The Cost of Silence: Why Businesses Must Act AND Speak on Sustainability

A new report from Anthesis, The Cost of Silence, reveals that companies performing well on sustainability see up to 6% higher EBITDA compared to peers. Despite this, nearly 80% of companies are taking no action or keeping quiet about their environmental efforts. This hush-hush strategy risks reputational damage, missed business opportunities, and even regulatory scrutiny.  The Cost of Silence report offers a stark warning for businesses that choose to stay quiet about their sustainability journey.

While environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts have never been more important to customers, employees, and investors, the research highlights a concerning trend of “greenhushing”. This is the reluctance to talk about progress for fear of scrutiny or accusations of greenwashing which can have serious consequences. It not only undermines trust but also leads to missed opportunities, both financial and reputational. In other words, sustainability is more than just good ethics; it’s also good for business. By not addressing environmental performance head-on, companies risk falling behind as stakeholders demand more transparency and tangible action. Moreover, without openly communicating progress, organisations miss opportunities to influence behaviour, attract like-minded partners, and inspire employees and customers. Silence is no longer a neutral position; it is a risk.

So why are so many organisations holding back? The study points to a mix of fear and confusion. For example a fear of public backlash if they fail to hit ambitious goals, and confusion about how to measure, track, and communicate progress without overstating achievements. But the solution is not to remain silent. Instead, the answer lies in building credibility, integrating sustainability into core business strategy, and communicating in ways that are honest, evidence based, and engaging.

How iiE Helps Businesses Move Beyond Silence

This is where Investors in the Environment (iiE) offers a critical advantage. iiE provides businesses with a clear framework for building and demonstrating their environmental impact through a robust Environmental Management System (EMS). Instead of relying on vague pledges, organisations are guided to collect accurate data, track key resources such as energy, water, and waste, and implement targeted reduction plans. This creates a foundation of measurable, auditable progress that can be confidently shared with stakeholders.

The beauty of iiE is that it is designed for organisations of all sizes, including small and medium sized enterprises, charities, and community groups. It cuts through the complexity by offering practical support, templates, and expert advice, ensuring that every action is both achievable and impactful. The annual iiE audit further enhances credibility by verifying that reductions and improvements are real, not just aspirational. This external validation is essential for avoiding accusations of greenwashing and for ensuring that sustainability claims stand up to scrutiny.

But iiE also helps businesses with the other side of the coin – the tricky subject of communication. The framework encourages organisations to celebrate progress, share stories of success, and engage staff, customers, and communities in the sustainability journey. This approach transforms sustainability from a silent, behind-the-scenes effort into a powerful narrative of leadership and responsibility.

The Opportunity for Businesses

The Cost of Silence highlights a critical shift in how businesses are perceived. Stakeholders such as investors, employees, or customers expect to see companies actively tackling their environmental impact and openly sharing their journey. Remaining silent, even with good intentions, creates a vacuum that is easily filled by mistrust or misunderstanding.

iiE enables organisations to step into that gap with confidence. It provides a structured pathway for measuring carbon footprints, reducing resource consumption, and embedding sustainability into everyday operations. iiE empowers organisations to turn their environmental efforts into a competitive advantage. Businesses that embrace this transparency win trust AND also unlock tangible financial benefits through efficiency savings and stronger brand loyalty.

Final Thoughts

Silence is no longer an option for businesses seeking to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. The Cost of Silence report shows that action and communication go hand in hand. Organisations that fail to act or fail to talk about their actions risk being left behind.

iiE offers an easy and affordable way forward, helping organisations to cut through the fear of greenwashing and build a sustainability strategy that is both credible and communicable. By measuring what matters, reducing their environmental footprint, and telling their story, businesses can avoid the cost of silence and reap the rewards of leadership.