Reimagining
Sustainability

2025 Insights into Sustainability Reporting and Communications

The State of Sustainability

After decades of forward progress – driven by growing recognition of climate change, the adoption of social purpose and the expansion of ESG reporting by organizations worldwide – we are seeing an increasing pushback against the concept of sustainability. Things that companies used to highlight, they now hide, for example, dropping terms like DEI from their corporate lexicon. There is a perception among many that sustainability as a concept and a goal is done.

Perception is not reality.

Explore
85%
of anti-ESG shareholder proposals were withdrawn,
excluded or failed to receive majority support
Source: Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Justice, 2025
4%–7%
in realized EBITDA growth driven by sustainability during the hold period of companies in their portfolios, according to 320 General Partners
Source: Boston Consulting Group, 2025
56%
of global experts believe the current approach
to sustainability needs a radical revision
Source: GlobeScan, ERM and Volans, 2025

Theme

Reimagining Sustainability. In studying more than 100 reports this year, we found that sustainability remains non-negotiable to companies and their stakeholders. Sustainability does not need to be rejected or replaced; however, to meet the persistent and growing challenges of the future, it needs to be reintroduced and reimagined.

Letter

Ecosystems and societies continue to bear the burden of inequality. Political pressures hinder collaboration and creativity. New regulations are pushing companies to enhance their checks, balances and transparency. And, around the world, the transformative potential of AI-based technologies offers incredible promise while raising legitimate concerns.

It’s a challenging and exciting time to champion sustainability – and it’s never been more critical.

At Works Design, for decades, we have worked with leading brands across North America to strengthen their stories, enhance their approach to addressing critical issues and deepen their connections with others. Over the past 14 years, our research into sustainability reporting has helped communications and sustainability champions better understand what it takes to be a leader – in their reporting as well as through their storytelling and digital presence.

This year, through our newly titled Insights research, we are reimagining our role as trusted advisors while encouraging companies to re-engage, retool and rethink their approaches to building truly sustainable organizations and effectively telling their stories.

I’m grateful to our research team for adapting to a new approach, to our clients and partners for their continued support, and for the bold vision of a wider community of champions. Every day, we draw inspiration from the work of passionate, talented academics, thought leaders and executives. In some cases, they have shared key facts and insights from their recent discoveries to help us better understand our current reality and move forward – with collective courage.

I hope that our insights inspire ideas, conversations and action. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Wesley Gee
Chief Sustainability Officer & Principal, Works Design
Read more
Wesley Gee

Methodology

The Works Design team reviews sustainability-related research from trusted organizations such as the Canadian Purpose Economy Project (CPEP) and GlobeScan, along with publications (including sustainability, annual and integrated reports) and related corporate website content for each company in our global sample. For 14 years, we have been tracking content-, design- and user experience-related metrics to gain insights into trends and best practices in sustainability reporting and communications that can improve how companies tell stories that matter and build relationships that last.

Sectors Covered

Highlights

  • 100 Companies reviewed
  • 79 Metrics covered
  • 8 Colleagues
  • 592 Hours of research
  • 14 Sectors researched
  • 14 Years

Insights from Our Sample

Some of the world’s best reporting comes from Europe, where sustainability reporting is widely mandated. To account for the potential impact on report characteristics, we adjusted our report sample so that the largest grouping came from North America, where reporting is largely voluntary.

red circle with white W insideIndicates the report was produced by Works Design
50% of reports reviewed were 100 pages or more

More companies are using “Impact” and fewer are using “ESG” in their report titles

Our research themes

For many years, we’ve delivered trends and insights in sustainability reporting and communications, and as an agency, we’ve been deeply engaged with our clients, leading think tanks and institutions, and diverse communities of practice. As an early mover in the sustainability space, we’ve seen and supported companies in their efforts to determine what’s material, establish ambitious strategies, identify new and intentional communications approaches, and frame stories to raise awareness and drive change. Our Insights research helps organizations adapt, elevate and bring a sense of purpose to a space that needs to be reimagined.

Insights On

Theming and
leadership
Critical issues
Governance
Materiality
Targets, goals
and performance
Value
creation
Frameworks
Beyond the one-size report

Researching reimagining

Our Insights research is a collaborative effort involving Works Design’s sustainability consulting, strategic communications, creative and project management teams, boasting a notable mix of academic expertise and hands-on experience in helping companies develop their sustainability strategy and improve their communications and performance. Putting our Insights presentation together draws on the talents and insights of our entire team and reflects a company-wide commitment to our purpose.

Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson
Strategic Communications Director
Chris Chlasciak
Chris Chlasciak
Art director
Johanna Dietrich
Johanna Dietrich
Director of Project Management
Dayoung Lee
Dayoung Lee
Designer
Remston Martis
Remston Martis
Sustainability
Consultant
Aayushi Rawat
Aayushi Rawat
Sustainability
Consultant
Wesley Gee
Wesley Gee
Chief Sustainability
Officer and Principal
Mahvish Tabani Baqai
Mahvish Tabani Baqai
Sustainability
Manager

Let’s Share Insights

Works Design is an independent corporate communications agency with an established sustainability practice. Our capabilities encompass sustainability consulting, as well as support for reporting, digital strategy and other forms of communication, and we serve clients across the globe.

To drive reimagination and best practices, we share our sustainability reporting and communications Insights research with current and potential clients and at industry conferences. Contact us to provide you with a snapshot of our Insights research and learn more about our full range of services.

We look forward to
meeting with you.
© 2025 The Works Design Communications Ltd.