February 2025, embedding carbon reduction targets into financing.

sustainability_report p.2

Emissions from media buying generate 54% of WPP's 2019 baseline Scope 3 carbon footprint. WPP was the first among peers to include media placement emissions in science-based reduction targets, with a 2030 target of 50% absolute reduction. A 17% reduction in media emissions has been achieved since 2019, driven by progress of top 20 media vendors. EssenceMediacom's adaptive green media planning model demonstrated 19% emissions savings vs standard digital delivery without compromising ROI. WPP targets 52% of carbon-strategic suppliers having set science-based targets.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP operates a supply chain of ~70,000 global suppliers. The firm has assessed 64 carbon-strategic suppliers' emissions reduction maturity and launched an outreach programme to encourage renewable energy adoption and carbon reduction targets. 52% of carbon-strategic suppliers have set science-based carbon reduction targets. The supply chain engagement programme was awarded an A- rating in CDP's Supplier Engagement Assessment. Watershed platform implemented in 2025 to strengthen data quality and coverage across all emissions categories.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP's Environment Policy sets out how it manages the cost and quality of carbon credits purchased to offset emissions it cannot avoid. The firm states the first step to limiting emissions is to reduce its total footprint as far as possible. In 2026, WPP aims to set its first long-term emissions reduction target and update its net zero commitment consistent with the SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard. The firm uses sustainability-linked finance, with its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility tied to specific sustainability metrics.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP purchased 100% of its electricity from renewable sources for the first time in 2025, meeting its RE100 target of 100% by 2025. RE100 Technical Criteria exclusions applied; actual achievement was 99.8%.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP acquired 100% of Cognitive Logic Inc. (InfoSum) on 4 April 2025 for £108 million cash consideration. InfoSum's patented cross-cloud data collaboration technology now powers WPP Open Intelligence. Goodwill recognised of £91 million.

sustainability_report p.172

Emissions from filming and content production on behalf of clients account for 14% of WPP's 2019 baseline Scope 3 footprint. WPP Production (launched February 2026) consolidates production resources globally. AI-enabled virtual production achieves 80%+ average reduction in CO2e vs traditional shoots (based on four virtual production campaigns). A production playbook guides decision-making before, during and after shoots. AI-driven tools within WPP Open support reuse of existing assets over new origination.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP is a member of RE100 and in 2025 achieved its target of purchasing 100% of electricity from renewable sources (99.8% after RE100 Technical Criteria exclusions). This was driven by centralised procurement of green and renewable electricity across all major markets, with 118,097 MWh of green/renewable electricity (location-based) in 2025. The firm also advanced building efficiency through its campus programme, consolidating offices into fewer, more energy-efficient buildings. WPP partners with world-leading cloud providers who operate global data centres using low-carbon energy management.

sustainability_report p.33

Cindy Rose appointed as CEO on 1 September 2025, succeeding Mark Read. New Elevate28 strategy launched February 2026 simplifying WPP into four operating units (WPP Media, WPP Creative, WPP Production, WPP Enterprise Solutions) across four regions, targeting £500m gross cost savings by 2028.

sustainability_report p.6

In 2025 WPP will recalculate baseline carbon emissions in line with SBTi guidelines (required every five years) and publish first formal Transition Plan aligned with TPT and IFRS Sustainability Standards.

