Module 5 - Telling your sustainability story: from action to visibility
Module aim
This module teaches SMEs how to effectively translate their sustainability achievements into clear, credible, and compelling communications. Learn to build trust and leverage your sustainability actions to enhance your brand, attract customers, and secure investment.
Module content
Part one: Data-driven communication
- Use appropriate metrics and performance data (KPIs) to back up your sustainability claims effectively
- Reporting frameworks (basic): introduction to fundamental reporting standards (e.g., simplified elements of GRI) relevant for SMEs to provide consistent disclosure.
Part two: Building a credible narrative
- Develop authentic storytelling by identifying the core values and impacts that make your sustainability journey unique and avoid greenwashing by ensuring all claims are accurate, verifiable, and transparent
- Identify your target audience and tailor your communication style and channels to resonate with different stakeholders (customers, investors, employees, regulators).
Learning outcomes
Participants will walk away with a Communication Toolkit that includes a customized, three-part messaging framework (key themes, data points, and calls-to-action) and a practical checklist for transparently communicating their sustainability progress across multiple channels.
Learning highlights
- Three hours in-person training at the Centre for Training for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) and the University of Surrey.
- One hour online ‘accountability and implementation’ follow-up session, 30 days after the module.
- Permanent access to the learning materials.
- Ongoing support through the CIFAL Surrey exclusive SMEs sustainability peer-to-peer learning group.
- UNITAR certificate for professional development, upon successful completion of the module.
- Access to a calendar of events held by CIFAL Surrey and the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey.
Key information
- Module date: Spring 2026
- Location: University of Surrey
- Price: To be confirmed
- Register your interest: cifal@surrey.ac.uk
Sustainability for SMEs
Sustainability for SMEs is about staying competitive, adaptable, and future-ready. This hands-on training series is built for busy small and medium enterprises that want to become resilient, engage stakeholders, and tell their sustainability story with confidence.