Can corporate EVS be genuine or are they often just greenwashing?

Corporate Environmental Value Systems (EVS) can indeed be genuine, but there are also instances of greenwashing.

Corporate EVS refers to the principles and values that guide a company's approach to environmental issues. These can be genuine when they are integrated into the company's core business strategy and operations. For instance, a company might adopt sustainable sourcing practices, invest in renewable energy, or develop products and services that help customers reduce their own environmental impact. These actions demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability, as they involve making substantive changes to the way the company operates.

However, it's important to note that not all corporate EVS are genuine. Some companies engage in greenwashing, a practice where they exaggerate or fabricate their environmental credentials to appear more sustainable than they actually are. This can involve making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products or services, or publicising small, token environmental initiatives while ignoring larger, more damaging aspects of their operations.

The key to distinguishing between genuine corporate EVS and greenwashing lies in transparency and accountability. Genuine corporate EVS are typically accompanied by clear, measurable targets for environmental performance, and companies regularly report on their progress towards these targets in a transparent manner. They also seek external verification of their environmental claims, for example through third-party audits or certification schemes.

On the other hand, companies that engage in greenwashing often lack transparency and accountability. Their environmental claims may be vague or difficult to verify, and they may resist external scrutiny of their environmental performance. They may also focus on promoting their environmental initiatives rather than actually implementing them, using them more as a marketing tool than a genuine commitment to sustainability.

In conclusion, while corporate EVS can be genuine, it's crucial to scrutinise them carefully to ensure they are not just a form of greenwashing. This involves looking for evidence of transparency, accountability, and substantive action on environmental issues.