OUR NET ZERO STRATEGY

FEBRUARY 2025

1. Vision & Commitment

At The Beacon, we recognise the urgent need to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable and regenerative future. As a PR and communications agency, our influence extends beyond our own operations—we help shape public narratives, build brands, advise clients on sustainability, and encourage ethical business practices.

Our commitment is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035, aligning with the UK’s national targets. This policy outlines the key actions we will take to reduce our direct (Scope 1 & 2) and indirect (Scope 3) emissions, embedding sustainability into our business model.

2. Key Focus Areas & Actions

2.1 Measuring & Reducing Carbon Emissions

Carbon Footprint Assessment – From 2026, conduct an annual audit to measure emissions from office energy use, travel, supply chain, and digital activities.

Energy Efficiency – Switch to 100% renewable electricity where possible within our operations, working out of energy efficient offices that reduce energy use in buildings through LED lighting, smart meters, and efficient appliances.

Paperless Operations – Prioritise digital-first communication, minimising print materials and opting for FSC-certified, recycled paper when necessary.

Sustainable Digital Practices – Reduce the carbon impact of cloud storage, website hosting, and

data usage by maintaining efficient digital filing, streamlining emails and video calls where possible and looking into working with low-carbon digital service providers from 2026 onwards.

2.2 Sustainable Travel & Remote Work

Low-Carbon Commuting – Encourage walking, cycling, and public transport for staff, and introduce incentives for low-carbon travel such as ‘Green Travel Days’ annual leave extensions from 2026 onwards. 

Flexible & Remote Working – Maintain hybrid work options to reduce commuting emissions and office energy use.

Business Travel Reduction – Use virtual meetings as the default and limit air travel, choosing rail where possible. Offset unavoidable flights via credible carbon removal projects from 2026 onwards.

2.3 Sustainable Supply Chain & Client Work

Sustainable Procurement – Partner with B Corps and certified ethical suppliers, prioritising local, low-carbon, and fair-trade options.

Green Partnerships – Choose vendors committed to net zero, from event venues to print suppliers.

Client Advisory Role – Guide clients on sustainability best practices, helping them avoid greenwashing and communicate authentically.

Responsible PR Campaigns – Ensure all campaigns align with ethical marketing principles, do not greenwash and promote sustainable behaviour change where relevant to the campaign.

2.4 Offsetting & Carbon Removal

Invest in Nature-Based Solutions – from 2026 onwards The Beacon will invest in Nature-Based Solutions by supporting a UK rewilding, afforestation, or peatland restoration project such as Canopy to remove residual emissions.

3. Targets & Timelines

2025

  • Conduct team upskilling and training on Net Zero and reducing both employees and the business overall carbon footprint.

  • Advise all clients on sustainability communications.

  • Require information on suppliers Net Zero commitments 

2026

  • Apply for B Corp

  • By the end of 2026, The Beacon will complete a full carbon footprint assessment to measure emissions from office energy use, travel, supply chain, and digital activities and set baselines and reduction targets. 

  • Switch to 100% renewable electricity where possible. 

  • Implement a low-carbon travel policy.

  • Invest in one Nature-Based Solution 

  • Reduce the carbon impact of cloud storage, website hosting, and

  • data usage

2028

  • Reduce operational emissions by 50% through energy, travel, and procurement changes. 

  • Engage suppliers on net zero commitments.

2030

  • Achieve 75% emissions reduction. 

  • Require all suppliers to have carbon reduction plans. 

2035

  • Reach net zero, with a combination of deep emissions cuts and high-quality carbon removal.

4. Accountability & Reporting

  • Annual Net Zero Report – From 2027 onwards, publish a yearly update on emissions, reductions, and next steps.

  • Staff Training & Engagement – Provide internal sustainability training and encourage employee-led green initiatives.

  • Industry Collaboration – Partner with sustainability-focused PR networks to drive collective action in the communications sector.

The Beacon is committed to transparency, innovation, and action on climate. By integrating sustainability into our operations and advisory work, we will help create meaningful impact while maintaining business resilience in a low-carbon future.