Environmental & Social Sustainability

Like many of our clients, VSA recognizes that an emphasis on environmental sustainability is key to being a responsible member of the global community. VSA is committed to operating in a way that minimizes our impact on the environment. In word and practice, we emphasize the importance of energy conservation, waste management, recycling and responsible sourcing through a variety of initiatives.

Participated in recognized programs that measure and share information on individual companies’ environmental impacts, such as the Carbon Disclosure Project and the EICC Carbon and Water Reporting System (now the EICC Environmental Reporting Initiative).

Established an Environmental Management System (EMS) that follows EPA guidelines.

Reduced its quantifiable consumption of electricity by over 24% per employee and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by over 35% per employee since establishing our EMS in 2015.

Reduced our consumption and carbon footprint by continuing to:

• Select energy-efficient electrical components and equipment and implement energy-saving default settings for lighting, computers and printers
• Participate in recycling and conservation efforts related to water consumption, recycling of paper, bottles, cans, plastic, printer and copier consumables, batteries and IT equipment
• Identify preferred vendors for recycling programs and eco-friendly supplies
• Implement and promote use of videoconferencing and online collaboration tools, with the goal of reducing non-essential business travel

As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, VSA tracks quantifiable information and sets new goals annually. Current goals include:

Energy conservation

• Maintain current levels of consumption of electricity and be cognizant of finding new ways to reduce VSA’s consumption of electricity
• Ensure that at least 50% of our leased square footage meets advanced energy and environmental standards such as LEED or Energy Star

Waste management and recycling

• Reduce the amount of paper we use by 2% per employee/year
• Increase the amount of materials we recycle by 1% per employee/year

Climate protection

• Maintain current levels of Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and be cognizant of finding new ways to reduce VSA’s consumption of electricity
• Increase our usage of tele- and video-conferencing technology at every VSA location

VSA also recognizes that an emphasis on “social” sustainability is a must-have for any responsible member of the global community. VSA blends world-class strategic, creative and digital capabilities to help businesses drive results by inventing, reinventing and building brands positioned to thrive in today’s dynamic environment. We expect every employee and supplier to adhere to these business values:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Fairness
• Accountability
• Caring
• Respect

These values are reflected in VSA’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards of conduct in matters relating to forced or involuntary labor, child labor, wages and benefits, working hours, nondiscrimination, respect and dignity, freedom of association, health and safety, environmental protection, respect for intellectual property rights, maintaining reasonable privacy expectations, upholding fair business and advertising standards, legal compliance and ethical dealings. VSA extends these expectations to our suppliers as well.