ESG

Powering on.

Environmental, Social & Governance at Monks

Read our 2025 ESG Report

At Monks, our ESG approach is embedded into how we operate, grow and create value.  As a digital-first business, our impact is shaped less by physical production and more by how we use data, technology and talent. This allows us to scale our operations while reducing resource intensity and environmental impact.

Our approach focuses on three interconnected areas: how we reduce our environmental footprint, how we support and develop our people, and how we deliver responsible, future-facing solutions for our clients. These priorities are integrated into our governance, decision-making and day-to-day operations, ensuring ESG is not a standalone agenda but part of how we run our business.

Our ESG strategy is built on three core pillars:

Our Responsibility to the World
People Fulfilment
One Brand

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Our Responsibility to the World
(Environment)

We’ve achieved a 31.7% absolute reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions (market-based) compared with our 2022 STBi baseline, moving us closer to our goal of net zero by 2040.

Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions decreased year over year, while our share of renewable energy consumed in operations rose to 43.4%. As a certified B Corp organisation, we partner with organisations and support initiatives that focus on making a positive difference for people and the planet. Our Purpose-driven client base grew by 16.8%, while projects for Purpose-driven clients increased 11.1% year over year.

Colorful hands holding a glass orb that has hikers approaching a snow covered glacier within it.

People Fulfilment
(Social)

We’ve prioritised workforce resilience by transitioning to an AI-first operating model, moving talent from legacy workstreams into high-value, tech-augmented roles to build a future-ready, empowered and capable workforce.

At Monks we are actively working to close the gap and reduce barriers to entry for talent in our industry. Alongside ensuring our programmes build a diverse and vibrant workforce, we actively encourage representation from groups that are often underrepresented in advertising and technology.

A glass orb with a hilltop among the clouds that has wind turbines on top.

One Brand
(Governance)

We operate through a unified brand identity and a single P&L. This unitary structure provides the robust governance necessary to synthesise specialised knowledge into a seamless, responsible global offering.

More than 30 content, data and digital media, and technology companies have been integrated into a single operating model that combines the foundational knowledge of our legacy teams with a clear forward-looking vision under one brand: Monks. Universal tools and training systems strengthen internal controls and support external reporting. Policies and compliance mechanisms establish consistent standards and support alignment with regulatory requirements.

Impact in action • Our work is inherently multi‑dimensional: through client engagements we embed ethical AI and responsible marketing, drive inclusive social outcomes and align high‑performance delivery with environmental and social impact.
DesCodeuses: Exposing online violence through copyright laws

In France, 84% of women experience cyber violence, but abusers often go unpunished. Impact: Our campaign with NGO DesCodeuses exposed the gap by repurposing copyright tools to raise awareness, defend women’s rights and fuel legal accountability debate.
Pilsen: Fields of Glory

As Medellín grew as a concert hotspot its football pitches suffered, so we helped Pilsen turn the stadium into a live test. Impact: Bioactive ingredients delivered 300% faster turf recovery, reduced water needs, and 50% less fertiliser – protecting matches and boosting brand love. See the work here.
Centre for Community Initiative: My First Voice

With the Centre for Community Initiative in Northeast India, Monks built My First Voice, an AI tool that converts children’s nonverbal sounds into personalised speech in under five minutes, preserving accents. Impact: Supported early, inclusive learning, with 10 children first; now scaling across India. See the work here.
Kraft Heinz:  Mustard x Mustard

Kendrick Lamar’s viral “MUSTAAAAAARD” thrust producer Mustard (Dijon McFarlane) into the spotlight. We built a Kraft Heinz x DJ Mustard collaboration for the ages that generated hundreds of millions of impressions. Impact: Proved cultural relevance drives engagement and inclusive storytelling. See the work here.
Serena: Promoting clean energy

For Serena in Brazil, we launched “Put Your Energy in the Right Place” with singer Simone Mendes. The 360° program included films, educational social content, and AI-personalised promotions. Impact: Drove awareness and encouraged lower-carbon choices.
100WEEKS: Empowering women through direct support

Empowering women to choose, drives better nutrition, keeps children in school, and strengthens communities. Our 100WEEKS documentary followed three Rwandan women receiving and investing cash over 100 weeks. Impact: Enabled financial independence and lasting economic participation. See the work here.
Google Arts & Culture: Forest Listeners App x COP30

With Google Arts & Culture, Google DeepMind, and WildMon, Monks helped develop an AI app that groups thousands of rainforest recordings, letting people identify animal calls in Brazil’s Amazon and Atlantic Forests. Impact: Boosts biodiversity awareness and conservation. See the work here.
Tata Tea: Honouring homemaker heroes

In India, we launched “Itna Josh Kahaan Se Laati Ho?” to recognize homemakers. Using AI video intelligence, anyone on WhatsApp could upload a photo and create a tribute video. Impact: Boosted visibility and cultural recognition of unpaid domestic labour. See the work here.
Amsterdam Museum: Amsterdam in Motion – A city brought to life

Curated by the Amsterdam Museum, this permanent immersive audiovisual experience explores Amsterdam’s past and present. Monks shaped strategy and creative direction, created brand identity, produced the show, built the teaser site, and supported fundraising. Impact: Broader, more inclusive audiences. See the work here.
HBO | Max Pride 2025: Trixie Mattel’s Gay HBO Max Song

Transforming HBO Max’s iconic quotes into an anthem for Pride, we helped harness the power of community-driven culture. Partnering with Trixie Mattel, we teased, launched and amplified a viral hit that resonated, garnering 46% positive comments and sparking social trends. Impact: Supported LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion by amplifying community voices and fostering positive engagement.
Want to learn more? Read the full 2025 ESG Report.
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When it comes to ESG, we are focused on the how, not just the why. Our most recent ESG report reflects our baselines and our progress, our belief that performance and purpose must coexist, and our view that the only sustainable strategy is one built on clarity, accountability and execution. Read our full ESG Report 2025.

Monk Thoughts At S4Capital and Monks, we approach ESG with the same discipline and rigour we’ve applied to building our modern, digital-native business. Sustainability must align with strategy and profitability, supported by governance, board accountability, and incentives that embed ESG in our operating model.