Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Greenwashing and ESG in the Age of Social Media
Join us at Adlershof Science City for an engaging evening as the G&D Collective tackles the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social media responsibility. We’ll explore greenwashing regulations, ESG compliance, and the impact of the new EU Directive 2024/825.
Get actionable insights on building transparent, accountable sustainability claims. The venue is located across from the HU Math.-Nat. Faculty (tram/bus stop: Magnus Strasse).
Please register early so we can plan better!
We have ample space and you are invited; however, it would be greatly appreciated if you could inform us of your attendance as soon as possible. Additionally, please let us know if anything prevents you from coming. This will help us minimize food waste. Thank you!
We respect your privacy and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal data will only be used for the purpose of processing your request and will not be shared with third parties without your consent. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Our guest speakers bring valuable knowledge and experience, but this event isn’t just about listening. We’re here to create a space where those with meaningful insights can contribute, fostering a respectful and collaborative exchange of ideas.
Cecilia Gabutti
Cecilia, a sustainability standards expert and initiator of the recently funded ESG-REG Project, co-funded by the European Union, will provide insights into how the project is assisting SMEs in understanding and preparing for emerging regulations and standards, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and related frameworks.
She will shortly explain the project’s background, motivation, and objectives, focusing on the emerging obligations, risks, and opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, and how you can get involved.
Slavis Poczebutas
Slavis Poczebutas is the Founder and Director of MEKADO and DOMUM urban mobility, with extensive international experience in social impact design, strategic urban planning, and architecture. Slavis will talk about micro-mobility and the potential of urban spaces and fair land distribution for the transformation of our cities towards healthier streets and more sustainable mobility. He will also present DOMUM's innovative parking and charging infrastructure that enables people to cycle and makes micro-mobility more approachable.
Mariana Rajic
Mariana is a trained sophrologist from Ecole française Supérieure de Sophrologie in Paris with an academic degree in Education from Montreal, Canada. She will briefly share her experience of balancing a career that spans Montreal, London, Paris, and Berlin, along with family life and personal well-being. She will also guide a mindfulness induction using a combination of simple relaxation techniques, controlled breathing, and positive visualization exercises.
Event Location
Steinbeis House Berlin, Rudower Ch. 28, 12489 Berlin
Adlershof Science City
We recognize that this part of Berlin is somewhat enigmatic—well-known, yet not often frequented by outsiders. However, accessing our facility is quite simple.
You can take the S-Bahn to S-Adlershof and walk to our building, or use a bus or tram for just a few stops. These lines operate frequently, making your journey more convenient than you might expect.
If you plan to arrive by car, please consider carpooling with a few interesting colleagues or friends to reduce your CO2 emissions. Ample parking is available around Steinbeis House.
The photographer is Katy Otto and the copyright © WISTA Management GmbH
Steinbeis House Berlin
The event will be hosted at the newly inaugurated Steinbeis House Berlin, conveniently situated across from the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty of Humboldt University (tram and bus stop: Magnus Strasse).
The address is Rudower Ch. 28, 12489 Berlin.
Steinbeis House Berlin boasts an impressive architectural design. The event will be held in a spacious foyer at the entrance.
If you would like to explore the coworking spaces and the innovative ecosystem designed for the 21st century, please feel free to ask one of our team members for a tour!
The photographer is GV Vadivan and the copyright © Steinbeis School of Innovation and transformation
Event Flow
This session will explore the critical intersection of greenwashing, evolving ESG regulations, and the powerful role social media plays in shaping both public perception and corporate compliance.
As businesses face increasing pressure to provide transparent, certified sustainability claims, and as consumers become more discerning, understanding how to navigate these dynamics is essential for long-term success.
Our goal is to explore and identify the interconnections that drive the changes we need.
Please note this agenda is continuously updated
17:30 to 17:45
Check-In
Please arrive on time, if possible, and ensure that you sign the attendance forms. We will be presenting several projects, and your participation is essential for compliance purposes. If you have any concerns about sharing your data, please feel free to discuss them with us.
17:50
Welcome and Mindfulness Induction
We will introduce the concept, motivation and intentions. To calibrate the atmosphere and energize us after a long day, a brief breathing exercise will be included at the beginning and the end.
