What are some of the emerging trends and innovations in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication?

1 Digital platforms and tools

One of the main trends in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication is the use of digital platforms and tools to facilitate information sharing, feedback, collaboration, and learning. For example, some organizations use online portals, dashboards, or apps to provide transparent and timely data on their environmental performance, goals, and initiatives. Others use social media, webinars, podcasts, or blogs to showcase their best practices, stories, and achievements. And some use online surveys, polls, forums, or chats to solicit input, opinions, and ideas from their stakeholders. These digital platforms and tools can help organizations reach a wider and more diverse audience, increase trust and credibility, and foster dialogue and innovation.

2 Stakeholder mapping and segmentation

Another trend in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication is the use of stakeholder mapping and segmentation to identify and prioritize the most relevant and influential groups and individuals for the organization. Stakeholder mapping and segmentation involves analyzing the interests, expectations, needs, and concerns of different stakeholders, as well as their level of power, influence, and engagement. This can help organizations tailor their communication strategies, messages, and channels to suit different stakeholder groups, and to address their specific issues and opportunities. It can also help organizations avoid potential conflicts, risks, or misunderstandings, and to build stronger and more lasting relationships.

3 Materiality assessment and reporting

A third trend in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication is the use of materiality assessment and reporting to determine and disclose the most significant environmental aspects and impacts for the organization and its stakeholders. Materiality assessment and reporting involves identifying and prioritizing the environmental topics that matter most to the organization's strategy, performance, and stakeholders, and reporting on them in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. This can help organizations focus their resources and efforts on the areas that have the most value and impact, and to communicate their progress and challenges in a credible and accountable way. It can also help organizations align their environmental goals and actions with the expectations and standards of their stakeholders, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

4 Co-creation and partnership

A fourth trend in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication is the use of co-creation and partnership to involve and empower stakeholders in the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental solutions. Co-creation and partnership involves working with stakeholders to identify common goals, challenges, and opportunities, and to co-develop and co-deliver environmental initiatives that benefit both the organization and its stakeholders. This can help organizations leverage the knowledge, skills, resources, and networks of their stakeholders, and to create more innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions. It can also help organizations enhance their reputation, legitimacy, and loyalty among their stakeholders, and to create shared value and impact.

5 Gamification and storytelling

A fifth trend in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication is the use of gamification and storytelling to engage and motivate stakeholders in a fun and memorable way. Gamification involves applying game elements, such as points, badges, levels, rewards, or challenges, to non-game contexts, such as environmental education, awareness, or behavior change. Storytelling involves using narratives, characters, emotions, or visuals to convey a message, a lesson, or a vision. Both gamification and storytelling can help organizations capture the attention, interest, and curiosity of their stakeholders, and to inspire them to take action, learn more, or share their experiences. They can also help organizations create a positive and distinctive brand image, identity, and culture.

6 Continuous improvement and learning

A sixth trend in EMS stakeholder engagement and communication is the use of continuous improvement and learning to monitor, measure, and improve the effectiveness and impact of the engagement and communication activities. Continuous improvement and learning involves collecting and analyzing data, feedback, and insights from stakeholders, as well as from internal sources, such as audits, reviews, or indicators. This can help organizations evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of their engagement and communication strategies, methods, and outcomes, and to identify and implement actions for improvement. It can also help organizations demonstrate their commitment, responsiveness, and accountability to their stakeholders, and to foster a culture of learning and innovation.