How Brands Can Authentically Communicate Sustainability in the Era of Climate Awareness

In this era, where climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of public consciousness, the way brands communicate their "green" initiatives has never been more crucial. Companies can't get away with half-hearted lip service to environmental issues, as it impacts all aspects of their business: revenue, hiring, retention, partnerships, investments, and more.

Younger generations demand authenticity and transparency in sustainability messaging, actively looking for brands to step forward and lead the way. These generations know that just 100 global companies were responsible for 71% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions over the past three decades, and it's reasonable for them to expect these same companies to take responsibility and lead from the front.

Mastercard data shows that 85% of consumers are willing to take personal action to address sustainability. But increasingly, they expect brands to follow suit — 67% expect brands to make a positive contribution to society as well.

So as we look at how brands can effectively communicate their sustainability initiatives, it's important to view it from this lens: educated, technologically advanced generations, who are most at risk for the impacts of climate change, can see right through empty, performative actions. As a result, brands are expected to not only engage in sustainable practices but also communicate these efforts effectively and authentically to their audience. Their business depends on it.

Best Practices for Effective Sustainability Communication

What can brands do to proactively combat potential allegations of greenwashing and ensure their sustainability initiatives are well received?

Let’s start with transparency.

Brands must be transparent about sustainability goals, progress, and challenges faced. Honest communication builds trust and credibility. However, if a brand touts cutting emissions but its actual emissions far exceed stated levels—as with Lululemon contributing 9 times its claimed emissions—that trust and credibility will be shattered.

The time has come to move beyond basic storytelling, as compelling narratives alone have limitations. To connect sustainability efforts to a larger purpose, brands must actually follow through on stated goals. Emissions must be cut, packaging shifted, and hyped initiatives realized. Only then will messages in annual sustainability/impact reports and ads about being a sustainable company carry credibility.

With actions backing words, brands must foster open dialogue through social media, surveys, and community initiatives. If brands fail to act, communication efforts are pointless—the truth will surface, decimating sales and loyalty. Aligning sustainability messaging across all channels is business-critical.

Media continues to shape public sustainability perceptions. Positive coverage enhances a brand's reputation, while negative brings backlash. By leading transparently and frequently communicating actions, brands can build strong ties with the media prioritizing environmental reporting.

Sustainability messaging can't be an afterthought: it must drive a brand's ethos, operations and communication strategy. Every internal and external action reflects a commitment to sustainability and doing right by employees and the planet.

The future emphasizes technology for tracking environmental impact, local/global sustainability partnerships, and regulations shaping communication. Brands must get on board and lead—start now if you haven't. As sustainability grows, how brands convey environmental efforts will increasingly define consumer reputation and resonance.