ESG News: 3 Trends from September 2022
Over the last two years, ESG news has dominated PR Newswire’s release feed, so much so that we’ve created numerous ESG-specific options to help companies share their advancements in this area. As PR and comms pros focus more and more on announcing companies’ ESG updates, it’s critical for journalists to stay on top of these press releases.
While we continue to see diverse ESG content, certain trends emerge. As Q3 comes to a close, here’s a look at three ways we noticed companies fine-tuning their ESG messaging in press releases sent via PR Newswire in September.
1. Avoiding the Appearance of Greenwashing
As the SEC continues its crackdown on greenwashing, it behooves companies to be specific about their climate commitments. Moreover, it’s a best practice for any piece of content: be transparent and disclose tangible results.
Here are two releases that accomplished that by featuring key highlights and data early on and including calls to action that connect readers and journalists with detailed information and actionable plans.
- Deloitte launches Global Sustainability & Climate learning program
- Empire State Realty Trust Reaches Carbon Neutrality for Commercial Portfolio
2. More Frequent, Detailed Progress Updates
It’s clear that the annual report release doesn’t cut it anymore for ESG news cadence. Comms teams are looking for opportunities to keep pace with peers and the ESG space in general, and they’re considering regular updates, whether it’s quarterly or whenever their company has made valuable progress.
These two releases feature nuanced movements in ESG, presented in an easily digestible format for journalists and investors. The more granular they get, the more transparency unfolds.
- Kroger Outlines Updated ESG Action Plan
- Jeep® Brand Reveals Plan for Global Leadership in SUV Electrification
3. Simplifying ESG
One of the most repeated pieces of feedback we hear from journalists and the investment community is “make this content easier to digest.” Aside from putting themselves in the shoes of these two groups juggling tight deadlines and more demands on their time than ever before, PR and comms pros are considering this: simplicity eliminates confusion, builds trust, and makes it easier to invest.
Morningstar and Unified Compliance demonstrate this in the examples below:
Stay Caught Up on ESG News
If you’d like to be in the know, add the ESG subject code to your PR Newswire for Journalists newsfeed to be notified of the latest announcements. If you need help or have questions, reach out to [email protected]. We’re ready to help customize your newsfeed.
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Sarah Roberts is Director of Customer Content Services. In a previous life, she was a newspaper reporter in the Midwest before permanently retiring her snow shovel and moving to the Land of Enchantment. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exploring the craft beer scene and petting all the dogs.