sustainability_report p.11

Refrigerant gases used to cool buildings were immaterial when 2025 reduction target was set but have become material based on WPP's initial assessment. Will be included in updated Scope 1 emissions total disclosed in 2026.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP's campus strategy consolidates people into fewer, larger, more energy-efficient buildings, replacing smaller offices and lowering the environmental footprint. In 2025, 49 campuses accommodated 73,000 people. The newest London campus (One Southwark Bridge) retained 75% of original structure, saving ~60% embodied carbon vs demolition and achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification. Campus consolidation drove Scope 1 and 2 emissions down 89% from the 2019 baseline.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP's technology estate (6% of 2019 baseline Scope 3 footprint) is being decarbonised through migration to cloud-based solutions and decommissioning of on-premise hardware. In 2025, 1,100+ on-premise servers were decommissioned, and 80% of computing workloads are now hosted in public cloud (2024: 62%). Strategic partnerships with Google, Microsoft and AWS accelerate transformation while reducing costs, and cloud providers operate global data centres benchmarked in low-carbon energy management.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP tracks and manages business air travel as a key Scope 3 category (~3% of baseline footprint). Air travel emissions decreased 60% compared to 2019, reaching 49,528 tCO2e in 2025. Centrally contracted flights (74% of air travel) are subject to PwC limited assurance. Travel management companies have implemented new processes to improve data quality following restatement of 2024 data.

sustainability_report p.34

Supply chain (Scope 3) makes up 98% of total emissions. WPP identified that just 138 carbon-strategic suppliers contribute 56% of total indirect purchased goods and services emissions, representing $1.2bn in spend. WPP has assessed the maturity of these suppliers' emissions reduction plans and embarked on an outreach and engagement plan toward supply chain decarbonisation.

sustainability_report p.10

Media placement represents more than half of WPP's supply chain emissions. In 2024 GroupM piloted new ways to estimate, optimise and reduce emissions with third-party AdTech vendors. WPP welcomed the launch of the Global Media Sustainability Framework — the first industry-wide framework to measure media emissions consistently per GHG Protocol.

sustainability_report p.11

Advertising production is responsible for 14% of supply chain carbon footprint. Hogarth (WPP's production agency) invests in generative AI and virtual production technologies to lower production emissions. A production playbook guides decision-making before, during and after shoots. The Production Studio on WPP Open automates content creation, reducing travel needs.

sustainability_report p.11

On 2 December 2024, WPP completed the disposal of its 50.4% investment in FGS Global to KKR entity Kite Bidco Inc. Cash consideration of £613 million was received, generating a gain on disposal of £275 million before tax. Net assets disposed were £407 million.

sustainability_report p.44

Following the decision to merge BCW and Hill & Knowlton in January 2024, the merger formally completed on 1 July 2024, creating Burson. Goodwill for these businesses was combined within the Burson CGU effective 1 July 2024.

sustainability_report p.21

Instances of misclassification of heat and steam as natural gas, and omissions of heat and steam emissions across sites in 2024, resulted in understatement of Scope 2 market-based emissions by 10.7% and location-based by 1.2%. 2025 methodology will include refrigerant gases in Scope 1 from 2026.

sustainability_report p.49

During 2024, the Group reallocated a number of businesses between Global Integrated Agencies, Specialist Agencies and Public Relations, changing the composition of reportable segments. Prior year comparatives have been restated per IFRS 8.

sustainability_report p.14

The PwC audit report references WPP's 2025 scope 1 and 2 reduction targets and 2030 scope 3 reduction targets, which were incorporated into goodwill impairment forecasts. This financial statements section does not provide further detail on the targets.

sustainability_report p.47

Following a competitive tender process, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) was appointed as auditor of WPP effective from the year ended 31 December 2024, replacing Deloitte LLP. PwC was appointed by members on 8 May 2024. This is PwC's first year of engagement.

sustainability_report p.16

Restructuring and transformation costs of £251 million in 2024 include £90 million for the IT transformation programme, £144 million related to the continuing transformation plan (VML, Burson, GroupM simplification), and £17 million of ongoing property costs.

sustainability_report p.16

WPP has been purchasing high-quality carbon credits since 2007 to offset business air travel emissions and has permanently retired 1.8 million carbon credits, recharged to agencies at £6.88/tCO2e (2023: £6.93). The Environment Policy governs cost and quality of credits. Offsetting strategy and removal-based approaches are being developed as part of the forthcoming Transition Plan, with commitment to offset residual emissions in operations by 2025 and supply chain by 2030.

