How the Carbon Charter is tackling greenwashing and helping businesses on their sustainability journey
New research reveals greenwashing concerns have nearly doubled amongst consumers since 2023
- A recent 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.
‘Greenwashing’ is presenting misleading information to the public or stakeholders to suggest an organisation is doing more to protect the environment than it actually is, either by promoting false solutions, or distracting from or delaying credible climate action. Read the full report here.
How the Carbon Charter is tackling ‘greenwashing’
The Carbon Charter is a business accreditation and membership scheme that provides guidance, support and recognition to small and medium businesses throughout Suffolk and Norfolk, as they take positive action to reduce their environmental impact.
The award helps businesses to demonstrate their carbon conscious credentials and supports organisations to become more environmentally sustainable. The Carbon Charter provides an independently assessed environmental award and a sustainable business network to help strengthen your reputation as a sustainable business.
Running for over 15 years with over 1,000 awards approved across Suffolk and Norfolk, the Carbon Charter helps businesses prioritise environmental action, measure progress and communicate environmental commitments to customers.
The Carbon Charter demonstrates credibility, helps avoid ‘greenwashing’, attracts environmentally-minded consumers and builds connections with like-minded businesses.
Here at Groundwork East, we manage the scheme on behalf of Sustainable Suffolk, the partnership between all of Suffolk’s public sector organisations which aims to lower carbon emissions in Suffolk. This work is funded by the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders. Groundwork East’s sustainability consultants work with Carbon Charter members to calculate a carbon footprint and develop a clear action plan with concrete, practical and achievable steps.
We support local businesses to gain recognition for the important actions they are taking to reduce their environmental impacts and to understand their next steps. The award, which is approved by a panel of independent experts, allows them to communicate their achievements to their customers and stakeholders without the fear of ‘greenwashing’. And our networking events are a great place to develop new contacts with like-minded local businesses
Amy Coulter, Sustainable Business Team Manager, Groundwork East
Benefits of a Carbon Charter Certification
- Credibility – Carbon Charter certification and associated carbon footprint calculation is independently verified and externally assured
- Access to support and advice from Groundwork East’s sustainable business services team
- Priority invitations to a range of training and networking events
- Regular updates on funding opportunities, new technologies, and environmental legislation.
- Use of the Carbon Charter logo on your marketing materials
- Positive PR opportunities through social media, newsletters, and local press
- Strengthen your reputation as a forward-thinking business
- Listing in the Carbon Charter members directory
Upcoming Carbon Charter events
The Carbon Charter hosts various events and workshops throughout the year, from flagship summer events that focus on specific themes, to Carbon Literacy courses and net zero webinars. Here’s what’s coming up:
Sustainable tourism in Suffolk – workshops
As part of the Carbon Charter’s Trailblazers sustainable tourism campaign, we are inviting businesses working within Suffolk’s visitor economy to receive FREE training through a series of three workshops in October. The first workshop took place on 2nd October, but there are still places available for the upcoming sessions on the 21st & 30th October. The final workshop will be hosted by Carbon Charter member Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park.
Quarterly Carbon Charter drop-in session
On the 6th November, current and prospective Carbon Charter members have the chance to ask any questions they may have about the Carbon Charter or wider sustainability issues to our experienced sustainability consultants. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your sustainability efforts further, we are here to help! Just drop in and get the guidance you need!