The Green Trust Imperative

Researching the Credibility of Sustainability Statements and Reports

What we research

The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the trustworthiness of sustainability communication and to develop concrete recommendations for action for companies, investors and stakeholders.

Particular attention is paid to the comparison of multinational corporations and SMEs as well as the identification of best practices in sustainability reporting.

Scope

DAX companies
CAC40 companies
50+ NYSE companies
Representative companies of the German Mittelstand

Subject

Qualitative and quantitative surveys:
Interviews with stakeholders (e.g. investors, NGOs, consumers, companies) and qualitative and quantitative content analyses of sustainability reports. Benchmarking: Comparison of sustainability reports and strategies between different regions and company sizes.

Methodology

Qualitative and quantitative surveys: Interviews with stakeholders (e.g. investors, NGOs, consumers, companies) and qualitative and quantitative content analyses of sustainability reports. Benchmarking: Comparison of sustainability reports and strategies between different regions and company sizes.

How do companies communicate about sustainability

Our comprehensive suite of professional services caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from homeowners to commercial developers.

Trust in a shared, viable future is the cornerstone that holds together our society, businesses, political organizations, and even families. This study explores the role companies play in fostering this trust and whether they, in turn, benefit from it.

We investigate the credibility of corporate communication around key future-oriented issues, beginning with sustainability. How effectively do companies communicate their sustainability efforts? To what extent does their messaging align with the unique characteristics of each organization? What communicative tools are employed, and how are they utilized? Finally, how do customers, citizens, and experts perceive corporate sustainability communication?

Prof. Tim Bruysten, Study Initiator

Yvonne Zwick
Vorsitzende BAUM. e.V.

It’s no longer a question of if, but how

Sustainability has the potential to become the strongest driver of the economy in Europe. This is exactly what we are working on at BAUM e.V. Our mission is to promote sustainable business practices and support companies in integrating ecological responsibility with economic success.

Building trust in a sustainable and attractive future is crucial to achieving this goal. Politics and business must credibly demonstrate that they are actively working on sustainable solutions and clearly communicate their individual approaches. Transparency and communication are key components in fostering acceptance and ensuring that all stakeholders are on board.

One of the essential pillars of this transformation is corporate sustainability reporting. It makes progress visible, reinforces accountability, and facilitates dialogue with stakeholders. Through comprehensive and honest reporting, companies can not only strengthen their own reputation but also contribute significantly to the broader societal transformation.

meet thE

RESEARCH TEAM

Dr. Barbara Caemmerer
Professor at ESSCA
School of Management, Paris
Guido Becherer
Director Strategy & Communication
richtwert GmbH
Daria Peter
Researcher
richtwert GmbH
Sabrina Nicke
Projektmanagement
richtwert GmbH

Apply for Participation​

Apply here to participate in the study. You can apply as a company or organization to take part for the purposes of benchmarking and analyzing your own sustainability communication. Alternatively, you can participate as a citizen or customer, contributing your perspective on how sustainability communication is perceived.

Contact

richtwert GmbH
Grafenberger Allee 128
40237 Düsseldorf

146 rue Marcadet
75018 Paris

Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter:
Prof. Tim Bruysten