Corporate sustainability reports are more than just compliance documents with boring charts and graphs. When done well (and this is becoming increasingly important by the day), these professionally designed documents tell a story about a company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts and performance.
As content marketing assets, a professionally designed sustainability report can turn an everyday PDF into a powerful brand storytelling tool that builds trust and loyalty while giving companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace. But designing impactful and engaging sustainability reports isn’t a simple cut-and-paste job. It requires strategy, design expertise and the ability to visually tell a story. Here are some key considerations as you assess whether to outsource your sustainability report design.
What’s at Stake with ESG Reporting
Sustainability has always been a key talking point for corporations, but in recent years, ESG efforts have become increasingly meaningful to investors and consumers alike. Investors rely on these reports to assess the risk and long-term viability of the business. Moreover, transparent reporting helps attract ESG-conscious investors and consumers. Millennials and Gen Zers want to support brands that align with their values, and what better avenue to communicate a company’s ESG position than in its sustainability report?
The Role of Design in Sustainability Reports
In competitive markets, showcasing ESG efforts can set a brand apart as innovative, responsible and forward-thinking. For marketers, the design of a sustainability report is just as critical as its content. Professionally designed ESG reports account for these and other elements:
- Brand consistency – Ensuring the report reflects the company’s visual identity and tone reinforces brand recognition.
- Visual storytelling – Leveraging infographics, charts and visuals simplifies complex data and makes the report more engaging.
- Accessibility – Keeping the design inclusive, easy to navigate and available in multiple formats (digital, print, interactive PDFs, etc) ensures full accessibility. Designing the report for optimal human and AI readability is critical.
- Authenticity – Honesty about successes and areas that need improvement builds trust. Strategically using callouts and visuals to emphasize human-centered stories, milestones and successes makes the report stand out and resonate with readers.
Time to Outsource?
Professional designers and marketing agencies that specialize in sustainability report design understand how to blend data, visuals and storytelling to create a report that resonates with your stakeholders.
By outsourcing these efforts, not only are you tapping into experienced professionals who can create a customized report that reflects your company’s unique identity and priorities, but they can also save you time – lots and lots of time. Outsourcing ESG design lets your internal team focus on strategy and execution while experts handle the heavy lifting.
Need Help with Your Sustainability Report? Call us at The Found Gen.
A well-designed sustainability report serves as both an informational tool for stakeholders as well as a powerful branding asset. If you’re ready to elevate your sustainability report design and turn your ESG initiatives into compelling narratives that resonate with readers, call us at The Found Gen today. We’ve partnered with globally ranked corporations to transform their sustainability reports into effective marketing tools and are ready to help you with yours.