Is Your Sustainability Message Action-Driven?

Many believe there is the widening gap between corporate stated company goals and their actual business sustainability actions.   While previously under estimated, the fact is this disconnection is growing into a quantifiable business sustainability risk that is catching executive attention.

With investment dollars less available than they were just a few years ago, business leaders are more aware of the factors that could affect their perceived stability. In general, businesses are becoming more sensitive to the pressure points that could sway investment dollars into or away from their company. Many companies are keeping an open ear to their stakeholders.

A BSR report finds that a more educated public has become more aware of inconsistencies between stated climate goals and business action. Does this mean the business world is inconsistent with its stated reduction programs or simply misaligned with legislative efforts and potential policy? The answer may be unclear, but efforts to address this gap are certainly on many executive radar screens.

Regularly reviewing business sustainability strategies and resulting actions has become especially important for companies with business sustainability minded stakeholders who have a financially vested interest in the future of the company. Companies are increasingly in need of greater transparency in communications. Our sustainability consulting stresses the importance of providing effective and valuable information to key company stakeholders.

•    Is the topic of your business sustainability message simple and easy to understand?
•    Have you already achieved and communicated any results to support your message?
•    Are other activities in your company consistent with this message?
•    Could your claim be supported by a credible third party?
•    Do you have data to back up your results?
•    Is the message honest and not self-glorifying?

Due to increased consumer eco awareness, business claims and actions need to be closely aligned. Our sustainability consulting focuses on the propagation of clear information and reporting on sustainable actions. We encourage business to recognize the value in providing business sustainability action transparency.