Too often, SMEs are hesitant to start communicating their sustainability credentials because they haven’t yet tackled all areas of their impact. We don’t need perfect - but we do need progress. Therefore, our impact reports are designed to be shorter (and more cost effective), providing a benchmark against which improvements can be made, wherever you are on that journey.

We hear this a lot. But in reality, most businesses are already doing more than they think. Whether it’s using a renewable energy supplier, educating employees on reducing waste or putting in place a travel policy that discourages high-carbon transport (like planes), these are all examples of environmental action. The first Sustainability Report is always a benchmark, against which improvement can be made over time. In the meantime, you can read this blog to get 50+ list of other ideas for your company’s sustainability story.

Absolutely not. We’re not in the business of using fancy prose to make a company look like they’re helping when in reality they’re doing harm. But we don’t expect businesses to be perfect. We want to help companies have the confidence to show where they are now, what plans they have in place to improve, and hopefully, over time, demonstrate their progress.

Greenhushing is a recently coined term referring to companies downplaying their sustainability efforts for fear of backlash. This is happening at a time when it’s more important than ever for businesses to shout about their progress. At Brace For Impact, we really believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, with widespread sustainability reporting translating into a collective effort to raise corporate standards.

Carbon Reduction Plans are increasingly being mandated by clients to suppliers. With that work done, it makes sense to maximise its value. A sustainability report is the next step: it's an annual chance to showcase your achievements and long-term commitments in a way that builds trust, transparency, and brand reputation with a range of stakeholders.

Currently, the terms are used somewhat interchangeably. What used to be called Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) has largely evolved into what we now refer to as ‘sustainability’. The concept of ‘impact’ is a progression of that, and recognises the fact that sustainability is a complex and multifaceted subject. It encompasses a business’s activities across all touchpoints, including the environment, society, employees and other stakeholders.