Sustainability

Our goal

Hearst UK is working to lead the charge within the UK publishing sector and use our brand’s voices to mobilise and amplify positive change.

We know there is more to be done, but we are proud of how far we have come.

Our Sustainability Story: Every Action Counts

Between 2019 and 2023, we reduced our emissions by 56%.

That is not just a number. It reflects our deep commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. We power our offices with 100% renewable electricity, operate a zero waste to landfill policy, and continue to hold our ISO 14001 certification (since 2018), showing that responsible environmental management is part of how we operate.

Our efforts go beyond our offices. We’ve worked hard on initiatives to reduce the impact of our products, including removing plastic wrapping from all our magazines. We also collaborate closely with our supply chain, supporting our main printer, Walstead UK, in their transition to renewable energy.

Sustainability is embedded across Hearst UK, from extensive employee training to editorial initiatives, and sustainability governing committees, making it a core part of everything we do.

Looking ahead, we have a validated near-term Science Based Target to reduce emissions by 65 % by 2030, compared to our 2019 base year. It is an ambitious goal, and one we are determined to reach.

Sustainability is not a box to tick. It is an ongoing journey. At Hearst UK, we are committed to making steady progress, being open about where we stand, and holding ourselves accountable.

Our Environmental Commitment – Headlines

We have made substantial progress in reducing our carbon footprint and improving the sustainability of our operations:

  • Between 2019 and 2023, we reduced our emissions by 56%.
  • We have maintained our ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to responsible environmental management.
  • We have a validated near Science-Based Target (SBTi) commitment to cut emissions by 65% by 2030, aligning with global efforts to limit climate change.
  • Our offices operate on 100% renewable electricity.
  • We have eliminated plastic wrapping from all our magazines in 2022.
  •  100% of our paper is certified FSC or PEFC.
  • We have strengthened our sustainability governance by launching a Sustainability Strategy Committee, ensuring environmental considerations are embedded across all areas of the business. This governance boards supports our Environmental Management Committee and our volunteer ERG climate action group.
     
  •  Transparency in Hearst UK's GHG inventory is essential for accountability. By assessing Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, we ensure continuous improvement and alignment with industry standards (see graph below). Find Hearst UK’s GHG inventory here.

Figure 1. GHG inventory for Hearst Magazines UK

Figure 1 presents an overview of the GHG inventory for Hearst UK for the calendar years 2019-2023.
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"Walk the Walk" – Taking Action, Not Just Talking About It

Our "Walk the Walk" initiative reflects our focus on practical, measurable action. We work collaboratively with employees, industry peers, and suppliers to make meaningful environmental improvements.

Reducing Waste and Emissions in Publishing

  • We are working with our magazine supply chain partners to minimise retail waste from unsold copies and improve distribution efficiency.
  • We are engaging with paper suppliers and printers to lower emissions from production and logistics.
  • In 2024, our work with Walstead UK contributed to its shift to 100% renewable electricity, helping to cut emissions for UK publishers.

Stats

100%

renewable electricity purchased for House of Hearst

100%

of paper used is PEFC or FSC certified

100%

plastic reduction in plastic film, zero from 2022

Educating for Impact: How We’re Equipping Our Teams

We are equipping our employees with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about sustainability:

  • We offer specialist training, including Ad Net Zero Essentials and courses covering greenwashing, climate legislation, and the role of media in sustainability.
  • We hold company-wide sustainability events with expert speakers to deepen understanding of environmental challenges.
  • We have a dedicated sustainability editorial program which supports our journalists in integrating credible, well-researched sustainability coverage into our brands.
  • At Hearst UK, we maintain an ongoing dialogue with our readers to better understand their values. Every year, we conduct a survey to capture their evolving sustainability priorities, ensuring we stay in tune with their expectations and consistently track key sustainability trends.

Amongst Hearst's audience

90%

think it’s important to raise awareness of environmental issues

Hearst x Mindlab Sustainability Research 2023

88%

believe brands should disclose the impacts they have on the environment

Hearst x Mindlab Sustainability Research 2023

80%

are prepared to make lifestyle compromises for the environment

Hearst x Mindlab Sustainability Research 2023

Powering Change Through Partnership

We are committed to working with our peers to improve sustainability across the media and advertising sectors:

  • We collaborate with PPA’s 150 members to share best practices and develop industry-wide solutions.
  • We played a key role in developing the "Action Guide for Media to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions" in partnership with GARM, Ad Net Zero, ISBA, and 4As.
  • As early signatories of the Ad Net Zero initiative and the UK PPA Net Zero Pathway, we are actively contributing to industry efforts to cut emissions.

A Responsible Approach to Sustainability

At Hearst UK, we recognise that sustainability is a continuous process that requires transparency, collaboration, and measurable action. We will continue to review and refine our approach, working towards ambitious yet achievable goals.

For more information on our sustainability initiatives, please find our Environmental Policy or get in touch via the form below. 

Building a more sustainable future at Hearst UK

Hear from our Sustainability team on our validated near-term Science Based Target to reduce emissions by 65% by 2030.

Speak with our team

Find out more about sustainability initiatives at Hearst UK
Get in touch

Sustainability tips from our titles

Sustainability: How To Drive Action Through Communication

Hearst UK worked with Mindlab to identify the most important values and intuitive beliefs that lie in that tricky, murky in-between of the Say-Do Gap – the (sometimes subconscious) motivators that prevent us from putting our values into practice.

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