OFF-MUTE 🔈
✨ Climate tech is getting the attention it deserves.
📈 Not only is the industry projected to reach $1.4 trillion in investments in five years, but the urgency of the climate crisis makes this market category more important than ever.
💰 Companies are boosting their sustainability budgets despite the uncertain economy, and the White House is too.
💥 As a society, we’re talking more about (and experiencing) the real implications of climate change.
📣 Lots of business leaders are publicly calling for progress. But, some are accused of greenwashing. That happens when a company’s words aren’t backed up by its actions.
🌎 So, in honor of Earth Day, we’re offering some tips to give your sustainability story substance.
☑️ Set realistic expectations. With companies making increasingly aggressive climate pledges, it can be hard to break through the noise. Unless your story entails giving away your $3 billion company to fight climate change, or some similarly large gesture, sustainability storytelling — at least from an earned media perspective — can be a challenge. Know what’s been done and where your company’s efforts fit in so you can develop a communications strategy and goals that are realistic and achievable.
☑️ Be transparent. Your stakeholders — employees, investors, customers and industry peers — will see through a shallow, half-hearted sustainability campaign. Make sure you have the data and policies to back up your accomplishments before sharing them with the world. Reporters are on high alert for false claims and will want to know specifics.
☑️ Bring attention to the category, not just your company. Be a champion for this emerging industry. Double down on thought leadership and use your platform to lift meaningful conversations that need more attention, such as non-carbon GHG emissions and water scarcity.
☑️ Leverage your advocates. Everyone from customers to investors to climate influencers. They can help add credibility to your story and help you reach a wider audience.
☑️ Stay for the long-game. Don't treat your sustainability story as a moment in time. Be consistent and accountable by providing regular updates that communicate how your business is reaching its goals.
💬 Want more sustainability comms advice? Follow our climate tech senior practice leaders – Bristol Rice, Hilary Katulak and Chelsea Ruka – on LinkedIn.
