Ad Net Zero

Helping the advertising industry accelerate emission reduction

The climate crisis is the biggest challenge we will face in our lifetime. Comms Council recognises its responsibility to support our industry fulfil its responsibilities to future generations and help deliver a sustainable way of life for the 21st century and beyond. The advertising industry’s unique talents and reach offers an opportunity to be leaders in creating a sustainable economy and driving positive change for life in Aotearoa.

 

Ad Net Zero is a framework designed to guide our industry deliver on its full potential to support businesses and people manage the transition to a sustainable future. By actively supporting the adoption of Ad Net Zero in Aotearoa, our ambition is to reduce the carbon impact of developing, producing, and running advertising to net zero.

Start here

Explore Ad Net Zero

Two quick ways to understand the framework and get involved

Official site

What is Ad Net Zero?

Learn how the framework works, what “net zero advertising” means in practice, and how the industry is aligning around shared actions.

Visit Ad Net Zero

For organisations

Become a supporter

A clear overview of what support involves, what you’ll commit to, and how to take the first steps inside your organisation.

View Supporters Guide

Our role

Our commitment to sustainability

How we’re supporting the Ad Net Zero roadmap through operational action and industry leadership.

The Commercial Communications Council represents the agency perspective and works alongside other industry leaders on the Ad Net Zero Steering Committee.

 

Our commitments align to key pillars of the Ad Net Zero framework.

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Action 1: Reduce emissions from business operations

Since Fiscal 2022/23, we have measured the carbon emissions associated with our business operations, building a clear baseline for action. Each year, we’ve strengthened our data collection, improving accuracy and increasing visibility into where meaningful reductions can be made.

 

Transparency is a core principle of our approach. We share our emissions inventory with members at our AGM and end-of-year review, so progress, challenges, and next steps are openly understood.

 

As an industry body, we see it as our responsibility to lead by example. By taking accountability for our own footprint, we aim to support and inspire member agencies to do the same.

Action 4: Reduce emissions through awards and events

Our awards and events are designed to celebrate excellence — without unnecessary environmental impact.

We measure the carbon footprint of every award show using TRACE by ISLA, giving us a clear, consistent view of emissions and where reductions matter most.

Behind the scenes, we make mindful choices across venues, catering, and event assets, prioritising lower-impact options and avoiding waste wherever possible.

 

We also use our role as an industry convenor to go further. Through a dedicated working group, we share learnings, tools, and practical insights with other organisations delivering award shows, encouraging broader adoption of more sustainable event practices.

 

Finally, sustainability starts before the event itself. Our entry forms include a dedicated question on sustainability considerations, helping to keep environmental impact front of mind and using our platform to build momentum for better practice across the industry.

Guidance

Environmental claims

Helping marketing stay credible — and sustainability messaging stay trustworthy.

The World Federation of Advertisers has developed guidance to support a trustworthy marketing environment — where sustainability claims can be substantiated and consumers can have confidence in the messages they’re presented with.

Download the full guidance report below.

Download report