The perception of how well Connecticut companies meet sustainable goals is far from the actual reality, mirroring the international trend.
Wilton marketing firm Brandlogic teamed with New York City-based CRD Analytics to study how the top 100 global companies effectively communicated their environmental commitment.
The study shows that 66 out of the 100 firms were perceived differently from the reality of their sustainable commitments. The study broke the results on the 100 companies into four categories.
Leaders are companies that have a strong environmental commitment and do an effective job conveying that commitment. Companies with business in Connecticut included in that category are the Walt Disney Co., which owns Bristol sports broadcaster ESPN; manufacturer 3M Co.; aluminum manufacturer Alcoa; and pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer Inc.
Challengers are companies that have a strong environmental commitment and don’t effectively communicate that. Challenger companies with business in Connecticut include PepsiCo, which has a Killingly manufacturing facility; Stamford banker UBS Capital America; and Fairfield conglomerate General Electric.
Promoters are companies that don’t have a strong environmental commitment but are perceived as having one. Promoter companies with business in Connecticut include hotel giant Marriott and drink franchise Starbucks Coffee Co.
Laggards are companies that don’t have a strong environmental commitment and have that perception. Laggard companies with business in Connecticut include retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and convenience store franchise 7-Eleven.
