Partner Katherine Howbrook has been featured in the Law Society Gazette, in an article by Katharine Freeland on greenwashing and ESG reporting.
The piece comes as the regulations around the ethical and environmental claims of businesses are tightening, leading to companies of all sizes to rely more heavily on their lawyers.
The article explores the challenges faced by SMEs, the role of in-house legal teams, how businesses are being more careful about the language they use around environment claims after a crack-down by the regulator, examines B Corp status, and looks at what lawyers can do.
Katherine comments from a communications perspective on the challenges faced by law firm clients when it comes to greenwashing versus greenhushing – when a company shies away from promoting the steps it has taken towards net zero and ESG goals because of fear of making a false claim.
“Companies often find themselves walking a tightrope between saying too much or too little. But the right balance can be achieved by setting realistic, measurable goals, openly sharing both achievements and challenges in sustainability initiatives, and engaging stakeholders through honest dialogue,” says Katherine.