sustainability_report p.11

In 2024 WPP bought 93% of its electricity from renewable sources (2023: 88%), on track to meet its 100% target by 2025. WPP is a member of RE100. The renewable electricity shift (along with real estate consolidation and EV/hybrid company car transition) drove an 82% absolute reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions since 2019 and 37% YoY market-based Scope 2 reduction.

sustainability_report p.10

WPP will publish first formal Transition Plan in 2024, aligned to Transition Plan Taskforce recommendations, covering six emissions hotspots including new Innovation & AI hotspot

sustainability_report p.21

WPP disposed of FGS Global in December 2024.

sustainability_report p.25

WPP announced merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton to create Burson, effective July 2024

sustainability_report p.5

In October 2023 WPP announced the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to form VML, effective January 2024

sustainability_report p.5

2024 business air travel emissions restated due to identification of out-of-scope exchanges included in data from a centrally contracted travel management company, resulting in 19% overstatement in centrally contracted and 16% overstatement in total Scope 3 business air travel.

sustainability_report p.49

WPP conducted its first double materiality assessment in 2024 in preparation for the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

sustainability_report p.1

WPP on track to source 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, reached 93% in 2024 (up from 88% in 2023).

sustainability_report p.10

WPP is reducing its real estate portfolio by moving people into fewer, more efficient buildings — launched seven new campuses in 2024 (47 global total). New campus technology standards have reduced IT equipment room sizes by 75%, lowering construction costs, power consumption and cooling needs. Real estate is one of five identified emissions hotspots.

sustainability_report p.10

Company cars account for 63% of Scope 1 emissions. In 2024, 63% of centrally-leased company cars were electric or hybrid (2023: 46%), largely driven by Belgium and Germany (half of company car contracts), where all new contracts are electric or hybrid.

sustainability_report p.10

Enterprise technology generates 6% of WPP's Scope 3 footprint. Through the Cloud Acceleration Programme WPP has decommissioned more than 1,000 servers and moved 800 to the cloud, replacing older hardware with cloud-based solutions powered by renewable electricity. This is one of five emissions hotspots overseen by the Net Zero Leadership Group.

sustainability_report p.11

Business air travel accounts for around 3% of baseline carbon footprint. In 2024 air travel emissions were 91,651 tCO2e (up 21% vs 2023 but 25% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels). WPP charges an internal carbon price of £6.88/tCO2e to agencies for centrally contracted flights to fund offsetting.

sustainability_report p.11

In 2023, GroupM launched a new omnichannel media carbon calculator for clients, enabling channel-level carbon emissions data in media planning. Client coalition worth $10 billion in global advertising investment.

sustainability_report p.8

Following the announcement to merge VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson in Q4 2023, goodwill for these businesses was combined within the VML CGU effective 1 January 2024, when the merger formally completed.

sustainability_report p.21

In 2023 we integrated travel by class into our metrics subject to assurance for the first time, as we continue to work to improve consistency and coverage of flight data across the business.

sustainability_report p.9

WPP purchases high-quality carbon credits to offset emissions from air travel; since 2007 it has permanently retired 1.7 million credits, charged to agencies to create an internal carbon cost (£6.93/tCO2e in 2023). The Environment Policy governs cost and quality of credits. Offsetting strategy is being developed further as part of the Transition Plan. Note: WPP uses 'offsets' framing rather than durable removals (DAC/BECCS).

sustainability_report p.9

WPP will publish its first formal Transition Plan in 2024, an important milestone as progress to net zero continues.

sustainability_report p.8

Scope 1+2 reductions largely driven by campus strategy — moving people into fewer, more efficient buildings — combined with electricity from renewable sources. Target: 75,000 employees in net zero campuses by 2025. Company cars (62% of Scope 1) being shifted to electric/hybrid: 46% of centrally leased cars EV/hybrid in 2023 (2022: 30%).

