Although much of this work was underway when Material began the Step Up to Net Zero programme, it has been instrumental in advancing their strategy. A key element was developing a supplier mapping process, a task crucial in reducing Scope 3 emissions. From their baseline reporting year, it was evident that the largest emissions came from ‘Purchased Goods and Services’ which includes goods purchased on behalf of clients.

The mapping and research conducted will allow the organisation to align with the right suppliers – those who are also on a net zero journey. It will allow the business to understand the current ‘sustainability maturity’ of each supplier so that they can overlay with spend data to know where to focus attention. It will also support Material’s ‘Local & Independent First Sourcing Guidance’ and help shape how the organisation begin to challenge both their own and clients’ purchasing habits, as Material believe they must always seek to use their specialism in communications to positively influence the decisions of others.

Trying to find time to dedicate to internal work has been a challenge for the business. Material prioritise client work, so even the best laid plans can be derailed. The team have found that they have to treat this work as though it is a client job – with scheduled tasks and deadlines to keep them on track and moving forward.

Material have also worked hard to include the full agency in their SES journey, so although they have strategy pillar leads, engaging and involving everyone in live tasks keeps driving progress.

The board receive monthly updates, providing a forum to request sign off on policy changes or implementation of a staff benefit, for example. During quarterly all agency meetings, the team have a section dedicated to the SES strategy, ensuring all departments are constantly moving forward.

Furthermore, Material platform Climate and Sustainability channels on Slack (internal messaging system) where people can share interesting ideas, initiatives and concepts they have come across. This external view can be enlightening and a great way to expand their own perspectives and knowledge. Ensuring Material have buy-in across the entire organisation is critical. Existing as a smaller business makes it a more accessible task, but involving stakeholders across all levels certainly makes the process even easier and far more enjoyable.

Material will continue to work on their SES strategy and Net Zero Roadmap as though it were a client, dedicating time and effort across the year. They have a clear roadmap and an ambition to be transparent about processes, successes and any setbacks they might face.

The organisation have refocused their service offering to be purpose-led, developing SES strategies and communications and offering workshops for clients across multiple different sectors. Working in the SES space means they need to make sure ‘their own house is in order’, as they say, so Material will always continue to prioritise the integration of social and environmental sustainability into practices.