Sustainability Policy

At Browning Environmental Communications (Browning), we are committed to conduct our business in a responsible, sustainable way and to encourage, wherever practical, our suppliers and clients to do the same.

At its core, our business is all about working with our clients to contribute to positive environmental outcomes. As part of our Sustainability Policy, we also aim to reduce the negative impacts that these day-to-day activities have on the environment, and wherever possible, to contribute positively.

We also conduct our business in an ethical way, with a strong commitment to avoid mis- or dis-information.

Finally, we support the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and are committed to implementing these.

Our sustainability policies then fall into five different streams, which are described in more detail below.

1. Environmental Policy

Browning has in-depth knowledge of many aspects of effective environmental management, and we work with clients on projects and initiatives that are contributing to an improved environment.

As a small, office-based agency providing creative services, we have a relatively low environmental impact ourselves.

However, we are committed to continually improve the environmental performance of our business. We also recognize that the projects we manage for our clients have environmental impacts, and that we can help to minimize these.

We therefore aim to reduce the direct and indirect impacts of our activities through the following policies:

  • Transport – We are constantly aiming to minimize business travel and encourage employees, clients and suppliers to use public transport or bike when feasible. We fly only for essential trips and use video-conferencing intensively to reduce the need for employee travel.
  • Offices – We have leased offices that are powered primarily by clean energy, and minimize water and energy consumption, e.g. through a ‘switch-off’ policy for electrical equipment, the use of energy-efficient light fittings and appliances.
  • Waste – We reduce office waste to the maximum and recycle waste material wherever possible. We encourage the use of refillable bottles by staff.
  • Procurement — We purchase environmentally sustainable products and services and consider suppliers’ environmental credentials in purchasing decisions. As a first preference, we use environmentally friendly products, and paper that is either recycled or FSC-certified.

2. Marketing Ethics Policy

As a communications agency, Browning can influence behaviors and decision-making on behalf of its clients in ways that benefit the environment. We also practice the following in order to minimize the risks of irresponsible communication:

  • We reject “greenwashing” and are fully honest and transparent about our clients’ environmental impacts.
  • We do not undertake work designed to mislead the public in any respect.
  • We never use dishonest tactics, e.g., false or exaggerated messages, fake testimonials, inflated analytics or results.
  • We only use words that are realistic descriptors.
  • We never use data points that are not representative of a client’s impact.
  • We comply with all applicable regulations and codes of practice relating to communications in the countries in which we operate.

3. Human Rights

Browning upholds the principles contained in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among other commitments, this means that Browning:

  • Is not complicit in any form of human rights abuses.
  • Is committed to the rights of staff to enjoy a physically and psychologically safe work environment. We provide a safe and civilized workplace free from sexual harassment or offensive behavior. We strive to meet and exceed all applicable occupational health and safety regulations and to ensure the well-being of our team.
  • Pays staff commensurate with their contributions, value, and size of their role.
  • Is committed to our team members as individuals, providing them with opportunities in terms of personal and professional development, recognizing that everyone has different starting points and different needs.

4. Labor

Browning is committed to the rights of people to be respected and valued for their differences, and to creating an inclusive environment in the workplace. We aim to select and promote our employees on the basis of qualifications and merit, without discrimination or concern for race, national origin, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace where individual differences between people are valued and seen as a strength.

We support the International Labor Organisation’s fundamental conventions on core labor standards, including the freedom of association and collective bargaining. If we come into contact with forced, compulsory, or child labor, we act against it.

5. Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy

Browning has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and is strictly committed to act against any form of corruption, including extortion and bribery, whenever we come across it. We support our team to speak out about any corruption identified.

For our company and staff this means:

  • We do not offer, promise, give, or demand bribes or other undue advantages to obtain or retain business or any other improper advantage.
  • We strictly refuse financial transactions derived from or to be used for criminal activities.
  • We do not make financial contributions to political parties or political causes.
  • We would only give or receive gifts that are reasonable and not of a size that would impact commercial decision-making.

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