Corporate Social Responsibility & Green Pr

VOL. 5

Corporate Social Responsibility & Green PR

cause marketing crisis communications community relations media relations internal communications philanthropy communications social media stakeholder communications sustainability reporting

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Guidebook

Published by PR News Press prnewsonline.com

Put Sustainability to Work As an IR Differentiator

any companies today have at least a basic approach to corporate responsibility and sustainability. However, it typically lives in a separate world from investor relations. But as corporate leaders are showing, discussing their approaches to major environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues as part of the IR information flow can be an opportunity to differentiate their investment story, management quality, innovative solutions and prospects for sustainable growth and value creation. The megatrends shaping today’s business landscape are increasingly driven by ESG-related risks and opportunities. This includes environmental, energy and water issues; obesity and health care trends; urbanization and infrastructure issues; labor and supply chain risks; safety and privacy concerns; and of course, ethical business conduct. In fact, a 2011 survey by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) found that 83% of investors believe ESG factors have a significant impact on long-term shareholder value. More companies are viewing corporate responsibility and sustainability as critical to the “three Rs”—risk, returns and reputation with stakeholders—and tackling material ESG impacts in their strategies in ways that ought to resonate with investors.

M

By Jeff Zelkowitz

More companies are viewing corporate responsibility and sustainability as critical to the “three Rs”—risk, returns and reputation with stakeholders.

shareholders. They not only discussed how the company was reaping nearly $1 billion in annual cost-savings from energy and waste reduction initiatives, but also major new commitments with women-owned...