CANBERRA — For the private sector, being green or socially conscious is an increasingly important part of building a contemporary brand. However, for environmental NGOs that engage with the private sector, such partnerships can create controversy and risks.
In a new campaign released by BP last year — its largest since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill — promoting its green credentials was a focus. Partnering with NGOs as part of community-based initiatives and projects through the BP Foundation has also been important in shifting the conversation on their global impact.
Other fossil fuel companies including Shell, mining companies such as BHP, and brands with a large global footprint including Starbucks and Apple are all promoting social and environmental responsibility in their marketing.