As concerns about climate change continue to grow, digital advertising professionals are increasingly aware of our industry's environmental impact and the urgent need for action.
As such, the IAB Europe Academy recently launched its ‘Environmental Sustainability in Digital Advertising’ course, to help industry professionals reduce their organisation's carbon emissions and drive transformative change within the digital advertising supply chain.
To dive a little deeper into what the course entails, we caught up with our course facilitator, Dimitris Beis, Data Analyst and Sustainability Lead at IAB Europe, to learn more about the course and why this initiative is so important. See what he had to say below!
Q. Why is sustainability a key focus for the digital advertising industry?
In recent years, sustainability has risen to the forefront of discussions in the digital advertising industry, evolving from a niche concern to a widely acknowledged priority.
As more and more people recognise the significant environmental impact of internet-related activities, devices, and systems, our industry has become increasingly aware of its responsibility to address its contribution to the climate crisis and take decisive action to adopt sustainable practices and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the digital advertising ecosystem. From creative production to programmatic supply chains, every aspect of our industry leaves a carbon footprint and it’s important we empower people and companies to make more informed and impactful changes in our industry.
Q. What inspired the creation of the Environmental Sustainability for Digital Advertising course?
As mentioned above, there is a growing awareness across our industry about the need for sustainability. Furthermore, our research indicates that industry education remains a key challenge. Environmental sustainability is often perceived as a very technical and inaccessible topic leading to many feeling unsure of where to start. This course was designed to help industry professionals at all levels to better understand and implement sustainability strategies by providing practical insights and easy-to-use tools that can help make a difference. We want to make sustainability accessible and actionable for all.
Q. What can participants expect to learn from this course?
From 13th - 17th January, across five two-hour dedicated sessions, participants can expect to cover a broad spectrum of topics. The course has been designed to cater to professionals with various levels of familiarity with environmental sustainability, building up from a basic cross-sector overview of ESG to more technical topics. From the environmental impacts of digital advertising to how to quantify carbon emissions and optimise operations for sustainable efficiency, we’ll provide you with the practical tools and insights you need to help reduce your organisations emissions and implement effective measures to drive real change in the supply chain today.
Q. Why should industry professionals be prioritising sustainability now?
Beyond its environmental benefits, sustainability is also a key driver for business. Besides the increasing compliance obligations created by regulation, many consumers and clients are increasingly demanding eco-conscious practices. By being proactive participants can better navigate this complex space both to satisfy the moral imperative for climate action and advance their business objectives.
Q. What would you say to anyone considering signing up for the course?
No matter what level you’re coming to us at, this is your opportunity to help lead change in our industry. This course will help to give you the confidence and tools you need to make a difference in your day-to-day and play your part in the transition to a more sustainable mode of operations for the digital advertising ecosystem.
Ready to take action? Find out more and enrol to join the IAB Europe Academy Environmental Sustainability for Digital Advertising Course taking place 13th - 17th January 2025, here.
