A report by the Capgemini Research Institute highlights a sharp rise in public scepticism around corporate sustainability claims. The number of consumers who believe companies are engaging in greenwashing has nearly doubled, from one-third in 2023 to over half in 2024, and now reaching two-thirds. This means six in ten consumers now suspect brands of exaggerating their environmental efforts.
Other report findings show more than three-quarters of consumers believe corporations should do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Whilst 82% of organisations plan to invest more in environmental sustainability, only 21% have detailed plans for how they’ll transition to meet these goals.
95% of UK organisations had not altered the timeline of their net-zero commitments and 54% of UK organisations believe they are currently underprepared for the impacts of climate change. Read the full report here.
How are we tackling greenwashing?
Our Sustainable Business Membership and Carbon Charter award schemes provides guidance, support and recognition to businesses across East Anglia and the UK, as they take positive action to reduce their environmental impact. We help businesses to demonstrate their carbon conscious credentials and support organisations to become more environmentally sustainable.Â
Case study: Sustainable Business Membership
Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Membership scheme is a programme aimed at empowering organisations across the UK to embed sustainability into their operations, helping them understand & enhance performance across five key areas:
Environmental impact
Social responsibility
Stakeholder engagement
Operational efficiency
Governance
Sustainable Business Membership benefits
By joining a network of like-minded organisations driving real change, members will benefit from:
Annual Sustainability Assessment – A structured review of business practices to identify areas for improvement across environmental impact, social responsibility and governance.
Tailored Sustainability Action Plans – Customised roadmaps to guide businesses through the steps needed to achieve their sustainability goals.
Monthly Sustainability Surgeries – One-to-one expert sessions to discuss challenges, progress and next steps.
Continual Learning Resources – Access to webinars, workshops and industry updates to stay informed on the latest sustainability trends and regulations.
Dedicated Account Management – Ongoing support from sustainability experts to ensure members stay on track.