Green communications agency launched

“With the emerging greener, low-carbon economy fast coming up over the horizon, we felt that it was a good time to launch a full-service specialist green marketing and communications agency,” says Tyrrell.

“Consumers and companies are choosing to live and work in ways that don't harm [the] planet or people and these choices are being played out in the marketplace. Companies with foresight and passion to embrace sustainability will lead the way, especially as green shoots are rising from the recession."

The agency plans to focus on providing marketing and communications strategy and creative aiming for messaging that is relevant, science-based and targeted.

It also plans to provide business greening facilitation services, helping clients with sustainability and recommending expert specialists in energy, carbon footprinting, water, waste and resource-use optimisation. Awareness and training in greening and sustainability will also be offered.

“Green is not a fad”

“We want to work with people who are both keen on greening and understand the profit opportunities that are opening up. The green economy is coming faster than many might think and those who feel it is a fad or soft issue will get left behind,” says Tyrrell.

“Companies should understand that they need to get their houses in order - or at least have a roadmap for their own sustainability journey and be progressing along the way.”

The consultancy also designs and implements media-based programmes to promote sustainable behaviour change on behalf of government and non-profit organisations. “Companies who want to change the mindsets and behaviour of their staff and suppliers would also do well to communicate eco-efficiency awareness programmes. These can have beneficial cost savings up and down the value chain as they result in lower energy, water and waste bills.”

Createvo has a strategic partnership association with Alive2Green, the green media company that produces green B2B conferences, expos and handbooks.

Expert background

Hugh Tyrrell has a degree in sociology and spent twelve years as a writer in major ad agencies including JWalter Thompson, McCann-Erickson, Ogilvy's and Y&R before consulting in environmental communications. He was founding editor of EarthYear, a environmental magazine, and ReSource, SA's recycling and waste management trade journal and convened three southern African environmental journalism conferences. He has developed marketing and communication programmes for clients including WWF, City of Cape Town, GlaxoSmithKline and Woolworths to establish sustainability as a core company value.