The Physical Impacts of Advertising

13 July 2023 - An advertising briefing by Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), examines the significant role of advertising in the economy, its environmental impact through the advertising footprint, and the need for the industry to take accountability for its indirect emissions. Recommendations include responsibility acknowledgement, raising awareness, integrating sustainability, adopting innovative measurements, and assuming a leading role in the transformation to a sustainable future.

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“The Physical Impacts of Advertising” highlights the crucial role of advertising in the economy while also acknowledging its negative impact on the environment by introducing the concept of advertising footprint, covering both direct and indirect emissions. The briefing emphasises the need for the advertising industry to take accountability for its indirect emissions to promote sustainable behaviour. Recommendations to the advertising industry include acknowledging responsibility, raising awareness, integrating sustainability into strategies, adopting innovative measurements, and assuming a leading role in driving positive change. By doing so, advertising can support clients in creating a sustainable and viable future.

Citing this report

University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). (2023) The Physical Impacts of Advertising. Cambridge: University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.