sustainability_report p.8

Technology (data centres, emails) generates 6% of Scope 3 footprint. Decommissioning older, less efficient hardware and migrating IT infrastructure to the cloud will reduce energy use and emissions. WPP working with technology providers to better track emissions of products and services used.

sustainability_report p.9

In 2023, CDP climate change score was B (2022: A-), reflecting changes in CDP's scoring criteria designed to ensure companies continually improve their climate ambitions.

sustainability_report p.3

WPP sourced 88% of electricity from renewable sources in 2023 (2022: 83%) and is on track to meet its target to source 100% by 2025. WPP is a member of RE100. Increase in renewables and improved energy efficiency through campus consolidation drove a 17% YoY and 77% reduction since 2019 in Scope 1+2 emissions per person.

sustainability_report p.8

Media placement makes up more than half of WPP's supply chain emissions. WPP is the only advertising holding company to include media buying emissions in SBTi targets. GroupM launched an omnichannel media carbon calculator in 2023, measuring ~2,800 campaigns. A client coalition representing $10bn in global advertising investment is driving standardisation of emissions measurement.

sustainability_report p.8

Business air travel accounts for ~3% of baseline carbon footprint. 2023 Scope 3 business air travel emissions were 75,687 tCO2e (vs 122,967 in 2019 baseline). An internal carbon price of £6.93/tCO2e is recharged to agencies to incentivise reduction.

sustainability_report p.9

In 2023, WPP commissioned Anthesis to map indirect suppliers' carbon footprint. Around 800 suppliers make up 80% of total indirect purchased goods and services CO2e emissions — these 'carbon strategic suppliers' will be engaged on emissions reduction plans in 2024 and beyond.

sustainability_report p.19

In 2023 WPP bought 88% of its electricity from renewable sources (2022: 83%, 2019: 37%), on track to meet target of 100% renewable electricity by 2025. WPP is a member of RE100, the global corporate renewable energy initiative bringing together businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity to accelerate change towards zero carbon grids at scale.

sustainability_report p.23

Business travel accounts for ~3% of baseline carbon footprint. In 2023 air travel emissions were 75,687 tCO2e, up 36% on 2022 but still 38% below 2019. Centrally-managed data covers 79% of group air travel via three travel management companies. In 2023 travel by class was integrated into assured metrics for the first time.

sustainability_report p.24

In 2023 WPP commissioned Anthesis to map indirect suppliers' carbon footprint in detail — 80% of indirect purchased goods & services emissions come from ~800 suppliers across IT/Telco (23.5%), Real Estate (17.4%), Professional Services (10.5%) etc. These 'carbon-strategic suppliers' are prioritised for targeted engagement to reduce emissions.

sustainability_report p.47

Restated 2022 Scope 2 emissions due to a material error identified as campus reporting was simplified, resulting in 8% restatement (market-based) and 6% (location-based)

sustainability_report p.23

PwC provided independent limited assurance over selected ESG performance metrics for year ending 31 December 2023

sustainability_report p.3

WPP has been purchasing high-quality carbon credits since 2007 and has permanently retired 1.7 million carbon credits to offset air travel emissions, charged to each agency to create an internal carbon cost. All credits must be verified by a carbon offset standard (e.g. Verified Carbon Standard or Gold Standard) and comply with ICROA recommendations. WPP focuses on offsets that provide additional environmental and social benefits. No mention of durable removals like DAC or BECCS.

sustainability_report p.24

More than half (52%) of WPP people now based in 41 campuses (up from 8% in 2018). A new energy efficiency playbook was rolled out across facilities teams in 2023 — in Prague reduced energy use by up to 46% per month vs 2022 by controlling office temperature. Natural gas in buildings produced 33% of 2023 Scope 1 emissions.

sustainability_report p.26

Hogarth is investing in generative AI, 3D and virtual production technologies. Example: Ford Mustang Mach-E BlueCruise expansion to 21 markets achieved 40% production emissions reduction while doubling content output. Hogarth and Makerhouse achieved AdGreen 'Superuser' status; AdGreen carbon calculator used across 22 WPP agencies.

