Sign up to access all our data and the evidence and analysis underlying our overall scores. Once you've created an account, we'll get in touch with further details:
Sign Up
| Overall Assessment |
Comment |
Score |
| Comprehensive |
Unilever PLC has demonstrated a comprehensive level of transparency in disclosing its climate lobbying activities. The company has explicitly named specific climate policies it has engaged with, such as the "EU Emissions Trading Scheme," the "UK Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) guidance on 'gold standard' climate transition plans," and its advocacy for a "global plastics treaty" with binding rules and standards. Additionally, Unilever has disclosed its lobbying mechanisms in detail, including direct engagement with policymakers through meetings, letters, and participation in coalitions like the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition and the EU Corporate Leaders Group. Specific targets of its lobbying efforts, such as the EU Commission, UK policymakers, and G7 representatives, are clearly identified. Furthermore, Unilever has articulated the specific outcomes it seeks, such as strengthening carbon pricing policies, tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, and implementing regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million hectares of land by 2030. These disclosures reflect a clear and measurable alignment with its climate objectives, showcasing a high degree of transparency in its lobbying approach.
|
4
|
| Overall Assessment |
Comment |
Score |
| Comprehensive |
Unilever demonstrates a comprehensive climate lobbying governance process, as evidenced by its publication of the "Climate Policy Engagement Review 2023," which includes a detailed analysis of its industry associations' alignment with Unilever's climate policy priorities and science-based benchmarks. This review was independently conducted by Volans, a think-tank and advisory firm, and includes a methodology for assessing alignment and engagement intensity. Unilever commits to conducting a full global industry association review every three years and publishing an annual list of principal industry associations and climate-specific alliances, disclosing their alignment with the Paris Agreement. The governance process is overseen by the Global Sustainability and Global Corporate Affairs teams, with direct lobbying priorities approved by the Chief Sustainability Officer and the Global Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs. "The Global Head of Sustainability - Environment and the Global Head of Corporate Affairs meet monthly to review this process and manage any flagged issues." Additionally, Unilever's CEO and Executive Board member, Hein Schumacher, holds ultimate responsibility for overseeing the climate change agenda. Unilever has implemented a Trade Association Standard, which mandates that country teams confirm the alignment of industry associations' climate policy work with Unilever's positions and the 1.5°C ambitions of the Paris Agreement at the point of joining or renewing membership. "If an industry association's position cannot be made consistent with Unilever's, or no improvement is being made to reach alignment over a 12-month period, the issue is escalated to the budget holder, in consultation with the Communications and Corporate Affairs team." The company has also committed to escalating misalignment issues and determining whether to withdraw membership publicly if alignment cannot be achieved. This robust governance framework, which includes regular reviews, independent audits, clear oversight structures, and proactive measures to address misalignment, indicates a strong commitment to ensuring that both direct and indirect lobbying activities align with Unilever's climate goals and the Paris Agreement.
|
4
|