Integrated communications agency, Social has appointed Andrew Cameron-Smith to lead its newly established Net Zero practice.
The former head of communications at the Energy Technologies Institute – a UK government and industry funded climate change research centre, and divisional communications lead at RBS who most recently held senior roles at GoGo Marketing and SJ Event Consultancy, will support clients across a range of sectors on their journey towards achieving Net Zero.
Net Zero means achieving a balance between carbon emissions produced and their removal from the atmosphere. In 2019 the UK became the first major economy in the world to make a legally binding commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
With business and society having an increased appetite and understanding of the need to reduce carbon emissions, Social Net Zero will advise organisations on establishing and communicating their Net Zero ambitions and achievements.
The news comes on the back of the agency’s recent expansion into ESG consulting with the appointment of Luke Cross late last year and is part of the wider growth plans for 2021 after a 15% revenue growth in 2020.
Andrew Cameron-Smith, director Social Net Zero said: “Achieving net zero is a huge undertaking but also a great opportunity. It will require large-scale and extensive innovation across the UK economy. This means change within all sectors and industries alongside rapid technological advancement and adaptions in behaviour. It also requires clear communication on why and how, and Social Net Zero will focus on supporting organisations in defining and telling their transition stories.”
John Quinton Barber, founder and group CEO of Social, added: “One of the many challenges ahead for achieving net zero will be convincing business and the public to radically change. And that will require skilled communicators. Our decision to bring in Andrew to launch Social Net Zero and lead this latest business unit in our portfolio wasn’t therefore difficult. It’s great to welcome him to Social.”
Founded in 2013, Social prides itself on meaningful work that improves lives and makes a positive social impact. The agency’s work revolves around six key pillars including its built environment proposition Social Place alongside Social Care, its social value arm Social Good, Social Lab strategic consultancy, Professional Services specialism and its creative services portfolio.
