Responsibility for our planet and for our people

1.1 Everyone at UP primarily works remotely. This results in UP having a considerably reduced carbon footprint due to our members’ lack of a daily or frequent commute. When in-person meetings are required, UP promotes public transport, carpools, walking or cycling to help lower our CO2 emissions.

1.2 With our flexible Creative Space office arrangements, UP can operate from smaller office spaces than traditional companies. This has a positive effect on inner cities in terms of our offices’ carbon footprint. We regularly liaise with our creative spaces to monitor their progress on achieving their CSR-related goals. For example, our London-based creative space shares their CSR report with us on a monthly basis and frequent meetings are held to discuss their initiatives and future plans.

1.3 Using cloud-based tools and technology for communications (such as Slack and our internal app - UP FOR ME) means the majority of meetings can be held remotely. This further increases our efficiency and reduces our carbon footprint. 

When staging events, we make our collateral reusable and opt for digital solutions wherever possible.

1.4 Sustainable procurement: Our Sustainable Procurement Policy details how we work with suppliers and solutions that align with our UP’s values - placing emphasis (wherever possible) on ethical and eco-friendly sourcing. 

1.5 Member engagement: UP produces a quarterly internal e-newsletter focused on sustainability. This includes tips to reduce people’s carbon footprint in their work and personal lives. UP also regularly surveys members to monitor and track progress in reducing our collective carbon footprint. 

2.1 One of our business divisions is UP FOR GOOD, where we focus on creating GOOD and RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS for our clients. We work with innovative partners to develop CSR programmes designed to make a difference where it is most needed and ultimately to create a positive impact.

In addition to working with a wide variety of clients from diverse sectors, we are passionate about working with charitable and Not-for-Profits organisations and with companies that are focused on sustainability or social impact.

Current examples include: Ecocide Law Alliance, SWEDA, IDF (International Diabetes Federation), The Human Protein Atlas

2.2 Our UP FOR LIFE division focuses on GOOD practices, ideas, solutions and enhanced treatments for the human condition. We work with companies in genomics, proteomics, diagnostics, life science tools, medical devices and healthcare. They are focused on new, enhanced, faster solutions for cancer diagnostics, rare disease companion diagnostics, diabetes, Parkinson’s, psoriasis, CVD, labour issues, women’s health, prostate cancer, pharmaceuticals and much more.

2.3 And our UP FOR REAL division focuses on PLACE branding and it's where our environmental impact is central, it’s measured, it’s visible, it’s talked about and therefore it’s a key aspect of a PLACE’S positioning and status.

2.4 UP seeks to help clients to be socially responsible and to care about making a tangible difference.

Read more about UP’s focus area in CSR and how we build sustainable brands and spread the message for non-profits here.

3.1 Gender and nationality equality: We embrace diversity at UP. Our team is comprised of members from all over the world. It goes without saying that we thrive on diversity - regardless of gender, nationality, experience or age - creativity comes from different points of view, cultures, experiences and perspectives. We pride ourselves on innovative solutions which are generated from constellations of very different people. Our connections to one another, as well as to our environment, are the fabric of our health. Our world and our shared challenges (including climate change, pandemic preparedness, and food insecurity) affect us all, regardless of where we live.

3.2 Work-life balance: At UP, we respect our members’ time. Our members create their own work schedule and work where and when suits them best.

3.3 As part of UP’s Membership Agreement, UP’s members are asked to allocate 5% of their time to charitable or Not-For-Profit organisations on a pro-bono basis. The more we collectively give and help others, the more the society benefits from our actions. 

3.4 Career Development: We provide members with a detailed induction process, on-going training and development opportunities (including roadmaps for career progression). Our UP FOR ME app helps foster engagement and our Move On Up scheme sees members rewarded for their contributions to society and to the planet.

We are committed to sponsoring and supporting projects that we feel have a positive impact on our people and society. Examples include supporting initiatives for: Women in Engineering, Cancer Awareness, Eating Disorder support, Sports for Children, Suicide Prevention, Water Conservation and many other health-focused organisations.

UP partners with Evertreen, an organisation with a mission to transform the world, one tree at a time. UP’s roots are in Sweden, surrounded by forests, so planting trees is an apt way for us to give back.

Learn more about how UP gives back to the planet and to society here.