Narrative Framework: Building the Platform for Sustainability Communications

The Problem

You want to communicate about your sustainability program, commitments, and accomplishments in a credible, effective, and compelling way to maximize reputational gain. You want to ensure “the talk matches the walk,” and that you get credit for your actions.

The Solution

Using our Narrative Framework process and proprietary frameworks, Viridis develops a message platform that tells your sustainability story in a strategic and effective way to priority audiences and stakeholders.

We begin with an audit and assessment to identify and prioritize gaps and opportunities.

  • Communications audit; sustainability program and issues assessment
  • Industry and peer group benchmarking
  • Audience assessment and stakeholder/issues mapping

The message platform provides clear, compelling, and defensible elements that:

  • Tie your sustainability efforts together
  • Maximize your sustainability reputation and differentiate the company from competitors
  • Resonate with your customers, environmental groups, and other core audiences
  • Address your most critical sustainability issues and stakeholder concerns


The Process

The Viridis Narrative Framework solution consists of two phases:

  • A comprehensive audit & assessment identifies and prioritizes your communication gaps and opportunities. We will audit your existing communications and programs, assess your audiences and stakeholders, benchmark competitors, and analyze key issues and trends as necessary.
  • Our message platform provides you with an actionable positioning strategy with consistent and impactful themes and messaging


The Deliverables

Audit & assessment

  • Audit of sustainability communications, including review of best practices and alignment with program strategy and “substance”
  • Audience assessment; trends analysis; competitor benchmarking
  • Gaps & opportunities assessment

Comprehensive message platform brief, including:

  • Platform architecture; strategy, positioning, and themes
  • Messages and proof points by audience
  • Core metrics and reporting strategy


The Viridis Advantage

We...

  • Have experience building effective sustainability communication strategies for clients in a range of industries
  • Are experts on current and emerging sustainability issues and trends
  • Understand environmental stakeholders; how to build credibility and avoid criticism
  • Understand what rating agencies and sustainability data providers are looking for
  • Know the best practices for sustainability communications
  • Know how to align the “story” and the “substance”
  • Understand the business case for sustainability—how to build your corporate brand and minimize risks by effectively communicating
  • Have a nuanced appreciation for the challenges and choices corporate sustainability and communications teams face in implementing a consistent and compelling sustainability “story”
  • Know how to work with communications/PR/media agencies