Verve – Leading With Impact, Not Obligation
ISO 20121, ISO 14001 Certification, Carbon Footprint, VSME and Double Materiality Assessment (DMA)
Introduction
Sustainability is no longer optional but an expectation from regulators, clients, consumers, and talent alike, Verve continues to distinguish itself as a values-driven agency committed to meaningful, measurable impact. For more than a decade, Verve has been embedding sustainability into its culture, operations, and client work - long before it became standard practice.
This updated case study showcases Verve’s continued evolution and the expanded partnership with CG Business Consulting (CGBC), supporting Verve across ISO 20121, ISO 14001, carbon footprint, VSME reporting, and a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA). Together, these initiatives are helping Verve strengthen its leadership position in sustainable brand experiences.
A Decade of Proactive Leadership
Verve’s sustainability journey began 10 years ago when they became the first agency in Ireland to achieve ISO 20121 certification—well ahead of the curve. This milestone laid the foundation for a strategic transformation that continues to deepen.
“We achieved ISO 20121 certification over 10 years ago and in the decade since our efforts and impact have evolved year on year.”
Aideen O’Neill, Head of Activations and Sustainability
That early commitment progressed naturally into securing ISO 14001, becoming a B Corp, and developing sophisticated internal systems and teams dedicated to environmental and social responsibility.
“We consider social responsibility and environmental stewardship to be a fundamental component to the success of our business. We are committed to becoming the best agency we can be with ESG at the epicentre of our projects.”
Strengthening the Foundations: Partnering With CGBC
While strong policies, supplier programmes, and cultural engagement were already embedded, Verve identified a clear need to enhance the data-driven side of their sustainability strategy.
“We had great initiatives and strong policies, but we needed the raw data to really analyse our impact.”
“That’s what pushed us to develop a carbon footprint report and decarbonisation strategy.”
To move from intention to intelligence, Verve partnered with CGBC to support a broadening scope of work including:
ISO 20121 & ISO 14001 Management System Support
CGBC continues to support Verve in maintaining and strengthening its ISO 20121 and ISO 14001 management systems—ensuring continuous improvement, operational excellence, and alignment with best practice.
Carbon Footprint Measurement & Verification
CGBC’s team worked closely with Verve to calculate their organisational carbon footprint and prepare for third-party verification through ECO Certify. This has become a cornerstone of Verve’s data-led decision-making.
VSME Reporting (Voluntary Sustainability Management & Evaluation)
Through detailed VS/ME reporting, Verve now captures a more holistic picture of its sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance dimensions.
Double Materiality Assessment (DMA)
Recognising the importance of aligning strategy with stakeholder expectations and future regulations, Verve engaged CGBC to complete a Double Materiality Assessment. This DMA allows the agency to:
- Identify its most significant environmental and social impacts; and
- Understand the sustainability issues most material to stakeholders.
- This work is now informing Verve’s long-term strategy, risk assessment, and opportunity mapping.
- Changing Market Expectations
- What was once a ‘nice-to-have’ is now central to every brief.
“Not long ago, sustainability was an afterthought. Today, it’s the first or second priority on every brief.”
Clients expect more than gestures—they expect data, expertise, and innovation. This shift has validated Verve’s proactive approach and strengthened their client relationships.
Suppliers, too, are being brought along on the sustainability journey:
“It trickles down. We have those conversations with suppliers. It brings them on the journey with us.”
Creativity Powered by Sustainability
Verve sees sustainability as a creative catalyst - not a constraint.
“We don’t see sustainability as a limitation, it’s a catalyst for creativity. It pushes us to think differently, innovate boldly, and bring fresh ideas to the table.”
Embedding sustainability from the outset allows Verve to produce ideas that resonate with purpose, performance, and measurable impact.
Cultural Transformation From Compliance to Advocacy
What began as a compliance-led effort has become a cultural movement.
“When we started, people kept their heads down to avoid being pulled into it. Now they’re asking, ‘How can I get involved?’”
The Green Team - now active across three offices - reflects this growing internal momentum.
Sustainability in Recruitment
Values matter deeply to candidates, and Verve’s transparency sets them apart.
“Sustainability is a consistent topic in recruitment. Candidates actively ask about our policies and long-term strategy - it’s clear it really matters to them.”
This strengthens Verve’s employer brand and helps attract talent aligned with their mission.
The CGBC Partnership: A Trusted Extension of the Team
Verve’s partnership with CGBC has become one of deep trust and shared ambition.
“We literally couldn’t do it without the team.”
“The thing I love most is that I can say, ‘We’re not doing well here, how do we fix it?’ and get a real, actionable answer. That openness is invaluable.”
Aideen works closely with CGBC’s team across ISO support, carbon foot printing, VSME reporting, and the DMA process.
What’s Next for Verve
Building on its strengthened sustainability framework, Verve is now focused on:
- Continued decarbonisation planning and target setting
- Ongoing VS/ME performance evaluation
- Embedding DMA insights into strategic and operational decisions
- Preparing for upcoming ISO audits
- Continuous improvement of their management systems
- Enhancing transparency through verified reporting and stakeholder engagement
“Now that we have the report, we’re asking: how do we reduce our impact? How do we get everyone on board? How do we set targets and stay accountable?”
Conclusion: A Future-Proof Agency with Purpose
Verve’s journey demonstrates how committed leadership, strong partnerships, and data-led strategy can transform sustainability into a significant competitive advantage. From culture to clients, from creativity to compliance - sustainability is embedded in every facet of the agency.
“Sustainability requires sustained leadership. Pause for even a few months, and you risk falling behind - but staying committed delivers lasting impact and real value.”
Verve continues to lead with intention, ambition, and measurable action - proving that when purpose and performance align, everyone benefits.