The UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) has partnered with sustainability consultancy, Salterbaxter, and digital workforce learning provider, Cahoot Learning, to address anti-greenwashing concerns through a new, online training course tailored for marketers and communicators.
Crafted in response to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)’s recent crackdown on greenwashing claims in the advertising industry, the course, Greenwashing: Time to stop the spin cycle, aims to equip marketers and communicators with the necessary tools to avoid greenwashing and uphold credibility in sustainability messaging.
Last year, the ACCC conducted an internet sweep of 247 Australian businesses, and reported 57% were making concerning claims about their environmental credentials.
See also: ASIC commits to continue greenwashing crackdown in 2024
Spearheaded by The UNGCNA, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, the course (The course scheduled to commence on March 11, 2024.) is made to help professionals practically apply the eight principles outlined in the ACCC’s guide for businesses making environmental claims.
Kate Dundas, executive director at UNGCNA, commented on the importance of aligning marketing practices with consumer expectations for environmentally responsible products and services.
“To avoid missteps and harness the potential of marketing as a force for good it’s critical more marketers build the know-how and confidence needed to engage on ESG topics,” said Dundas.
Stu Wragg, managing director of Salterbaxter Australia, also emphasised the role of credible business action and creative engagement in promoting sustainable practices.
Wragg said: “As public expectations that companies act on sustainability grows, marketers need to be careful not to inadvertently mislead consumers.”
Barbara Harvey, head of learning and culture at Cahoot Learning, added, “Learning outcomes are always strengthened when participants learn together. A key feature of this course is the facilitation of peer-to-peer networking.”
See also: AANA targets greenwashing practices in advertising, CEO Josh Faulks declares, “it’s critical.”