DOs and DON'Ts

Welcome to Havas' comprehensive guide to speaking about our environmental objectives. In this document, we will cover how to talk about our new decarbonization trajectory validated by science (Science Based Targets initiative – SBTi) as well as other environmental targets Havas is aiming to reach. We have included an index with definitions to some industry terms/organizations at the end of this guide.

In March 2023, SBTi, an independent global body that allows companies to set emissions reduction targets based on climate science, validated Vivendi’s carbon reduction plan. This means that its targets apply to all its subsidiaries, including Havas. 

 

As a result, Havas’ former objectives, particularly in terms of carbon neutrality, are no longer applicable.

 

 

Here are some language elements related to Havas’ updated sustainability goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOs  

 

– Communicate on our SBTi targets, validated by SBTi in March 2023: 

 

  • Reduce our energy consumption by 71% (2035) 
  • Use 100% electricity from renewable energy (2030) 
  • Reduce emissions linked to our operations (business transport, waste, etc.) by 43% (2035) 
  • Commit 85% of our suppliers by emissions to a decarbonization strategy (2026)

–  Use the phrase ‘Our targets are aligned and approved by SBTi’  

 

– Communicate on the action plan  

 

– Talk about ‘SBTi targets’  

DON’Ts  

 

– Talk about carbon neutrality or net-zero trajectory  

 

– Talk about our previous targets (not accurate anymore):
  

  • -60% of GHG emissions (2018-2024)  
  • -55% of GHG emissions by 2030  

– Overclaim or use misleading or inaccurate communications about our commitments and targets  

 

– Talk about ‘SBTi strategy’  

 

 

 

 

Here are some key terms and references useful to this guide.

  • This term is based on science, as summed up by latest IPCC reports. Net Zero Emissions are achieved when anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere are balanced by anthropogenic removals over a specified period. There are three steps to achieving a Net Zero Trajectory:  

     

              01. Report direct and indirect GHG emissions.  

              02. Set and respect (short and long terms) objectives, aligned on a science based 1.5°C trajectory.  

              03. Neutralize residual emissions with permanent carbon removals. 

      

    The concept is gaining international recognition through the SBTi (mainly), now over 4,000 companies are engaged.  

    Havas is not yet committed to a net-zero trajectory but to a 1.5°C short-term target. 

  • This term is based on the 1997 Kyoto protocol where industrialized countries and economies in transition committed to limiting and reducing greenhouse gases emissions in accordance with agreed individual targets. However, countries are allowed to offset 100% of their emissions, letting some companies claim to be carbon neutral without setting actual emissions reduction targets.  

      

    The French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) advises against the use of the phrase unless employed for the planet as a whole. This is why Havas does not want to talk about carbon neutrality in its business.

  • SBTi is an independent global body that allows companies to set emissions reduction targets based on climate science. It mobilizes the private sector to take urgent climate action by guiding companies in science-based target setting, providing companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals.