Comms Declare’s Belinda Noble: Environmental Claims Code Shows “Self Regulation Doesn’t & Hasn’t Worked”
Belinda Noble (pictued), founder and president of Comms Declare, has blasted the Environmental Claims Code Exposure Draft released by the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), saying it is further proof that self-regulation of the industry hasn’t worked and will not work in the future.
The Exposure Draft was released last week for further public consultation by the AANA and included some big changes to existing rules, such as expanding the rules’ scope to cover businesses and entire industries, rather than just products and noting that omitting evidence is still misleading. However, in Noble’s mind, the changes did not go far enough and the current self-regulation framework lacks the bite required to make lasting change.
“After the hottest year on record, it falls short of protecting Australians from industries that profit from reckless greenhouse gas pollution,” she told B&T.
“While they have made some very notable improvements in the code, what they haven’t done is change the way it works. They’re still using the Community Panel, there are no subject matter experts and no independent fact-checking”.
Speaking to B&T, AANA CEO Josh Faulks said, “The reason we don’t need experts [on the Panel] is that the experts set the standards and make sure they align with international best practices. But then to interpret whether they align with community expectations, it’s good to have the Panel”.
Noble also took aim at the draft Code continuing to allow advertisers to use carbon offsets as proof of their action on emission reduction. While it currently stipulates that “Scientific claims should be consistent with the body of evidence” and “where the scientific basis for a claim is under dispute or not conclusive, advertisers should not present the claim as being universally accepted,” Noble said that this was not enough.
“The UN Task Force on reducing bogus net zero claims said that any company which is working towards net zero cannot rely on offsets and needs to have plans in line with the Paris Agreement. We’ve fallen well short of the UN guidance to stop bogus net zero claims,” she said.
“The code could also be applied to the overall environmental footprint of a company or the full lifecycle of a product… If it was a bit more rigorous, perhaps they wouldn’t have to mention Net Zero specifically”.
Faulks said that feedback on the finer points exposure draft was welcome from organisations including Comms Declare.
“The purpose of reviewing the Code, as we do with all our Codes, is to ensure they align with community expectations and international best practice,” he added.
However, Noble reserved her greatest ire for the self-regulatory system altogether, saying that it was not up to the task of regulating greenwashing.
“Self-regulation doesn’t and hasn’t worked. It is not specific or robust enough to stamp out greenwashing. The Community Panel is too slow, it lacks teeth, and there are no penalties. It needs to be overhauled if self-regulation is going to be effective,” she said.
“There need to be independent subject matter experts that can actually fact-check claims because it is exceptionally complex and changing all the time. It’s absolutely unreasonable to think that an ordinary community member would be able to decipher all this stuff.
“But at the end of the day, only laws that prevent fossil fuel companies making green claims or using green imagery will stop greenwashing”.
Faulks, however, said, “The broad consensus is that the advertising self-regulation system has served the community well for more than 25 years. Complaints about environmental claims can be made by anyone at any time and they are judged by the community in a world-class independent complaints handling system. It’s completely independent of and not affiliated with the advertising industry in any way.
“We’re looking to make a strong stand against greenwashing and the industry wants to stamp it out. It doesn’t help those advertisers and businesses that are doing a good job and should be able to talk about it. If we want a sustainable future, we should be talking about it. The alternative is greenhushing, where businesses are scared or concerned about putting their heads above the parapet which hurts the cause in the long run”.
The AANA is receiving feedback on the Exposure Draft, which will inform a new Environmental Claims Code. Interested parties have until 5pm on Friday 22 March 2024 to submit comments.
Latest News
ABC Launches Two New Channels Combining Kids, Family & General Titles
The ABC will introduce two new channels in June—ABC Family and ABC Entertains—and four new innovative digital streams that will combine the best kids’, family, and general entertainment titles. The new channels will make it easier for audiences to find the programs they love. They will showcase the ABC’s catalogue of family and entertainment programs […]
Wests Tigers Lose One Million Dollar Sponsorship Deal In Hagipantelis Fallout
The Wests Tigers have confirmed that Brydens Lawyers will end their one-million-dollar partnership with the club at the end of the 2024 season. The law firm first joined the club in 2015 and upgraded to a principal shirtfront partnership in 2016. In an official statement shared to the Tigers’ website today, it was announced the […]
Ads That Entertain And Surprise Consumers Perform Best In Asia-Pacific – WARC report
New study reveals humorous ads "entertain and surprise consumers". Here's hoping Julia Morris doesn't get any ideas.
Aussie Employees Want AI At Work And Won’t Wait For Companies To Catch Up, Study Finds
Someone has clearly told Aussie workers AI wont steal their jobs, but might help them get to the pub more quickly.
Introducing Sam, Mamamia’s New AI-Powered Programmatic Audio Offering For Brands
Mamamia one of the first indie publishers to be really playing in the AI space. Well, the only one really.
OMA Appoints Motio’s Adam Cadwallader & JCDecaux David Watkins To Board Of Directors
New appointments to the OMA board of directors today. Monthly meetings' finger sandwiches to remain strictly egg or ham.
Bastion’s Harry Roth Selected For Cannes Lions Creative Academy
Bastion's Harry Roth off to this year's Cannes creative academy. May wear his Wallabies jersey to ruffle feathers.
TV Ratings (08/05/2024): Seven Has A Huge Night As News & Quiz Shows Dominate
News & quiz shows dominate last night's TV viewing. Further proof of our interest in the Middle East & steak knives.
Network 10 Wants Government Help To Save Regional Broadcast TV
Could Farmer Wants A Wife help Network Ten out of this mess?
Royalties Generated By Aussie Artists On Spotify Reached Nearly $275M In 2023
Royalties generated by Aussie artists on Spotify in 2023 hit $275 million. Shannon Noll's contribution reached $4.45.
eBay Study: Aussies’ Growing Love For Pre-loved Fashion Soaring To New Heights
New study reveals Aussies' love of second-hand fashion. Meaning it's now very cool to smell of moth balls.
Bud Communications Expands APAC Footprint With Australian Office Launch
Singapore-based PR & content agency Bud specialises in disruptor brands, not marijuana ones as the name may infer.
Coles Group Ranks Number One In Disability Access & Inclusion
Hats off to Coles for this top work. Now if it could only get its trolleys to run straight & its pears a bit less hairy.
Is Alone Australia Coming For MAFS & Survivor?
SBS's Alone Australia proving such a hit with viewers, B&T is rather surprised the commercial networks haven't nicked it.
AFR Pulls Plug On Newspapers In WA After Printing Costs Soar
West Australians will now have to rely on That's Life & Iron Ore Weekly for their weekly print fix.
Spotify Delivers A “Masterclass” In Curating User Experiences For Listeners & Artists
As you'll read here, there's more to Spotify than meets the eye. Or, in this case the ear, it being an audible property.
REA Group Delivers Booming Q3 Performance
It's yet further proof the property market is so hot right now. Still not hot enough to save Godfrey's vacuums, however.
iProspect Reveals 2024 Level Up Committee Cohort
iProspect unveils shadow executive leadership team. Staffers warned to be on the lookout when nicking off early.
Surge In Kayo Subscriptions Helps Foxtel Offset Broadcast Declines; News Corp Q3 Revenue Flat
One thing Aussies love is sport. Yet, one thing they hate is paying for it. So, make of this news what you will.
DEPT Doubles Down On Creativity With New APAC Executive Creative Director
Global digital agency announces Brad Stevens as ECD. Says he's happy to go by 'Braddles' or the unimaginative 'Stevo'.
JCDecaux Unveils Giant Melbourne Wrap Around OOH Site
If a worrying vitamin D deficiency isn't enough to get you outdoors, then hopefully this new JCDecaux installation will.
Brazilian Ad Agency Africa Creative Releases Powerful Gay Conversion Therapy Film
The Cure sounds like the serious sequel to Hangover III, let's hope it delivers some sobering food for thought.
Spotlight On Sponsors: PGA Championship Becomes First Men’s Major To Sign Sports Betting Partner
The game of golf is a lot like Lindsay Lohan, Jägermeister or holidaying in Kuta - you never know if it's cool or not.
Mackenzie Arnold & Tony Gustavsson To Take Part In Inspiring Conversation At Vivid Sydney
Matilda's goalie & coach in conversation at this year's Vivid. Won't be conversing about Sam Kerr's ACL, however.
Smart Speakers Stung By Ad Fraud Costing Brands $1M Per Month, Says DoubleVerify
Be wary of a Nigerian sounding bloke that claims he is Kochie and pimping crypto on a smart speaker near you.
Contiki Challenges Influencers To ‘Switch On Social Travel’ In New Campaign Via We Are Social
Contiki wants influencers to give up irritating selfies on holiday by funding them to create irritating selfies. Genius.
“We Are In Our Epic Era”: Natalie Harvey On The Big Changes Coming As Mamamia Celebrates 10 Years Of Podcasting
Natalie Harvey has taken on the Mamamia CEO's chair that B&T hopes sports a mashed pumpkin vomit stain.
TV Ratings (07/05/2024) : Team USA Become First Female Team To Win LEGO Masters Australia
It's not been a great day for Australia - out early in Eurovision, crushed by the Yanks in Lego Masters.
GroupM Hires Former Amazon Ads Global Head Of Services
GroupM poaches Amazon's Mark Lomas to lead its retail media business. Says he has no opinion on Jeff Bezos' new yacht.
It’s All About The Indies! Introducing B&T’s Best Of The Best Indie Executive Creative Leaders 🎉
Indie agencies are thriving & it's mostly thanks to these industry leaders. And their delegating to the lackeys.
Introducing BrandComms.AI, Forethought Revolutionises How Brands Do Effective Creative
Marketing & strategy agency Forethought unveils new AI offering. Yet can't explain the plot to any of the Matrix films.
Independent Media Agencies Of Australia (IMAA) Announces Record 44 New Group Deals For 2024
The Independent Media Agencies rolls out even more support for its members. Alas, no signs of any discounted arancini.
After Google Search Spike, Reddit Shares Jump 14% In First Quarterly Results Since IPO
It looks like being a top time to be investing in the tech space. Defence industries & missile makers also doing well.
Gippsland Dairy Celebrates The Deliciousness Of Patience With ‘Slow Good’ Platform Via Special
Yoghurt's a lot like online dating, red wine & running marathons - you think it's good for you, but it probably isn't.
Let Them Eat Cake: Cashed-Up Professionals Are Back In CBDs And Airports And They Want Their Audis
Latest study finds the ABs are returning to offices & reveals how brands can cash in. Just not the work from home brands.
Mariah Carey Lends Her Inimitable Voice to ‘Portrait of a Portrait’, Audible’s Latest ‘Words + Music’ Installment
Think Mariah's only good for annoying the shit out of colleagues at Christmas? Think again with this new Audible work.