Remote-first agency joins global leaders in sustainability
UP THERE, EVERYWHERE, the world’s first cloud-based full-service communications agency, has achieved EcoVadis Gold status for sustainability, placing it in the top five percent of companies worldwide for environmental, social, and ethical practices.
The recognition, announced this month, marks a step up from the agency’s previous Silver rating in 2021 and underscores its long-standing commitment to responsible business practices.
EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates more than 125,000 companies globally across criteria including environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The Gold rating positions UP THERE, EVERYWHERE among a select group of organizations recognized for driving meaningful sustainability change.
Building sustainability into the business model
Founded in 2011, UP THERE, EVERYWHERE was created on a decentralized, remote-first model that significantly reduces its environmental footprint compared to traditional agencies.
“With no fixed offices and a team spread across more than 20 countries, our carbon footprint is inherently lower than traditional agencies,” said Julian Stubbs, Founder and Chairman of UP THERE, EVERYWHERE. “We’ve built sustainability into the very foundation of how we work – from the tools we use to how we collaborate, recruit, and deliver value to clients around the world.”
This model eliminates the need for large physical offices, daily commuting, and travel-intensive operations, cutting emissions while providing flexibility to its members. The approach reflects a broader shift in professional services, as industries increasingly turn to digital-first structures that align with climate and social responsibility goals.
Strong performance in ethics and responsibility
EcoVadis’ evaluation highlighted UP THERE, EVERYWHERE’s exceptional performance in the Ethics category, where the company achieved a score of 91 out of 100.
“UP’s members are passionate about sustainability. We are delighted that our commitment to implementing robust environmental and social practices is reflected in our new Gold rating,” said Bethany Skinnard, UP’s Corporate Social Responsibility lead. “The team has enacted considerable measures in recent years to further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our social responsibility. This was a collective effort by the agency – from our talented interns through to our CEO – everyone’s insight helped shape our submission.”
The agency has invested in refining sustainability policies, building greener supply chains, and engaging both members and clients in sustainable practices. By embedding responsibility into its operations, UP THERE, EVERYWHERE has aligned itself with the growing expectations of global clients who demand transparent, values-driven partners.
Partnering with sustainability-focused clients
UP THERE, EVERYWHERE’s sustainability ethos extends beyond internal practices. The company collaborates with organizations in life sciences, education, and technology, and has ongoing partnerships with conservation-focused initiatives.
One example is its work with Evertreen, an environmental conservation group dedicated to reforestation projects. By working alongside such clients, the agency reinforces its role in driving positive impact both within and outside its business.
The broader marketing and communications sector has come under increasing pressure to address its environmental footprint, particularly in areas like business travel, event hosting, and digital production. UP THERE, EVERYWHERE’s remote-first structure illustrates how agencies can adapt to these challenges while offering high-quality services to clients across the globe.
A model for the future
“As more companies look for purpose-driven partners, we believe our model represents the future of how agencies should operate,” added Stubbs. “Achieving EcoVadis Gold isn’t just a recognition – it’s a reflection of our values and the result of over a decade of doing things differently, and doing them right.”
By securing a Gold rating, the agency now joins a small but influential group of globally recognized firms driving forward the standards of sustainability in business.
For the communications industry, where reputation, authenticity, and social responsibility are increasingly intertwined, UP THERE, EVERYWHERE’s achievement highlights how a values-based model can deliver both business success and measurable environmental and social benefits.