sustainability_report p.26

In 2023 streamlined business operations reduced workforce by approximately 6,500 employees (2022: 3,300)

sustainability_report p.16

WPP member of RE100, committed to 100% renewable electricity by 2025

sustainability_report p.23

WPP is the only advertising holding company to include media placement emissions (>50% of total footprint) within science-based targets. GroupM released the first framework for measuring carbon emissions across the advertising lifecycle in 2022 and open-sourced it. In Feb 2023 GroupM launched an omnichannel media carbon calculator; in its first year ~2,800 campaigns were measured. A client coalition representing $10bn in advertising investment is driving standardisation.

sustainability_report p.26

Company cars account for 62% of Scope 1 emissions. In 2023, 46% of centrally-leased company cars were electric or hybrid (2022: 30%). From 2023, new company car contracts in Germany and Belgium (representing 48% of contracts) are electric or hybrid.

sustainability_report p.23

IT (data centres to emails) generates 6% of Scope 3 footprint. Decommissioning older hardware and migrating infrastructure to cloud will reduce energy use and emissions. Working with technology providers to better track IT emissions reduction.

sustainability_report p.26

Production of films and content represents 14% of supply chain carbon footprint. Hogarth continues investment in generative AI, 3D and virtual production technologies, expected to lower production carbon footprint through reduced travel and more efficient content generation.

sustainability_report p.9

WPP has been purchasing high-quality carbon credits since 2007 to offset air travel emissions, permanently retiring 1.65 million credits charged to agencies as an internal carbon cost. Credits must be verified by Verified Carbon Standard or Gold Standard, comply with ICROA. In 2022 WPP supported three clean cooking projects in Bangladesh, India and Kenya through Climate Impact Partners. WPP focuses on reduction first; offsetting strategy to be further developed in 2023 transition plan.

sustainability_report p.24

Business air travel accounts for ~3% of value chain footprint. In 2022 emissions were 55,662 tCO2e (387% increase vs 2021 post-Covid, but 55% below 2019 pre-pandemic). WPP collects centrally managed travel data covering 79% of group travel and offsets via permanently retired carbon credits.

sustainability_report p.23

Technology accounts for 6% of Scope 3 footprint. WPP is increasing use of cloud infrastructure powered by renewable electricity to reduce energy consumption, and has deployed low-cost sensor technology in server rooms to optimise energy use.

sustainability_report p.23

PwC was appointed as independent limited assurance provider over selected ESG metrics. In May 2022 PwC presented their first management report. An adverse conclusion was issued for UK workforce ethnic diversity data due to data inconsistencies.

sustainability_report p.53

WPP launched a new Green Claims Guide with training to help agencies make accurate environmental claims and avoid greenwashing.

sustainability_report p.30

By 2025 WPP aims to bring 85,000 employees into 65+ net-zero campuses on renewable electricity. Strategy focuses on repurposing existing iconic buildings to retain embodied carbon (e.g. Rose Court London BREEAM 'Excellent' - main structure retention preserved ~60% of embodied carbon). New offices >50,000 sq ft target LEED/BREEAM certification.

sustainability_report p.21

Media represents 55% of WPP's value chain emissions baseline. As first holding company to include media in SBT, GroupM developed and open-sourced a methodology for calculating emissions from media buying, launched a $10bn advertiser coalition, and in Feb 2023 launched a media omnichannel carbon calculator allowing channel-level emissions data in media planning.

sustainability_report p.23

In 2022 air travel emissions were collected using centrally managed data from three travel management companies for the first time, covering 79% of group air travel with extrapolation for the remaining 21%. Improved consistency and accuracy.

sustainability_report p.23

WPP is a member of RE100 and committed to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025. In 2022 the company reached 83% renewable electricity (up from 74% in 2021), partnering with Climate Impact Partners to purchase Energy Attribute Certificates in line with RE100 guidance. Investment in 65+ net-zero campuses by 2025 running on renewable electricity supports this goal.

