Conference on Greenhushing: When Silence Hits Corporate Sustainability Strategy
Lille Catholic University in collaboration with Réseau Alliances and the Institute of Communication Strategies and Techniques (ISTC), hosted a high-level conference on 23 May 2025. The event was titled “Greenhushing: When Silence Hits Corporate Sustainability Strategy.” It examined the emerging phenomenon of greenhushing - a growing tendency among companies to remain silent about their environmental or social responsibility initiatives, even when these actions are genuine and impactful.
Participants explored the complex motivations behind this communication silence, such as fear of greenwashing accusations, increasing regulatory scrutiny, reputational risk, and strategic caution. The conference encouraged reflection on the intersection of corporate communication, CSR, and ethics, highlighting the risks of disengagement and the importance of transparency, accountability, and authentic dialogue in advancing sustainable business practices.