As ESG standards continue to evolve, success lies in combining progress with clear, transparent communications that withstands scrutiny. While some businesses are learning the hard way (check out our post on ‘When ESG goes wrong’) others are showing how to get it right.
Below, we highlight three examples of organisations whose ESG strategies and communications have attracted praise and trust.
Telefónica Tech: Global technology with a local social purpose
Telefónica Tech UK won the Outstanding Commitment to ESG award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards for its inclusive digital programmes, STEM education initiatives and early net-zero commitments.
Its communications success lies in local relevance. Telefónica Tech does this by linking its ESG story to communities, talking about digital inclusion in Northern Ireland and partnerships with local schools. This localisation makes the company’s global sustainability commitments relatable and tangible, a valuable lesson for communicators aiming to connect big ESG goals to real people and places.
Harmony Energy Income Trust: Communicating ESG with clarity
At the AIC Shareholder Communications Awards, Harmony Energy Income Trust won Best ESG Communication for transparent investor reporting on environmental impact, social contribution and governance oversight.
The investment world is often clouded by jargon but Harmony was praised for its plain-English approach that blends data with narrative, giving stakeholders confidence. This demonstrates how tone and clarity can build trust as effectively as metrics.
Commercial: Embedding ESG into the brand story
Commercial, a UK business services firm, earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal in 2025, placing it among the top 1% of ESG performers worldwide. Its communications emphasise progression (going from Gold to Platinum status) and its culture. By rooting ESG in brand identity and leadership voice, Commercial shows that authentic ESG storytelling starts from the inside out.
What businesses can learn: Five ESG comms takeaways
1) Focus on substance
Credible ESG stories start with verifiable progress – data, audits, third-party recognition – before creative messaging.
2) Localise the global
Tying big sustainability goals to local action and human impact brings ESG to life for customers, employees and communities.
3) Speak human
The best ESG communication avoids corporate speak and instead focuses on transparency, empathy and clarity.
4) Take the long view
ESG is an ongoing story. Regular updates, transparent reporting and honest reflections sustain trust.
5) Keep linking ESG back to strategy
As the examples above show, when ESG is deeply embedded in the business model, it commands greater credibility and stands up stronger to scepticism.
Final Thought
ESG leadership will continue to be defined by integrity in communication, where actions and storytelling align. For businesses and their communications teams, that challenge (and opportunity) is clear: tell the full story, be clear about the complexity, and be authentic.
Freshfield has been advising businesses and their leaders on big communications challenges for more than 25 years. If you’d like to find out more about our ESG communications service, or any of our other strategic communications services, get in touch.
