Leveraging more than two decades of experience and success, CI engages in an array of corporate partnerships that allow us to scale up our message and involve a broader audience than ever before. We work closely with partners by utilizing our marketing and communications expertise to design communication messages and cause marketing campaigns that encourage innovation and responsible consumption.

Recent findings from a March 2012 Nielsen survey of more than 28,000 online respondents from 56 countries around the world indicate that socially-conscious consumers care more about environmental sustainability than any other cause. The survey also found that this environmentally-minded consumer is younger (under 40) and willing to pay more for socially-responsible products. Sixty-six percent believe that companies should support the environment.

CI will help generate meaningful and lasting connections with our partner’s key stakeholders — customers, employees and communities — through the creation of relevant environmental messaging campaigns and the use of cause marketing platforms to educate employees and consumers about key environmental issues and the connection to human well-being. In developing communications with our partners, CI uses clear language and compelling examples to make the connection between scientific priorities and customer lifestyles.

By reaching consumers and employees in a manner that is personally relevant and authentic to our partner’s brand, we are successful in generating sustained enthusiasm and loyalty, amplifying both their reach and impact.

	CI teamed up with Disney Interactive — developers of the hit mobile game “Where’s My Water?” — to raise awareness and support for CI's Freshwater Initiative. Through the Every Duck Counts campaign, players were challenged to collect ducks within the free version of the game to make a statement about the importance of protecting fresh water. CI generated more than 500,000 impressions for the campaign through CI’s web site, social media and e-newsletter, and the goal to collect 50 million ducks was achieved twice over.
	Starbucks Coffee Company and CI have partnered for more than a decade to help ensure high quality coffee is produced in keeping with their longstanding commitment to doing business responsibly. We raised awareness of environmental practices and commitments that CI has helped the company establish through communication channels in stores and online — such as the CI logo appearing on over 50 million Starbucks paper cups — and the campaign increased positive brand perceptions among Starbucks “passion panel” participants.
	CI partnered with DreamWorks Animation and McDonald’s on a cause marketing campaign for the movie Kung Fu Panda designed to educate kids around the world and to ensure viability of wild pandas in China. By capturing scientific information in a fun and relevant way — notably in a public service announcement starring Jack Black (the voice of Po), which was included on all 600 million copies of the DVD — the campaign garnered significant press coverage and exceeded web traffic goals.

For more information on CI’s cause marketing program, employee engagement or event sponsorship, contact:

Sandie Taylor​
Senior Manager, Corporate Marketing & Communications
CI's Center for Environmental Leadership in Business