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TIME FOR CHANGE… SUPPORT MARKETERS WITH ESG REPORTING TO ALLEVIATE THE FEAR FACTOR, URGES BUREAU VERITAS
When it comes to getting ahead with ESG reporting, the time for businesses to act is now. With the responsibility in smaller organisations often falling to marketers, who are feeling the pressure to perform, this is increasingly becoming a daunting and seemingly unachievable mission.
According to research, almost half (49%) of UK-based marketing professionals fear greenwashing accusations, amid increased demand for and scrutiny of environmental claims. A key issue being the fact that 40% of marketers admit to not having qualifications relating to communicating sustainability.
These statistics are concerning with the EU’s new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive gathering pace and becoming implemented into law by the end of this year. Expert in sustainability Bureau Veritas UK is urging firms to increase focus now on supporting its marketer or designated sustainability lead and arm them with the support, understanding and expertise that is needed to navigate the complex world of ESG disclosure.
Marketing Business Partner - Green Line Services
Bureau Veritas
Being climate positive is about pioneering leadership and redesigning the way we do nearly everything. For so many small businesses, the responsibility of ESG falls to the marketing team, who will often have little, or no experience in this intricate area. Proactive leaders must have the strategic foresight to acknowledge that may be a steep learning curve and one which should be nurtured and supported.
The reporting world is complex, there is a myriad of requirements and for many, their relationship with ESG disclosure is dysfunctional because the understanding and support just isn’t in place. In fact, there has been more than a ten-fold increase in the number of ESG reporting requirements over the last 25 years.
There are many barriers to overcome when it comes to ESG reporting, including evolving industry regulations and expectations, uncertainty of necessary frameworks, complex data management and understanding as well as managing and quantifying associated risks.
Emily continues: “Sustainability is no longer a request but an expectation, it’s a business imperative which is still somewhat surrounded by challenges and apprehension. In many small and medium sized companies, experienced ESG professionals are few and far between, which is why the task of reporting goes to the in-house marketer. This can instil the fear-factor as the support to develop this expertise is not in place and the worry of feeling out of their depth, takes hold.
“What’s needed is a non-judgemental, honest support-system which can alleviate nervousness and instil confidence. By partnering with a third-party expert like Bureau Veritas, our team can support with measurably demonstrating the impact of their ESG actions by making them traceable, visible and reliable. Through our green line of services and solutions, we bring transparency and can provide the tools required to protect clients’ brands and reputations.”