The Cost of Silence 2025
16 July 2025
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We hear it often from across the sustainability community: teams are increasingly having to work harder to demonstrate the value and impact of their efforts. Meanwhile, we are hearing less from the businesses themselves around their sustainability agendas.
With ESG initiatives facing increased scrutiny, it’s now more important than ever to understand where sustainability can deliver measurable value. It’s a moment of challenge, but also one of huge opportunity.
Now, with our new report The Cost of Silence, we have new and compelling research to respond decisively. Based on three years of data across 500 companies and 16 sectors, this analysis shows that environmental action isn’t a nice-to-have – it goes hand in hand with commercial performance.
The report shows a clear correlation between environmental action and business performance:
- Companies with strong environmental performance see a 6% higher EBITDA than their peers
- Up to 31% of the reputational advantage held by market leaders comes down to how they are perceived on environmental issues
- And yet, 79% of companies are still risking that advantage – either by overstating their efforts or staying far too quiet about them
A 6% performance advantage is not a matter of ideology, it’s a strategic priority. As such, the choice to remain silent can no longer be considered a neutral decision. When done right, sustainability is a lever for financial growth and a cornerstone of reputation. This report gives business leaders the evidence they need to act boldly and speak with confidence.
More than a collection of metrics, this report outlines a clear approach for establishing focus, crafting effective messaging, and mitigating the risks of greenwashing or greenhushing. For anyone responsible for sustainability, reputation, growth – or all three – this is essential reading.
Inside The Cost of Silence, you’ll find:
- Evidence for the financial returns linked to environmental performance
- Sector-by-sector data on which issues matter most
- Insights into the risks of under- or over-communicating sustainability
- Strategic recommendations to align action with communications
Download the Cost of Silence Report
Take the next step
We work with teams to translate insight into strategy:
1. Cost of Silence executive briefings
We guide you through the report findings and their relevance to your sector, helping advance the conversation on where sustainability delivers business and reputational return.
2. Bespoke sustainability benchmarking
Our analysts produce tailored reports comparing your sustainability actions and reputational positioning to those of key competitors – highlighting where and how to improve.
3. Strategic communications development
With clear opportunities identified, we help you shape a communications strategy that builds trust and ensures your sustainability efforts are both credible and compelling.
Contact us
Speak with our experts and discover how we can support you in creating impactful, purpose-driven communications for your brand.
