Mumbai: Havas India, one of the country’s fastest growing and most integrated advertising networks, has been awarded the globally recognized ISO 14001:2015 certification, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. The certification, issued by BSI (British Standards Institution), positions Havas India as a leader in driving meaningful environmental change within the advertising and marketing industry.
This significant milestone underscores the network’s structured approach to minimizing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations. The certification covers six key agencies under Havas India’s umbrella: Havas Creative India (earlier known as Havas Worldwide India), Havas Media India, Havas Life Mumbai, PivotRoots – a Havas Company, Think Design – a Havas Company, and Shobiz – Part of the Havas Creative Network.
The certification process spanned a year and involved a meticulous audit of Havas India’s processes, offices, and governance structures across multiple locations. The evaluation focused on carbon footprint reduction strategies, sustainable resource management, compliance with global ESG standards, and the integration of sustainability frameworks into client and vendor engagements.
Key steps in the certification process included:
- Comprehensive audit of existing environmental policies, protocols, and governance structures.
- In-person assessments across multiple locations, ensuring stringent adherence to sustainability practices.
- Detailed evaluations involving the agency leadership teams and various departments including Human Resources to drive accountability and long-term action plans.
This certification is not just a testament to Havas India’s environmental commitment but also a strategic advantage for its partners and clients. By embedding sustainability into its business model, the network ensures:
- Enhanced environmental governance and compliance, ensuring regulatory adherence and responsible corporate stewardship.
- Systematic tracking of ESG goals, driving greater transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting.
- Competitive differentiation in client pitches, reinforcing Havas India’s commitment to future-focused, sustainable marketing solutions.
Commenting on this achievement, Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SEA & North Asia, said, “At Havas India, we believe that the future of business lies in responsible and sustainable growth. Achieving the ISO 14001:2015 certification is not just about compliance – it’s a reflection of our deep commitment to creating a meaningful impact for our clients, partners, and the communities we operate in. This milestone sets a new benchmark in the industry, reinforcing our position as the most future-ready and responsible advertising network in India.”
Vandana Tilwani, Chief HR Officer, Havas India, and Chief Inclusion Officer, Havas APAC, added, “This certification is a testament to the rigorous environmental standards we have embedded into our operations. Sustainability is not just a check-box exercise for us; it is a fundamental part of our ethos. The journey doesn’t end here – our next step is to develop an action plan for each agency, ensuring that we not only maintain this certification year-on-year but also continue to push the boundaries of sustainable business practices.”
Theuns Kotze, Managing Director, India, BSI, said, “Reducing the environmental impact of an organization’s operations not only contributes to a healthier planet, but also inspires stakeholder trust. On behalf of BSI, I’d like to congratulate Havas India on its certification to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to continual improvement and environmental impact, helping to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable world.”
Havas India is now focused on further strengthening its sustainability initiatives, leveraging data-driven insights, and setting new standards for the advertising industry in India and beyond. With this achievement, Havas India has not only reinforced its leadership position but has also set a powerful precedent for the advertising and marketing ecosystem – where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand.
