CSSN's greenwashing assessment tool

The Integrated Framework to Assess Greenwashing (IFTAG) is a tool developed by scientists and communication researchers to identify greenwashing in public statements, advertisements, and campaigns. It comprises twelve themes with corresponding yes/no questions to determine misleading environmental claims.

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OVERVIEW

The Integrated Framework to Assess Greenwashing (IFTAG) is a tool developed by the Climate Social Science Network (CSSN), headquartered at the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society. This framework assists in identifying greenwashing in public statements, advertisements, claims, practices, or campaigns. It is structured around twelve themes, each accompanied by yes/no questions to evaluate the authenticity of environmental claims.

Organisation behind the tool

CSSN is an international network of scholars focused on climate politics, facilitating research to understand political conflicts over climate change. The network serves as a resource for journalists, policy professionals, litigation teams, and others seeking insights into climate-related issues.

Target audience

While IFTAG is designed for a broad audience—including activists, non-governmental organisations, journalists, researchers, policymakers, and the general public—it holds particular relevance for finance professionals. These professionals can utilise the framework to critically assess environmental claims associated with investments, ensuring alignment with genuine sustainability practices.

Relevance to finance professionals

In the finance sector, there is an increasing emphasis on sustainable and responsible investing. IFTAG provides a structured approach to evaluate the credibility of companies’ environmental claims, aiding finance professionals in:

Due diligence: Assessing the authenticity of environmental claims made by potential investment targets.
Risk management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with investing in companies that may engage in greenwashing.
Compliance: Ensuring adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria by verifying the legitimacy of environmental claims.
Stakeholder communication: Providing transparent information to clients and stakeholders regarding the environmental integrity of investments.

By employing IFTAG, finance professionals can enhance the integrity of their investment decisions, promote genuine sustainability efforts, and maintain trust with stakeholders.