ESG News in August: 3 Trends Journalists Need to Know About
Summer may mean vacations for some, but sustainability isn’t taking any time off this season. August saw major brands announcing big plans in the world of ESG. Even as macro headwinds cause major headaches for companies, sustainability efforts are still pressing onward.
Below is a roundup of the ESG news trends we noticed in press releases sent via PR Newswire in the month of August – the stories journalists might have missed.
1. Dedicated spaces for internal and external stakeholders
Valmont’s SVP of Investor Relations, Renee Campbell, recently shared some ESG advice with companies at the ESG Integration Forum in New York City: optimize your sustainability messaging for internal and external stakeholders with a strong website.
Kellogg did just that by creating a dedicated site and press materials for its “Better Days Promise,” which is “designed to advance sustainable and equitable access to food by addressing the intersection of wellbeing, hunger, sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion.”
In addition to announcing their sustainability reports, companies are utilizing wire services like PR Newswire to build awareness for their other ESG efforts.
Read the Kellogg release:
2. Education through product announcements
In 2022, companies have been implementing ESG into their core offerings and we continued to see this trend in August press releases. For example, Alaska Airlines launched a program with corporate partners Microsoft, Boeing, and Washington State University to purchase sustainable aviation fuel credits – helping to build awareness of the company’s decarbonization efforts. In addition, Skullcandy introduced its “Transparency Series” of earbuds and headphones that are designed to educate customers on sustainability while also reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
Companies are utilizing press releases to announce new programs and products to generate customer buzz – and educate their audiences on their ESG efforts.
Here are a few of the product and program announcements made in August:
- Skullcandy “Transparency Series” Achieves Net-Zero Carbon Footprint
- Alaska Airlines Launches New Program to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels Through Corporate Partnerships, Shared Learning
3. Sustainability investments ramp up
Investors are still very active on the sustainability front. Capital is pouring in in both large and small quantities. More investments into ESG efforts translate to more opportunities to successfully transform businesses into sustainable operations.
In August, we saw companies work to build investor interest by announcing capital-raising milestones. Vanguard’s plans to launch a Global Environmental Opportunities Stock Fund show the commitment from top-level investors. And Proof of Impact, an ESG data platform, raising $6 million in Pre-Series A Funding shows investors’ commitment to sustainability startups.
Here are a few August press releases focused on sustainable investments:
- Vanguard to Introduce Environmental Opportunities Fund.
- Proof of Impact Raises $6 Million in Pre-Series A Funding.
The Takeaway:
August may be a good time to relax and recharge, but the flow of ESG news won’t kick up its feet anytime soon. Quieter periods make for an opportune time to announce new products, programs, and investments. Companies are also launching ESG-related hubs on their own websites – giving journalists a place to go for the latest ESG missions and achievements. More large announcements in sustainaibility are on the way so now is the time for journalists to make sure they’re staying caught up on the latest ESG news. Here are a few easy steps to get the latest ESG press releases in your inbox.
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As the IR Activations Director at Cision, Justin Ruiss creates and executes Investor Relations and ESG strategies including sales initiatives, marketing communication, knowledge and insights. Justin's background in equity and primary research helps frame his approach to IR.
