Luke Cross’ Post

There is no doubt that #Aviation is in the spotlight, not just in Australia, but around the world. While issues of #Competition and #CustomerService are dominating headlines in my own country, the industry is also facing scrutiny from advertising and consumer agencies, regulators, and courts over alleged misleading claims about sustainability efforts or #GreenWashing. As the industry continues to plot a sustained recovery from the pandemic - and the road to full recovery will be long - it is important that leaders anticipate, prepare, and respond to the increased scrutiny that they face. FTI Consulting Australia will soon publish a new service sheet highlighting the support that our experienced team can provide to CEOs, boards, and communications teams in addressing questions and navigating this increased scrutiny head-on. #WatchThisSpace

A more shoddy lazy piece of journalism that discredits the “independence” of the BBC you couldn’t wish to find! Based on “factual provenance” regurgitated largely from tabloid press headlines over the past 2-3 years, it is an article that truly discredits no one but it’s author and the national organ that has seen fit to publish it. Just because our negligent opportunistic Government has seen fit to abandon and discount any requirement for ESG, does not make it the perceived wisdom of the day! The BBC as a Government organ may well question the #bcorp certification process as part of its narrative of political inconvenience, whilst those who understand it’s rigour and value continue to see a worldwide community grow exponentially! #bcorporation #businessasaforceforgood

Greenwashing isn’t just plain wrong, the actions of those committing these claims – the bullshiteratti – are deterring those businesses and brands who are genuinely doing great things from shouting about them for fear of equally being branded as a greenwasher. Just how serious is greenwashing? We've analysed the number of times the term has been mentioned in media stories for the six months to 31st December 2023. Spoiler: it's pretty bad! The graph below shows you how the number of mentions increased month-on-month for six months and the URL provides a deeper analysis of the results and the top stories that featured prominently in the media for each month from 1st July to 31st December: https://lnkd.in/eRYk_dqr #esgcomms #bcorp #bcorpmonth #reputationmanagement #pr

This is nonsense. Total nonsense. There are so many things wrong with the justification here. It highlights how intent rather than proof was enough to satisfy whatever criteria the agency sets for deciding who to work with. The response grossly overestimates the impact the work itself will have on improving Shell's role in the world. As far as I am aware, it's a media buying brief. When I consider ways in which organisations can improve their impact on the planet, media buying doesn't feature. Why? Because the hard work should be done internally, not obsessing over how we can bellow about it externally. Finally, and this is more ethereal, the response ignores the spirit of the B Corp movement. Sure, standards assessors may have provided a perspective strictly within the parameters of the current standards framework (due to be renewed), but where is the commitment to collective action? Where is the spirit of what the movement is trying to achieve? Where is the relentless pursuit of proving to policymakers and business leaders that you can turn a sustainable profit without manipulating your morals? We've seen this film before, haven't we? From tax to fair trade, there are always operators who, rather than ask 'should we do this?' are far more comfortable with 'can we get away with this?'. No framework will eradicate the latter question being asked; it takes a cultural shift in how leaders operate and perceive their role in ushering in a kind, fair and regenerative economy.

Our colleague Abby Aylman Cohen explains how to talk about your #ESG commitments in a politicized environment. Hers is the third post from Greentarget Global Group's Executive Positioning team, (see my prior posts on #China and #AI) providing guidance on key issues that can impact reputation and compel leaders to communicate. #pr #crisismanagement #crisiscommunication #issuesmanagement

“Claims must be truthful, accurate, clear and unambiguous. Claims must be substantiated...for the consumer to be able to fully take note of and understand [the claims], substantiation is essential."  In this #soundbite, Dr. Anette Gaertner, Thera Adam-van Straaten and Luisa Zukowski discuss the legal obligations and regulatory guidance businesses must use to protect consumers against misleading #GreenClaims, as well as highlight some of the ways in which #food and #beverage businesses should work with their teams to ensure consistency and transparency when advertising green claims. Hear more: https://lnkd.in/ef5xAha4 #Consumer #ESG

We are proud to share our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. Our #ESG strategy is grounded by our purpose to improve patient lives and ultimately create a better, healthier world for generations to come. We are pleased to share the new targets we have set for 2030 and our priorities to move this vision forward. https://bit.ly/4aW9Bzf #EnvironmentalSustainability #DiversityandInclusion

'I think a key point to note with all of these cases is that the claimants aren't necessarily commencing claims because they're seeking damages, but because they're trying to effect behavioural change.' Luisa Zukowski speaks with Dr. Anette Gaertner, LL.M. (Edinburgh) and Thera Adam-van Straaten on the reputational challenges #food and #beverage companies can face if they fail to ensure consistency and transparency when advertising and marketing their #GreenClaims. 🎧 LISTEN to the #soundbite on managing the risks of advertising green claims: https://lnkd.in/ef5xAha4 ⬇ DOWNLOAD our #ServingUpSustainability report: https://lnkd.in/eCNAv-WP

Important new research if you 'get' and want to practice ESG properly ⬇️ Public Relations professionals who understand ESG thoroughly can guide you through the skills & complexity. #ESG #PR https://lnkd.in/ezfXguR7

While some organisations quietly do remarkable things for people and the planet and go unnoticed, others invest millions in misleading tactics like offsetting, to claim that a product or service is ‘Carbon Neutral’. At The Good Guys, we believe in spotlighting companies that are truly making a difference for people and the planet. Therefore, we’re thrilled to witness the EU's proactive steps to bring clarity to the narrative surrounding corporate impact. This development is a game-changer for our clients and the industry as a whole, ushering in further transparency for Digital Marketers like us in the Sustainability and Social Impact space. We’re looking forward to seeing the UK Advertising Standards Agency take further action on similar steps… https://lnkd.in/eSJ-sMNg #climatechange #climateaction #euregulations #sustainability #socialimpact