As sustainability becomes central to business strategy, the language organisations use to describe their environmental and social commitments matters more than ever. The rise of greenwashing scrutiny, stricter ESG regulations, and growing stakeholder expectations has created a need for clear, evidence-based, and transparent sustainability communication.

To support businesses in improving the quality of their ESG messaging, OneStop ESG has developed a Sustainability Language Guide, a practical framework showing which phrases to avoid and what to use instead. This guide helps companies communicate more accurately, build trust, and avoid vague or misleading terminology.

Why Sustainability Language Matters?

The words companies choose influence how stakeholders perceive their intentions and performance. Terms that once sounded inspiring can now appear exaggerated or unclear if not supported by data. Regulators, investors, employees, and consumers increasingly look for specific, measurable, and accountable sustainability claims.

Improving sustainability language helps organisations:

Build credibility and avoid accusations of greenwashing
Strengthen ESG reporting and transparency
Communicate sustainability efforts more clearly
Align messaging with global standards and best practices
Engage stakeholders through accurate, meaningful language

A Breakdown of the Sustainability Language Guide

Below is an overview of common phrases organisations should avoid and stronger, more transparent alternatives that communicate impact more effectively.

1. Avoid: “Save the planet”

Use instead: “Protect the systems that support human life”

Sweeping statements about “saving the planet” are unrealistic and unscientific. A more accurate alternative focuses on protecting ecosystems that enable human well-being, a clearer, grounded way of communicating environmental responsibility.

2. Avoid: “Future of the world”

Use instead: “Sustainable choices for today”

Sustainability is not only about the distant future; it requires immediate action. This shift in language emphasises timely decision-making and everyday behaviours that drive lasting impact.

3. Avoid: “We’re doing our part”

Use instead: “Our goals and progress are openly reported”

Generic phrases lack accountability. Transparent disclosure shows concrete action, measurable progress, and honest reporting, all essential for credible ESG communication.

4. Avoid: “Green companies”

Use instead: “Businesses with sustainability built into their strategy”

Calling a company “green” can oversimplify complex efforts. A more accurate description highlights sustainability integration within core strategy, operations, and governance.

Read more: The Six Stages of Sustainability Growth: How Businesses Progress from Awareness to Regenerative Impact

5. Avoid: “Environmental awareness”

Use instead: “Impact management grounded in data and evidence”

Awareness alone is not enough. Stakeholders want evidence-based decisions backed by metrics, reporting, and measurable environmental outcomes.

6. Avoid: “Clean economy” (unclear)

Use instead: “Circular, regenerative, or low-carbon economy”

“Clean economy” is vague and can be interpreted in multiple ways. More specific descriptors: circular, regenerative, low-carbon align with recognised sustainability frameworks and industry standards.

7. Avoid: “Sustainability is the future”

Use instead: “Sustainability is a present-day priority”

This language reframes sustainability as an urgent, ongoing responsibility rather than a distant aspiration. It aligns with global expectations for immediate ESG action.

8. Avoid: “We’re carbon neutral”

Use instead: “We measure emissions and offset them with full transparency”

Carbon-neutral claims are heavily scrutinised. The stronger alternative focuses on measurement, accountability, and transparent offsets avoiding misleading impressions.

9. Avoid: “We value diversity”

Use instead: “We actively hire, support, and elevate diverse talent”

Strong DEI language is action-oriented. This phrasing communicates real commitment, not passive appreciation.

How Better Sustainability Language Improves ESG Performance?

Improving communication isn’t just about words, it strengthens the entire sustainability strategy. Clear language ensures:

Accurate reflection of ESG progress
Stronger investor and stakeholder trust
Reduced risk of greenwashing or regulatory penalties
Improved internal alignment across teams
Better engagement with customers and communities

In a world where transparency is expected and accountability is mandatory, sustainability language plays a vital role in shaping how organisations are perceived and trusted.

As we move into 2026, the organisations that communicate sustainability with clarity, evidence, and integrity will stand out. The Sustainability Language Guide provides a valuable foundation for building messaging that is honest, grounded, and aligned with global ESG expectations.

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