Reach plc

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022, 2023)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:3549 tCO2e (Scope 1)

Scope 1 Emissions:3549 tCO2e

Scope 3 Emissions:15259 tCO2e

Water Consumption:24,857 m3

Waste Generated:1147 tons (hazardous waste from print sites)

ESG Focus Areas

Climate change
Diversity and Inclusion
Governance
Health and Safety
Data Privacy
Responsible Journalism

Environmental Achievements

Reduced GHG emissions (Scope 1 + Scope 2) by 76% in 2022 versus 2019.
Electricity consumption in 2022 is 32% lower than 2019.
Achieved 98.05% graphic paper using recycled materials or wood from certified sustainable forests.
Maintained ISO 14001:2015 certification for print and publishing sites.

Social Achievements

Launched the Belonging Project to make journalism more relevant to under-represented communities.
Created new family-friendly policies (carers' leave, neonatal leave).
Improved ranking in Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers (29th from 42nd).
Reduced gender pay gap (median from 11.7% to 8.9%, mean from 13.6% to 10.5%).
Launched a dedicated women's football reporting team.
Provided cost-of-living support payments to employees.

Governance Achievements

Developed a responsible business framework.
Improved Board diversity (40% female, two people of color).
Enhanced cyber security awareness program.
No notifiable data protection breaches.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:

Net zero emissions by 2050.

Medium-term Goals:

Combined ISO 14001:2015 certification for all three print sites.
Develop a plan to reach net zero emissions.

Short-term Goals:

Maintain current levels of GHG emissions (Scope 1 + Scope 2) and pursue further reductions.
Reduce electricity consumption by an average of 5% annually (to 2023).

Environmental Challenges

Increased newsprint costs (around 60% higher than 2021).
Slowing advertising demand across the sector.
Macroeconomic uncertainty impacting digital ad yields.
Cost-of-living crisis affecting employees.
Industrial action by editorial colleagues.
Online abuse of journalists.

Mitigation Strategies

Changes to print production, distribution, and newsprint sourcing.
Cover price increases.
Cost reduction plan targeting 5-6% like-for-like reduction in operating costs.
Improved efficiency of operating model.
Cost-of-living support payments.
Constructive dialogue with unions.
Online safety initiatives (Reach Hive, Online Safety Rep network).

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

Responsible sourcing of newsprint (98.05% recycled or from certified sustainable forests).

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

Disruption caused by extreme weather events damaging energy systems.

Transition Risks

Increase in energy costs due to market volatility.
Carbon pricing increasing input costs.

Opportunities

Transition from print to digital reducing energy consumption and emissions.

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: SASB, TCFD

Certifications: ISO 14001:2015

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 4
Goal 7
Goal 8
Goal 10
Goal 13

Initiatives contribute to these goals through responsible journalism, sustainable business practices, diversity and inclusion, and climate action.

Awards & Recognition

Best Newsroom Transformation at the 2022 INMA Global Media Awards
Commercial Team of the Year/Consumer and Best Use of Data at the British Media Awards
RoSPA Team of the Year Award

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:10,752 tCO2e (Scope 1 & 2 market-based) + 197,924 tCO2e (Scope 3)

Scope 1 Emissions:3,338 tCO2e

Scope 2 Emissions:9,816 tCO2e

Scope 3 Emissions:197,924 tCO2e

Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed

Total Energy Consumption:43,573,193 kWh (electricity) + 14,161,559 kWh (gas)

Water Consumption:19,737 m3

Waste Generated:1,039 tons (hazardous waste from print sites)

Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed