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Sustainability Policy

Evaluated 2025
Approved by: John Guilfoil, Founder and Principal

Introduction

At John Guilfoil Public Relations (JGPR), we recognize our responsibility to lead with integrity and transparency, not just by providing superior communications strategy and client service but in our stewardship of the environment and community. Sustainability is core to our operations, culture, and commitment to future generations.

Guiding Sustainability Principles

JGPR is committed to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and awareness of our industry’s effects on the environment and climate. We are committed to climate action in our words and actions, not just in maintaining green offices but in promoting environmentally responsible practices and prohibiting unethical public relations practices including Greenwashing and Astroturfing.

JGPR’s sustainability policy is rooted in four key principles:

  1. Accountability – We hold ourselves accountable for the environmental impact of our operations.
  2. Efficiency – We strive to reduce waste and emissions across our services, company vehicles and facilities.
  3. Education – We inform and empower our team, clients, and communities about sustainable practices.
  4. Equity – We promote access to sustainability tools and outcomes for all communities, especially those underserved.

Operational Commitments

  • Fossil Fuel Reduction: JGPR is actively engaged in decarbonization initiatives in its physical offices, including the replacement of natural gas furnaces and water heaters with electric heat pumps.
  • LED Lights: In 2023, JGPR met a goal of achieving 100% LED lighting for its inside and outside lighting at both of its office location.
  • Water Conservation: JGPR has installed high-efficiency, low flow water faucets and toilets in all of its locations.
  • Smart Thermostats: JGPR uses Ecobee brand smart thermostats in all locations.
  • Partnership with Eversource: JGPR, through its Ecobee products, is partnered with Eversource to automatically change office temperatures and reduce energy usage during periods of peak demand.
  • Digital-First Operations: JGPR prioritizes digital communications, virtual meetings, and cloud-based workflows to minimize paper use, travel emissions and resource consumption.
  • Remote Workforce Model: We maintain a flexible, remote-friendly culture that reduces commuting-related environmental impact.
  • Sustainable Procurement: Where physical resources are needed (e.g., event signage, office supplies), we attempt to source recycled, local and certified sustainable products whenever possible.
  • Waste Reduction: We promote paper recycling and reuse in all physical office locations and encourage clients to adopt similar practices for public events.
  • Recycled Paper: JGPR requires all offices to use 100% recycled paper in all office printers and copy machines and to print in draft or low toner mode for all draft/non final content.
  • Air Quality: JGPR operates IQ Air brand HEPA filtration systems in all offices, to promote clean air int he workspace
  • RoHS Products: JGPR requires all computers, televisions, printers and computer monitors to be purchased from supplier that do not use any of the restricted substances in concentrations and applications not permitted by the RoHS Directive. JGPR’s preferred computer vendor is Dell. Dell’s sustainability report has been reviewed and will be reviewed annually by JGPR. JGPR’s preferred computer monitor brand is Asus EyeCare technology. The Asus sustainability report is reviewed and will be reviewed annually.
  • Low or No VOC Paint: JGPR is committed to using Benjamin Moore Eco Spec (Natura) or similar low or no VOC paint in all of its offices.
  • Avoiding Toxicity in Marketing and Giveaways: JGPR commits to avoiding the production or giving away of promotional products that contain toxic ingredients. We do not produce or giveaway vinyl bags, synthetic fragrances, or food/beverage serving products that contain BPA, phthalates or toxic chemicals.
  • Energy Star Appliances: JGPR commits to only purchasing Energy Star labeled appliances in its offices.

Client Services and Strategy

  • Eco-Friendly Campaigns: We pledge to advise clients on incorporating sustainability into public communications and event planning, including green event practices and accessible digital tools.
  • Website Optimization: Website hosting is a significant piece of JGPR’s business, and the internet as a whole is a significant contributor to We build and maintain lightweight, low-carbon websites and digital platforms for clients through WordPress and other efficient CMS tools.
  • Community Awareness: Through our public affairs and public safety campaigns, we pledge to support awareness of climate resilience, extreme weather preparedness, and local sustainability initiatives.

Employee Engagement

  • Sustainability Training: All staff receive annual sustainability training and role-specific strategies to reduce ecological impact.
  • Volunteer Days: JGPR team leaders may use two half days or one full day of company time to volunteer as a team for any approved environmental volunteer project or civic engagement aligned with this policy.
  • Pro Bono: JGPR will provide an annual public relations campaign, news release or social media campaign each year to its clients, which will not count against its clients contractual hours 

Fleet and Facilities

  • Hybrid or Electric Fleet: JGPR commits to maintaining a vehicle fleet that is at least 50% hybrid or electric.
  • Fossil Fuel Free Future: JGPR has implemented a fossil fuel free headquarters in our Groveland, Mass. office by installing a 100% electric heat pump HVAC system. JGPR has also installed Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) its its offices. ERV promote energy conservation and improved indoor air quality. ERVs reduce energy consumption by transferring heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air, decreasing the load on heating and cooling systems. They also help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and controlling humidity, which can reduce the need for energy-intensive dehumidification systems. JGPR also actively promotes fossil fuel free systems in any of its rented facilities. 
  • MassCEC BETA: Project: JGPR is participating in the Massachusetts Building Electrification and Transformation Accelerator (BETA) Program. The program is working to establish technical building retrofit best practices for electrification and decarbonization of existing commercial buildings. JGPR’s 1920s era corporate headquarters, the former “Groveland Diner” building in Groveland, Mass. was selected as a participant in summer 2025.

Supplier and Vendor Policy Review

JGPR must review the sustainability policies of all vendors and suppliers prior to engaging in business with said vendor or supplier, to ensure it aligns with JGPR’s sustainability goals.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed in consultation with firm leadership, client feedback, and emerging best practices.