Letter from Jane Frost: Update to the MRS Net Zero Pledge

If, like me, you have endured a wetter than usual winter and spring, and follow tales of environmental disaster around the world, you will know that taking action on climate change is more important than ever.

I would like to thank you for recognising the importance of making changes in the way our sector conducts its business in order to be more sustainable by signing your company up to the MRS Net Zero Pledge.

Since the inception of the MRS Net Zero Pledge, science has moved on and the understanding of how we measure carbon reduction and the best ways to achieve net zero have diversified. It is a complex area for sectors such as ours with fewer repetitive processes and mechanisms than, say, fast moving consumer goods businesses (who may more easily measure the impacts of changes that they make).

Since the launch of the original MRS Net Zero Pledge in 2021, we have developed a better understanding of absolute ‘net zero’ and how such targets may be defined and achieved, in line with the recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Based on feedback from consultants, we have also gained more awareness of the areas where organisations like ours can make the most impact. We have also taken feedback from signatories to the current Pledge.

Click here to download the new MRS Climate Pledge 

The MRS Sustainability Council has therefore developed a revised MRS Climate Pledge, which we hope will inspire, support, and accelerate more individual and collective actions aligned to a net zero pathway.

The new pledge is designed as a valuable first step that organisations can take on their climate reporting journey. It is also designed as an adaptive framework through which companies, who have already made the commitment to the MRS Net Zero Pledge, will be able to meet anticipated external reporting requirements in future.

We know reporting will become more important. Whilst at present it is only the large corporates which see statutory requirements to report on climate impact, it is likely that these requirements will expand in future to include more organisations. Additionally, stakeholders for our industry (such as clients and investors) are beginning to expect climate reporting (using CDP or other voluntary frameworks) and the adoption of Science Based Targets for reduction. 

We recognise that capacity and resources will vary across our industry, and we are not mandating a singular goal for all signatories. We propose to measure progress through an Annual Pledge Tracking Survey where signatories must provide demonstrable evidence of their achievements in each area of the pledge, relative to previous years.  This will be sent to all signatories in the autumn.

The primary aim of this pledge is to encourage businesses to take positive climate action, towards ultimately achieving net zero in the shortest timeframe feasible.

Signing up to the new MRS Climate Pledge

As an existing Net Zero Pledge signatory I am hoping you will be willing to sign up to this new, hopefully easier to use, Pledge.

I would be delighted to receive your feedback and answer any questions. If you are happy to sign this new Pledge, please can I ask that you acknowledge your commitment with an email to me ceo@mrs.org.uk as follows:

“We commit to the four key principles in the MRS Climate Pledge – a manifesto for sustainability. As an Accredited Company Partner we understand that this commitment falls under our regulation by MRS as an accredited organisation.”

It would also be useful if you could let me know the name of the person in your company who has responsibility for delivering your sustainability commitments, if that is not you. This will help us direct our communications directly to the right person and reduce the number of emails sitting in your inbox.

With thanks for your attention in this important matter.

Jane Frost, CBE
CEO of MRS