According to its new environmental, social, and governance guidelines following a review of over 330 clients, Edelman said it will “part ways with clients” that don’t adhere to sustainability standards.
CEO Richard Edelman told Adweek that it will work to help its clients to reduce emissions and impact. “We’re going to have engagement about a path forward based on our principles,” said Edelman. “We clearly want to be with companies that are accelerating action. But if we can’t, then we will part company.”
As part of the Edelman Impact report, the company issued a new set of principles, which includes “working with those committed to accelerating action, putting science at the core of information, advancing best practices for communications, ensuring inclusivity of employees in the decision-making process, focusing on a just transition, and holding itself accountable through regular reporting.”
In the report, Edelman said it is taking immediate actions including establishing a board-level committee that will issue a recurring report on its progress; and submitting its target to the Science Based Target Initiative for independent validation.
Edelman’s global practice intends to harness expertise across the company’s existing ESG, Purpose, and Sustainability offerings
“We want to partner with businesses that are committed to change,” said Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman.
“This is the next phase in Edelman’s development, and we will use the net zero emissions target by 2050 as a guide for all of our work. Communications has a critical role in addressing the climate emergency.”
In November, Edelman named Rober Casamento as its first global head of Climate, tasked with leading climate-related offerings and programs.
“The global response to climate change has been too few, too little, and too late,” said Casamento.
“Edelman has the platform, influence, and people who can, and want, to make a difference. We aim to become a leader in climate, helping clients take steps toward setting, implementing, and delivering meaningful climate ambitions.”
