WPP cuts operational emissions sharply but obscures a far larger Scope 3 problem: unassured supply-chain data and a deliberate exclusion of advertised-product emissions. The company actively greenwashes for oil majors and fossil clients while breaching its own Paris climate policy. Multiple ASA rulings, an unresolved OECD complaint, and $4.65M in API lobbying fees expose a fundamental misalignment between stated commitments and commercial practice.
Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Energy Source (7/10, 7/10). Weakest on Controversies & Red Flags and Nature & Biodiversity Impact (2/10, 3/10).
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Among the 4 major advertising / marketing services brands we've scored, WPP sits 1st of 4.
Score history begins 1 May 2026.
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WPP is a London-based marketing and advertising holding company operating across creative, media planning, PR, and activation services globally. The world's largest ad group by revenue, it serves multinational brands across all sectors including energy, consumer goods, and finance. Founded in 1971, it holds 79 fossil fuel client contracts—more than any competitor.
Direct competitor in global advertising; similar scale, fossil fuel exposure, and greenwashing risk profile.
View breakdown →Third largest ad holding company; contrasting approach to client selectivity and climate policy enforcement.
View breakdown →Major WPP client subject to greenwashed advertising; illustrates conflict between agency's stated climate values and revenue.
View breakdown →Big Six advertising peer; SBTi Net-Zero validated targets but similar fossil fuel client conflict and Clean Creatives scrutiny.
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