18:00
Introduction to the host of the event:
Ela Kurtcu will present the Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation, outlining its activities, educational objectives, and innovative philosophy. Additionally, Ela will discuss various ongoing and forthcoming projects and initiatives.
18:20
ESG-REG and Reporting Demystification and Activation (Cecilia Gabutti)
Cecilia, a sustainability expert and initiator of the newly funded ESG-REG Project, will talk about Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and related frameworks. She will discuss the fundamentals of ESG and CSRD topics that are widely mentioned but seldom truly understood.
18:30
Micromobility & Sustainability: Domum Urban Mobility (Slavis Poczebutas)
Slavis will talk about micro-mobility and the potential of urban spaces and fair land distribution for the transformation of our cities towards healthier streets and more sustainable mobility. He will also present DOMUM's innovative parking and charging infrastructure that enables people to cycle and makes micro-mobility more approachable.
18:40
Open Mic & Impulses
We invite your feedback. While we encourage open dialogue, if you would prefer some additional time and appropriate introductions, please indicate your topic and interest on the registration form.
19:00 to 20:00
Wrap-Up & Networking
The most exciting aspect! We will conduct another guided breath session, and hopefully, we will be inspired to forge remarkable connections and generate innovative ideas. At the very least, we can commit to reconvening in a few months!
Would you like to share a concept or an idea?
Kindly express your interest by completing the registration form.
What is G&D Mixer?
The theme "Green & Digital" - G&D encompasses essential elements of green and digital transition, emphasizing the critical need to leverage technology in addressing our most urgent challenges.
A G&D after-work mixer is a casual get-together that happens after work, bringing professionals together in a laid-back environment. It’s a great chance to relax, chat, and network outside the usual office vibe.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is when companies make false claims about being eco-friendly to mislead consumers. To combat this, the EU passed **Directive (EU) 2024/825**, banning vague environmental claims without proper certification.
Companies can face fines of up to 4% of their revenue for violations.
But laws aren't enough—we must take action ourselves to ensure sustainability is real. It's about building trust, not just avoiding penalties. Everyone, from companies to consumers, plays a role in making sure eco-friendly claims are backed by real impact.
Where do social media fit into the equation?
Social media empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable for sustainability claims, while also giving companies a platform to highlight their genuine ESG efforts. nd contribute to a more accountable, sustainable future.
Businesses and creators must collaborate to ensure sustainability messaging is accurate, transparent, and backed by data, as misleading claims can quickly damage reputations. With new EU regulations banning vague green claims, it’s crucial for both to get it right. By working together to they can build consumer trust and contribute to a more accountable, sustainable future.
Meet the host:
G&D Collective
The Green & Digital Collective is an informal network of four Berlin-based organizations focused on advancing green and digital transformation.
Though each organization has its unique mission and framework, they are linked by shared values, personnel, and collaboration.
Steinbies - SIT
Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation is dedicated to delivering outstanding educational programs while providing innovative expertise in the convergence of green and digital transitions.
Our emphasis lies in promoting sustainable economic practices and resilient communities through advancements in green technology, digital solutions, and social transformation.
Impact Grid e.V.
Impact Grid e.V., formerly known as Net Impact e.V., was founded in 2012 as an initiative of students from the Master in Responsible Management at Steinbeis University Berlin.
Since 2020, it has focused on promoting international understanding, cultural tolerance, and global cooperation through innovative educational projects, empowering individuals and youth groups for a sustainable future.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about registration and event participation.
Our event is open to anyone interested in the topic. We welcome professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike. Join us to connect and learn!
The dress code is (berlin) business casual. We want you to feel comfortable but still lets maintain a casual but professinal apperance! In any case come as you are!
Yes, we are committed to making our event accessible to everyone. Please let us know your specific needs when registering. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Don't worry! Just stop by. After a long day of work, we want to relax and contribute to creating a better world, not to judge you for staying too long at work. :)
Absolutely! Just ensure they register, even if it’s at the last minute!
Certainly. There will be photographs and videos taken, and we will share the best ones with you online. If you prefer not to be photographed, please communicate this to the host and kindly avoid being in the photos.
Still have questions?
Feel free to reach out to us!