Building a Brand to Empower Community-Led Restoration.
Overview
ERS, formerly Wildsense, set out to raise the bar in voluntary carbon markets by restoring one percent of the planet's surface by 2030. They needed a strong brand identity, clear communications, and a culturally resonant voice to compete with industry-leading carbon certifiers.
PRE-REBRAND FUNDING:
€3.5M
POST-REBRAND FUNDING
€5.0M
TOTAL FUNDING
€8.5M
The Challenge
Perceived as Too Small
Wildsense lacked the authority to compete with major standards such as Verra or Gold Standard. