Forward & Thinking
Forward-thinking advertising agency on ‘transformative’ net zero support
Advertising agency Forward & Thinking is well-versed when it comes to amplifying clients’ campaign strategies – from TV and radio, to billboards and buses!
To take its own sustainability story to the next level, Forward & Thinking signed up for one of our Carbon Clinic workshops, gaining expert advice and support on how to reduce its carbon footprint.
Here, the Oh Yes! Net Zero member shares its experiences and the progress it has made so far.
“When pitching to prospective clients, they often ask what stage we’re at on our sustainability journey,” Forward & Thinking’s Emily Redpath explained.
“We realised some time ago we were not where we needed to be. Oh Yes! Net Zero has helped to change that.”
Emily is an Account Director at the advertising agency.
Based in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, Forward & Thinking creates and delivers impactful, multi-channel campaigns for a host of clients in sectors ranging from education and local government to sport.
Emily is also one of Forward & Thinking’s dedicated Eco Ambassadors, tasked with steering the agency’s sustainability strategy and reducing its carbon footprint.
Forward & Thinking has four core values – to listen, care, be honest and deliver.
The business is now applying those values as it drives positive environmental change.
Emily Redpath, Account Director, Forward & Thinking
I thought I would be out of my depth … but that wasn’t the case!’
After discovering Oh Yes! Net Zero on social media, Forward & Thinking signed up to better understand where the company was at on its route to net zero.
Emily was tasked with attending a Carbon Clinic workshop, hosted by Oh Yes! and sustainability consultancy BACB Renewables.
After a sense of initial trepidation, Emily said the experience was transformative.
“When I started researching for the workshop, I went down a black hole and was worried I would be out of my depth.
“When I got there, I found the session was relatable and everything was presented in a way which was understandable and empathetic.
“It was a relaxed environment and everyone had the time and attention they needed to work on their carbon reduction plan.”
Focused on small changes we can all make
Joining the Oh Yes! Carbon Clinic workshop, Emily was surrounded by organisations from a variety of sectors and industries.
Each organisation faced its own unique challenges, but all were aligned on their total commitment to reaching net zero.
Emily said the workshop provided a safe space to discuss carbon emissions in an “honest and transparent way.”
“People were happy to open up and share their own experiences – things they had tried which had worked well, and some things which hadn’t,” she said.
“The workshop broke things down in a way everyone could understand. It focused on the small changes we can make which will make a difference.”
Forward & Thinking delivers impactful, multi-channel campaigns – from TV and radio, to billboards and buses.
Taking positive steps to cut carbon
Coming away from the workshop, Forward & Thinking has already taken positive steps to reduce its footprint.
The business has adopted a paperless office approach and has improved its recycling processes, with a clear focus on cutting out single-use plastics.
When renewing or replacing office technology, Forward & Thinking will focus on energy efficient models. LED lighting and motion sensors have been installed across the office, to reduce consumption in communal areas and outside of peak hours.
Colleagues are encouraged to save energy by doing things like switching off the air conditioning when leaving the office, as well as devices which may be left on standby, including TVs and monitors.
A team of Eco Ambassadors have been appointed to influence and inspire sustainable behaviour across the whole team and, looking ahead, Forward & Thinking will explore options to generate its own renewable energy through solar panels or alternative technologies.
‘We want to work with companies that care in the same way we do’
“One thing I hadn’t fully considered was just how much our scope three emissions are impacted by the companies and clients we work with,” Emily said.
“It has made us much more conscious when looking for suppliers and partners. We want to work with companies that care in the same way we do.
“I now understand how our suppliers and the companies we work with fall in line with our own sustainability goals. Who we work with in the future will be really important.”
Looking ahead, Emily said she would like to attend another Oh Yes! event, to see how Forward & Thinking’s sustainability story is evolving.
“In Oh Yes! Net Zero, we have found a friendly, welcoming community of organisations who all want to play their part,” she summarised.
“If you’re not already a member, sign up and make sure you benefit from all the expertise and advice on offer.”
To find out more about Forward & Thinking, including its commitment to sustainability, visit www.forwardandthinking.com/about
More information on Oh Yes! Net Zero’s Carbon Clinic workshops can be found at: https://www.ohyesnetzero.uk/news/about-carbon-clinic-workshops.