sustainability_report p.21

Production accounts for 14% of supply chain footprint. A single hour of film generates ~5 tCO2e. Hogarth is developing virtual production capabilities. WPP is a founding member of AdGreen, providing training, a renewable energy buy-in scheme, and practical resources to reduce production emissions industry-wide.

sustainability_report p.23

Company cars account for 64% of Scope 1 emissions. In 2022, 30% of centrally leased company cars were electric or hybrid (up from 24% in 2021). WPP aims to shift to EV/hybrid in markets where charging infrastructure is feasible.

sustainability_report p.21

Revised policy requires categories of work to be considered by agency Risk Committees or escalated to WPP, with specific principles for energy sector clients to ensure alignment with Paris Agreement.

sustainability_report p.31

GroupM launched a global framework for media decarbonisation and a $10bn client coalition committed to advocate for shared industry standards and accelerate decarbonisation of the world's media supply chain.

sustainability_report p.29

On 4 March 2022, WPP announced its Board had decided to discontinue operations in Russia (approximately 1,400 employees) following the invasion of Ukraine. Operations being transferred to local ownership.

sustainability_report p.2

An error was highlighted in 2022 energy consumption caused by the complexity of historic structure, resulting in an 8% and 6% restatement in Scope 2 market-based and location-based emissions respectively.

sustainability_report p.9

In response to assurance observations and in preparation for incoming ESG legislation, WPP designed and launched its first set of formal ESG controls to enhance data quality.

sustainability_report p.1

First company in sector to include emissions associated with media placement and advertising production in near-term science-based targets (two-thirds of total carbon footprint).

sustainability_report p.14

For the first time, from 2021 WPP included diversity, equity and inclusion goals and carbon reduction targets in incentive plans for senior executives and Executive Directors.

sustainability_report p.5

In 2021 set science-based targets to reduce Scope 1+2 by 84% by 2025 and Scope 3 by 50% by 2030 (including media buying emissions) from 2019 baseline, verified by SBTi

sustainability_report p.21

In 2021 WPP set near-term science-based targets: 84% absolute Scope 1+2 reduction by 2025 and 50% absolute Scope 3 reduction by 2030 (2019 baseline), validated by SBTi. First in sector to include media buying and production emissions in targets.

sustainability_report p.10

Business travel accounts for around 3% of WPP's value chain carbon footprint. WPP aims to permanently reduce air travel by around a third versus pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, air travel emissions were 11,421 tCO2e, a 51% decrease vs 2020 and 91% vs 2019. WPP partnered with Microsoft to launch Cloud Studio, enabling creative teams to produce campaigns remotely.

sustainability_report p.34

With over $50 billion in advertising placed in 2021, media comprises more than half (55%) of WPP's total supply chain emissions baseline. GroupM launched a media decarbonisation programme aiming to develop industry-leading carbon measurement methodology and tools, collaborate with supply chain to drive decarbonisation behaviours, and educate to enable change. WPP is the first holding company to account for media emissions in its science-based reduction targets.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP is a member of RE100 and committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. In 2021 it purchased 74% of electricity from renewable sources (up from 65% in 2020). Its roadmap includes identifying priority contracts to migrate to renewable tariffs, new procurement guidelines, and standards for purchasing Energy Attribution Certificates (EACs) that account for additionality, biodiversity and local impacts. In 2021 WPP invested over £60,000 to support renewable electricity development (wind farms) in India and Vietnam through South Pole Group.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP made around 3,300 redundancies as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and as part of its transformation programme, merging and restructuring some agencies.

sustainability_report p.28

In August 2021, the Sustainability Committee participated in selecting PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the new independent assurance provider for non-financial ESG metrics for the year ended 31 December 2021.

sustainability_report p.7

WPP joined RE100 and committed to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Achieved 74% in 2021.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP is the only marketing communications company to include emissions from media placement (more than half of total footprint) in its net zero commitments.

