Greenwashing

This Castle Debates session explored how to spot greenwashing and the practical and legal risks it creates for businesses. The discussion examined why, in the rush to be seen to act on the climate crisis and commit to “net zero”, some organisations have made environmental claims that are not matched by real-world change. It also considered how greenwashing contributes to public mistrust, slows progress, and increases exposure to regulatory scrutiny and litigation.

• Overview

  This session examined the gap between rhetoric and reality in sustainability claims, and what credible communication and action should look like. Discussion focused on how greenwashing shows up in marketing, reporting and product claims, how stakeholders and regulators assess credibility, and what organisations can do to reduce risk through stronger evidence and governance.

  Key questions

  • What does greenwashing look like in practice, and what are the most common warning signs?

  • Why has greenwashing become more prevalent alongside net zero commitments and climate messaging?

  • What risks does greenwashing create for organisations, including reputational damage and legal action?

  • How can businesses substantiate environmental claims with robust data, governance and verification?

  • What should credible “net zero” and sustainability communication include to build trust?

• Speakers and chair

  Speakers

  • Ben Constable Maxwell — Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing, M&G

  • Adam Lowenstein — Author

  • Joel Bravette — Educator, Broadcaster and Speaker

  • Adam Woodhall — Chief Executive, Lawyers for Net Zero

  Chair

  • Micael Johnstone — Wading Herons

• Event details

  • Location: Online (Zoom)

  • Format: Panel discussion and audience dialogue

  • Attendance: Held by prior registration

  • Schedule: 19 July 2022, 14:30 (London); welcome and opening remarks; panel discussion and audience dialogue; audience Q&A