S4 E6: Sustainability Awards with Michael Diegelmann

PRGN Presents: News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network

Michael Diegelmann, co-founder of the Global ESG Monitor, discusses the role of award programs in recognizing and promoting sustainability efforts. He highlights the importance of awards having a clear meaning and criteria, especially in the field of sustainability.

Diegelmann emphasizes the risks of using misleading logos and claims, citing examples of companies facing lawsuits for false sustainability claims. He introduces the Integrity Star Award, the first objective sustainability award that focuses on the quality of sustainability reporting and provide companies with valuable analysis.

For companies considering entering an award program, it is essential to carefully evaluate the program's criteria and methodology. Diegelmann advises against entering awards where the jury is put together by the sponsors, as this can raise questions about the award's credibility. Additionally, companies should look for programs that have a robust set of criteria and a clear methodology for selecting winners.

One of the key differentiators of the Integrity Star Award is that every company that enters will receive an executive summary of their results. This summary, which is 15 to 20 pages long, provides companies with valuable insights into the quality of their reporting and identifies areas for improvement. This feedback is crucial for companies looking to enhance their sustainability efforts and align their reporting with best practices.

Key Takeaways

• There are many awards in the field of sustainability, but few have a meaningful impact or a comprehensive methodology.
• Companies should be cautious about using sustainability logos and claims without understanding their meaning and criteria.
• The Integrity Star Award is the first objective sustainability award that focuses on the quality of reporting rather than specific business models.
• The Integrity Star Award program provides companies with an analysis of their reporting, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement.

About the Guest

Michael Diegelmann is co-founder of the Global ESG Monitor and founder and CEO of cometis AG. In his 25-year career he has gained a wealth of experience across the entire spectrum of investor relations. His specialties include IPOs, capital raises, ESG consultations, hostile and friendly takeovers (cross border), bond issues as well as corporate crises and all aspects of investor relations and financial media relations. Michael has a long-standing network of contacts to media, analysts, fund managers and many opinion leaders in the financial community. In addition, he is co-author of numerous specialist publications, including the bestseller “100 Financial Ratios” with more than 300,000 copies sold.

About the Host

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world’s local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre.

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