sustainability_report p.4

In November 2021, WPP amended and supplemented its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility to link the margin to specific sustainability measures, embedding carbon-reduction targets into financing arrangements.

sustainability_report p.4

PwC issued a qualified limited assurance conclusion on air travel emissions due to inconsistent application of reporting criteria across multiple territories. WPP working to improve methodology.

sustainability_report p.58

In 2021, WPP set near-term science-based targets verified by SBTi: reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 84% by 2025 from a 2019 base year, and reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year - first holding company to include media buying emissions in SBT.

sustainability_report p.18

In April 2021, WPP committed to reach net zero emissions in operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2025 and across supply chain by 2030. Targets validated by SBTi in June 2021: 84% reduction in absolute S1+S2 by 2025 and 50% reduction in absolute S3 by 2030 from 2019 baseline. Includes media buying emissions, an industry first.

sustainability_report p.31

As part of commitment to invest $30 million over three years in racial equity programmes, in 2021 WPP invested $5.9 million and committed a further $3.4 million, taking first-year total to $9.3 million.

sustainability_report p.44

The Covid-19 pandemic affected WPP's ability to meet its commitment to phase out single-use plastics across offices by end of 2021; new target is end of 2022 at earliest.

sustainability_report p.36

WPP offsets emissions from air travel through South Pole Group and has permanently retired 1.6 million carbon credits since 2007. A new offsetting policy in 2022 will require all offsets to be verified by standards such as Verified Carbon Standard or Gold Standard, comply with ICROA recommendations, and where WPP offers net zero/carbon neutral services to clients, calculations must follow GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting Standard. Offsets must provide additional environmental (biodiversity) and social (health, poverty alleviation) benefits. The first step must always be to reduce footprint as far as possible.

sustainability_report p.35

In 2021 WPP included diversity, equity and inclusion goals in annual incentive plans for senior executives for the first time, and carbon-reduction targets in incentive plans for Executive Directors.

sustainability_report p.19

Production accounts for 14% of WPP's baseline carbon footprint. Through Hogarth's 'Sustainably Made' approach, WPP uses virtual studios, real-time camera-to-cloud technology, and AI-powered tagging to reduce location shoots and reuse footage. WPP is a founding partner of AdGreen, which provides free training, renewable energy buy-in and a carbon calculator for the advertising industry. Target: 75% of all global productions to be carbon measured, optimised and residually offset by end of 2023.

sustainability_report p.41

Technology — data centres and digital communications — generates 6% of WPP's Scope 3 baseline. WPP is increasing use of cloud infrastructure powered by renewable electricity to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and waste. In 2021 partnered with Microsoft on Cloud Studio.

sustainability_report p.34

In 2021, WPP set near-term science-based targets verified by SBTi: 84% absolute Scope 1+2 reduction by 2025 and 50% absolute Scope 3 reduction by 2030 (including media buying — industry first), both from 2019 baseline.

sustainability_report p.8

WPP is consolidating office space into a global network of campuses powered by renewable electricity. By 2025, expects 85,000 people to work in at least 65 net zero campuses. In 2021 opened 9 new campuses, bringing total to 31. New buildings >50,000 sq ft must achieve LEED or BREEAM certification. Building optimisation technology (e.g., smart lighting at Dusseldorf saves up to 80%) reduces energy use.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP engaged PwC to provide independent limited assurance over select ESG metrics starting 2021.

sustainability_report p.1

WPP aims to reduce emissions by shifting company cars to electric and hybrid vehicles in markets where infrastructure makes it feasible. In 2021 centrally-leased company car emissions were assured for first time; locally-managed car emissions had data inconsistencies. WPP plans to review and strengthen measurement in 2022.

sustainability_report p.33

WPP is the only advertising holding company to include emissions from media placement (more than half of total carbon footprint) within science-based emissions reduction targets

sustainability_report p.26

In June 2020 committed to invest $30 million over three years in inclusion programmes; $21.1m invested to date

sustainability_report p.41

WPP made around 7,000 redundancies as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and as part of transformation programme.

