Employees, investors, and customers expect businesses to be part of the circular economy.

Demonstrating a commitment to solving environmental problems has never been more important, but communicating sustainability initiatives to the public is tricky.  

Developing the right messaging is challenging and companies often say too much, or worse, nothing at all. Business leaders and communications teams are afraid of sounding inauthentic, they are self-conscious about not having established sustainability goals sooner, or worry that they will be criticized for their progress.

But, communications strategies that start from a place of fear are not the answer. If companies that are committed to doing the right thing aren’t talking about it, they are doing the sustainability movement a disservice and simultaneously inhibiting their own growth.

Intention is at the foundation of effective messaging.

Companies that are moving in a sustainable direction, that are watching their effect on the planet and resources, and that are working to be cleaner, will find messaging less difficult than companies that don’t have a clear direction or path. Admit to being a work in progress and be honest.

Use effective strategies to build authentic and compelling messaging around your company’s sustainability goals, progress, and performance.

Communicating sustainability needs to be an important part of a company’s public relations strategy because it declares that you are committed to being part of the solution to a recognized problem. Transparency and honesty foster trust with customers, strengthen employee engagement, empower and humanize leadership, all of which contribute to increased loyalty and revenue.

Further Reading about Sustainability Communications