Not Boring at All – Making Sustainability Communication Effective

Traditional Sustainability Reports: Perfect Bedtime Reading

Especially when they strictly follow reporting standards (GRI, DNK, etc.) and lack visuals. Unless someone is professionally obligated or has a particular passion for CSR, most readers will likely lose interest within minutes.

But does CSR reporting remain stagnant in this form? Definitely not.

The New Reality: CSR Is on the Rise

More and more companies are embracing sustainability work and targeted CSR communication—and rightly so.

It is clear that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just a buzzword or PR tool to ease conscience—it is a strategic instrument. Benefits include:

• Attracting and retaining employees
• Protecting corporate reputation
• Reducing capital costs
• Optimizing internal processes

Engaging consciously with environmental and social topics generates tangible advantages.

Navigating Regulations and Pragmatic Solutions

Moving Away from a “One Size Fits All” Approach

Requirements for sustainability reports are increasing, along with uncertainty. Especially for mid-sized companies, questions arise: Must we report according to GRI? What does the German Sustainability Code (DNK) mean for us?

Answer: Not every company must follow GRI. Often, a pragmatic approach aligned with the company’s actual situation and maturity is sufficient. Many of our clients use DNK as a practical framework and supplement it with targeted CSR communication—audience-focused and resource-efficient.

CSR Reports as a Foundation, Not an End Product

Even long-term GRI users express criticism, particularly since the adoption of the new GRI standards. Traditional sustainability reporting is increasingly giving way to flexible, targeted stakeholder communication.

Today, the sustainability report usually serves only as a factual basis. Real impact is achieved through ongoing, interactive CSR work addressing different target groups.

How Does Efficient and Effective CSR Work?

Our Method: Individual, Structured, Pragmatic

We support companies in implementing a tailored CSR strategy based on a proven framework. The process includes:

1. Status check and goal definition

2. Selection of relevant standards (e.g., GRI, DNK)

3. Development of the CSR strategy

4. Conducting a materiality analysis

5. Planning concrete measures

6. Engaging all relevant corporate departments

7. Implementation and communication

Sound like a major transformation? It isn’t. Usually, it’s about making existing activities visible, bundling them strategically, and unlocking new potential.

CSR Communication Starts Internally – and Works Externally

Materiality as a Driver for Cultural Change

Materiality as a Driver for Cultural Change

A materiality analysis often marks the beginning of company-wide sustainability understanding. In workshops with management and key stakeholders, we identify:

• Core areas of action
• Relevant risks & opportunities
• Possible communication formats

These insights result in a concrete CSR roadmap that complements—not replaces—the corporate strategy.

Making Sustainability Visible: Internally and Externally

CSR work succeeds when it:

• Is integrated into operational programs
• Is communicated regularly internally and externally
• Makes learning processes transparent
• Provides insights applicable to daily operations

CSR thus becomes a lived practice rather than a compliance obligation.

Successful CSR Communication Requires Targeted Formats

Target Audience Analysis and Stakeholder Dialogue

Whether digital or print, video or text, CSR communication must be audience-specific and multimedia-based. Examples include:

• Sustainability blogs
• Corporate newsletters
• Videos & social media
• Annual and sustainability reports

A key element: analyzing and shaping stakeholder dialogue. Together with our clients, we develop effective communication strategies—cost-efficient and impactful.

Experience Our CSR & Sustainability Services

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