sustainability_report p.25

With over $60bn placed in advertising in 2020, media investment makes up 55% of WPP's scope 3 footprint. Plans to develop a media channel-level carbon calculator, ask vendors to share carbon data (top 20 markets first), factor carbon into investment decisions, and build industry standards for measuring emissions from media placement.

sustainability_report p.33

Business travel accounts for ~3% of value chain footprint. 2020 saw 81% reduction in air travel emissions due to Covid-19. WPP is working to capture remote-working best practice to reduce future air travel where alternatives exist. Internal carbon cost applied via offset credits charged to each agency since 2007.

sustainability_report p.34

WPP committed to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and joined RE100.

sustainability_report p.32

Consolidating into shared Campuses (33% of staff in 2020, target 85% by 2025). Buildings >50,000 sq ft must be LEED or BREEAM certified; 75% of completed Campus projects certified to LEED Gold or above. Estimated 21% energy reduction per location. Climate risk assessment to be integrated into Campus due diligence in 2021.

sustainability_report p.32

2019 renewable electricity figure restated as part of data reviews upon joining RE100.

sustainability_report p.32

In 2020, WPP assessed its full value chain emissions for the first time using 2019 emissions data with Carbon Intelligence, totalling 5.4m tCO2e across scope 1, 2 and 3.

sustainability_report p.30

In June 2020 WPP committed to invest $30 million over three years in internal and external initiatives to advance racial equity. By end of 2022 $16.2 million had been committed (excluding 2022 investments).

sustainability_report p.34

WPP committed to invest $30 million over three years to fund inclusion programmes within WPP and support external organisations focused on racial equity.

sustainability_report p.18

WPP committed to reach net zero emissions in own operations by 2025 and across supply chain (including media investment) by 2030, underpinned by SBTi-aligned targets.

sustainability_report p.4

Technology (data centres, emails) generates 6% of scope 3 footprint. WPP plans to increase use of cloud infrastructure powered by renewable electricity to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

sustainability_report p.33

Company cars included in scope 1 footprint for the first time.

sustainability_report p.30

Bureau Veritas engaged to provide limited assurance over scope 1, 2 (excluding company cars), scope 3 air travel, employment data, H&S and waste data.

sustainability_report p.60

WPP joined RE100 in 2020 and committed to 100% renewable electricity by 2025. Purchased 65% renewable electricity in 2020 (up from 37% in 2019), including 100% in the US, Canada, UK and most European markets. Roadmap covers migrating priority contracts to renewable tariffs, new procurement guidelines and standards for Energy Attribution Certificates (EACs) with additionality. Purchased 79,642 Green-e Energy certified RECs for 2020.

sustainability_report p.32

WPP has offset 100% of air travel emissions since 2007, permanently retiring 1.6m carbon credits to date. In 2020 invested >£95,000 through South Pole Group to support three renewable energy generation projects in Brazil, China and Indonesia (avoidance credits, not durable removals). 50,000 tCO2e offset in 2020. No DAC, BECCS or biochar disclosed.

sustainability_report p.34

Production accounts for 14% of scope 3 emissions. WPP became a founding member of AdGreen in 2020 to eliminate negative environmental impacts of production, including a renewable energy buy-in scheme, training and a carbon calculator. Through Hogarth, using virtual production technology to reduce carbon-intensive location shoots. 40+ people across 7 agencies AdGreen-trained in 2020.

sustainability_report p.33

In June 2020, WPP set up Racial Equity Fund committing $30 million over three years. By end 2023, $21.1m invested plus $1.9m committed to 2024 projects.

sustainability_report p.6

In 2019 WPP committed to phase out plastics that cannot be reused, recycled or composted across all 3,000+ agency offices. Timeline extended from end 2020 to December 2021 due to Covid-19.

sustainability_report p.35