ANNOUNCEMENTS
Despite the growing mandate for ESG disclosures in India, most organizations continue to approach sustainability communication as a regulatory obligation rather than a strategic asset. This limits their ability to engage stakeholders, differentiate their brand, and articulate long-term value creation. In response, this research introduces the Strategic Sustainability Communication (SSC) Framework—a first-of-its-kind maturity model tailored to assess and enhance how companies communicate sustainability in the Indian context.
Developed through a four-phase methodology, the framework synthesizes insights from academic theory, practitioner co-creation, tabletop analysis of sustainability communication practices across ten leading Indian corporations. The model was further validated through cross-functional pilot implementation and expert feedback. It defines six core dimensions of effective ESG communication—ranging from narrative coherence and stakeholder engagement to digital integration and strategic alignment—mapped along a five-level maturity continuum.
The SSC Framework enables organizations to move beyond compliance checklists toward credible, culturally resonant, and stakeholder-responsive communication strategies. By bridging the gap between ESG intent and impact, the framework offers a clear pathway for companies to embed sustainability into their corporate voice—driving trust, resilience, and reputational value.
KEYWORDS: Sustainability communication, ESG strategy, communication maturity framework, digital ESG storytelling, sustainability branding, corporate narrative.
