Terrafiniti
Sustainability Consultancy, Sustainability Consultants, Sustainability
How the world might be a more sustainable and equitable home for us all.
Greenwashing – misleading communications on sustainability issues – has various dimensions of risk, but these are often overlooked, and their implications are insufficiently examined.
While greenwashing may appear as simply irritating, it actually causes a range of harm and presents multiple business risks. Risks to the company which communicates it – but also risks to companies involved in creating it and those associated with it.
Dramatic changes are needed in business and industry to head off coming poly crises and build a prosperous future for the growing global population.
But plans for this ‘sustainable transition’ are few and far between and often lack credible substance to bridge the link between ambition and action. Indeed, many appear to rely upon an unspecified magical transformative ingredient that will make it all happen – the underpants gnomes.
This article highlights how concerns are mounting about the gap between high level commitments and real change, how action can lag behind the rhetoric of some sustainable transition approaches and explores the essential components of a plausible plan. (you can also find out what an underpants gnome is…).
Worldwide regulators are tightening up on strategic greenwashing to protect consumers, business and market integrity. As further examples arise there is more, we can learn about what regulators will tolerate and what they require of companies.
Put simply, any leeway for general feel-good statements, vague aspirations and unsubstantiated claims has vanished as the focus shifts from products and services to more fundamental strategy.
In this article, we review the major stakeholders with a stake in clamping down on greenwashing, take a look at three recent high-profile cases where adverts have been banned and examine the far-reaching implications of regulatory requirements for companies.
It's tough doing the work of creating truly misleading greenwash. But don't worry, help is here use the Greenwashing Copy Creator (GCC) to hit the eco-friendly target. Definitely not to be confused with the Green Claims Code (GCC) this will really help you knock out vague, misleading and generally crapulous copy - read this to get your own UTI!
ESG and Corporate Sustainability reporting with an investor focus is increasing in importance. Many company reports are still stronger on rhetoric than on providing a clear picture of sustainability issues, impacts and risks. In addition, there are still challenges in how companies identify which of these issues, impacts and risks are material to the company now and in the future. Joss Tantram, Partner at Terrafiniti, reviews regulatory guidance for ESG and sustainability reporting and considers the fundamentals of good disclosure for stakeholders while enhancing investor engagement.
Understanding the relationship between your organisation and the wider world, and identifying which issues, trends, dependencies and risks are material (important) to your business future is critical. Not just for measuring and managing impact, but also for developing resilience and responding to the changing requirements of clients, investors and wider stakeholders and ultimately maximising the opportunities for sustainable value creation.
Many people and companies fear and resist change due to uncertainty and perceived higher risks. But the risk of not adapting can be higher - what biases are involved and how do we move forward?
There are several types of relationships between species, bu tit's clear that the human relationships with the biosphere are closer to parasitic than any others. Isn't it time to pursue more positive outcomes - if only for self-interest?
Small particle air pollution – when will we clear it? PM2.5 (small particle) air pollution is one of the most harmful types for human health, exposure has been linked to heart and lung disease, mental health and many other conditions including stroke, cancer and mental health. Air pollution also disproportionally affects children. A global study …
Intent in sustainability can be the difference between differentiating a strong (if nascent) approach from a shallow one.
But intent can be difficult to demonstrate to a cynical world.
To-date, claiming environmental credentials has been somewhat of a niche activity. But now that consumers, governments and even a few companies are waking up to the power of blah blah blah - greenwashing really has gone mainstream.
There’s so much activity it can be difficult to keep up and not be overwhelmed with who’s claiming what and on what basis – or perhaps more importantly - what lack of basis.
It’s time to get professional. So, we’re pleased to announce the new Real Greenwash KitemarkTM.
Overall Glasgow’s COP26 made good progress in some areas but failed to move others forward - what was really achieved? The world is still way off track for the Paris 1.5 degrees C – the widely accepted target that only really represents ‘hopefully not too dangerous’.
