Australian companies are tiptoeing into fairly uncharted territory when it comes to corporate sustainability. With sustainability reporting still in its infancy (a bill for mandatory climate reporting laws is on its way to being approved) it’s time for companies to strap on their boots and venture forth with purpose. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about crunching numbers and checking boxes; it’s about communication and engagement.

So, what should Aussie companies be thinking about when it comes to communicating their sustainability efforts? Let’s break it down.

First things first: sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about people too. From employees to customers to shareholders, everyone has a stake in the game. So, when crafting your sustainability report, think beyond the environment. Highlight how your initiatives are impacting communities, economies, and future generations. Make it relatable, tangible, and dare I say, interesting.

Now, onto the nitty-gritty: how do you actually communicate all this good stuff? Here’s a hint: ditch the jargon. Nobody wants to wade through a sea of acronyms and technical terms. Instead, tell a story. Paint a picture of your journey towards sustainability—the challenges, the triumphs, the lessons learned. Show people the human side of your efforts. And don’t be afraid to get creative. Videos, infographics, interactive content—these are your secret weapons in the battle for attention.

Engagement is where the real magic happens. It’s one thing to push out a sustainability report; it’s another thing entirely to get people to actually engage with it. And trust me, engagement is key. Because when people care about your sustainability efforts, that’s when the ripple effect truly begins.

So, how do you get people to sit up and take notice? Start by making your report accessible. Don’t bury it deep within your website where nobody will ever find it. Put it front and centre, where it belongs. And while you’re at it, make sure it’s easy to understand. Break down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces. Use plain language. And for the love of all things good, don’t forget about design. A visually appealing report is a report that people will actually want to read.

But communication and engagement don’t stop once your report is out in the wild. Oh no, it’s just the beginning. Now comes the fun part: spreading the word. Get the conversation going. Share your report on social media. Host webinars. Hold Q&A sessions. Show people that you’re not just paying lip service to sustainability; you’re living and breathing it every single day.

And speaking of living and breathing, don’t forget about transparency. People want to know what you’re up to behind closed doors. So, be open. Be honest. Admit when you’ve made mistakes. And most importantly, show them how you’re learning and growing from those mistakes.

In the end, sustainability reporting isn’t just a box to tick; it’s an opportunity to make a real impact. But that impact can only be achieved if you communicate and engage with people in the right way. So, Aussie companies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. The future of sustainability is in your hands. Let’s make it count.