Developed using RISE and supported by Pensord, the tool was created with input from the PPA’s Sustainability Action Group, a collective of PPA members. It is specifically designed to be straightforward and jargon-free, making it ideal for members just starting or in the early stages of their emissions reduction journey.
The calculator provides a framework to assess and report emissions linked to delegates, sponsors, and corporate clients, helping to demonstrate accountability across the full value chain.
The new tool will also give advertisers greater transparency into the sustainability credentials of their media partners, ensuring investment aligns with their own climate commitments. The creation of a consistent standard across publishers, will enable advertisers and their agencies to make more informed, responsible choices about where they place their spend.
Fully aligned with the PPA’s Action Net Zero Pathway, and built to recognised industry standards, including the globally accepted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the Calculator allows users to measure, track and reduce emissions from a wide range of activities. These include electricity use, business travel, professional services, office waste, employee commuting, and supply chain impacts across print, web and events.
The tool produces an audit-ready summary report, complete with tailored guidance to help members take the next steps on their sustainability journey.
Sajeeda Merali, CEO, the PPA, said: “Our industry is united in its commitment to a more sustainable future, and the PPA Emissions Calculator is a key step forward. Designed to be simple and accessible for publishers of all sizes, it empowers members to measure and manage their carbon impact with confidence. By providing a credible, standardised approach to reporting, the calculator not only supports our journey to Net Zero but also gives advertisers the transparency they need when partnering with trusted editorial brands.”
Michelle Whitehead, Sustainability Lead, Immediate said: “The PPA’s Emissions Calculator is a game-changer for our industry and gives every publisher a consistent, practical tool to measure, understand, and reduce their impact. By working from the same standard, we can move faster together towards a more sustainable future. For advertisers, this consistency and transparency across trusted publishers means greater confidence in supporting media partners who are actively reducing their carbon footprint.”
Sophie Service, Director, Hemming Group said: “The PPA’s Emissions Calculator has been transformative for us, enabling Hemming Group to bring our carbon measurement and reporting in-house with confidence. It gives us consistency year-on-year, aligns with the Paris Agreement targets we’ve set, and crucially helps us meet the growing demand from clients, including government bodies, for transparent emissions data. The tool not only supports our sustainability goals but strengthens our ability to serve our partners’ reporting needs.”
Thierry Panhelleux, Group Director Sustainability and Strategic Sourcing, Hearst UK said: “With the adage ‘we manage what we measure’ at the heart of Hearst UK’s sustainability strategy, the PPA Carbon Emissions Calculator has become a trusted tool in our carbon management journey. Its robust, data-driven approach has supported the validation of our SBTi target and enabled us to demonstrate meaningful climate action to stakeholders across our ecosystem — from management and employees to suppliers and clients.”
The PPA Emissions Calculator can be downloaded by PPA members here.
