The new MRS Climate Pledge

We have launched the new MRS Climate Pledge (replacing the MRS Net Zero Pledge) inline with recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) designed to encourage businesses to take positive actions towards achieving net zero in the shortest timeframe feasible. 

Our new Pledge focuses on four key areas: tracking, reduction, transparency and collaboration. It also features a helpful Climate Action list to help guide your organisation on the key steps to take meaningful steps in reducing carbon emissions. 

>> Download a copy of the new MRS Climate Pledge

MRS Climate Pledge Webinar

This webinar outlines the new requirements within the MRS Climate Pledge along with the practical, necessary actions required to implement each of the four pillars into your organisation.

Why the change?

Following a strategy session in October 2023, the MRS Sustainability Council decided to revise the ‘Net Zero’ Pledge in order to better reflect the evolved global understanding of net zero. In particular, that there is now a distinction drawn between two concepts - carbon neutral and net zero - which were somewhat conflated in the previous Net Zero Pledge:

• ‘Carbon neutral’ can be achieved by an organisation reducing emissions somewhat, and then offsetting the rest. This behavioural shift was the MRS’ original intention.
• ‘Net Zero’ has come to be understood differently. It is now widely accepted that true Net Zero means 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions before carbon removal/offset – an outcome too challenging for most MRS Company Partners to achieve by 2026.

The Council therefore decided to reflect global best practice in a new Pledge for 2024 that should encourage greater levels of positive behavioural change rather than putting off potential signees with unachievable goals. Existing signees are being migrated to the new Pledge.  

The new MRS Climate Pledge - key changes  

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 can make the most impact. With this revised MRS Climate Pledge, we hope to inspire, support, and accelerate both individual and collective actions aligned to a net zero pathway. 

We recognise that capacity and resources will vary across our industry, and we are not mandating a singular goal for all signatories. Progress will be measured 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. 

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

The Climate Pledge is designed as a valuable first step that organisations can take on their climate reporting journey. 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.

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 (SBTis) for reduction. MRS wholeheartedly supports those steps and has aimed to craft this new Climate Action Pledge so that it will help to prepare organisations in our sector to adapt to these changing expectations. 

Carbon Reduction Plan - government tenders

Please note that it is a requirement ofthe Crown Commercial Services that alongside the Climate Pledge (to fulfil your sustainability obligations) it is expected that you will create a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) within 12 months when you sign up to the government procurement system.  The Pledge effectively provides 12 months’ grace to create a CRP.  

>> See the list of signatories of the MRS Climate Pledge.

All signees of the Pledge are required to be an Accredited Company Partner

Carbon Calculator

The Pledge does not mandate the process you choose to measure your carbon footprint. Although if you would like help MRS has partnered with Compare Your Footprint to offer their carbon footprint calculation software. All MRS Company Partners are eligible to a 20% discount on the software (MRS makes no financial gain in this arrangement). Find out more here.

If you would like to sign the Climate Pledge on behalf of your organisation please email mrs.ceo@mrs.org.uk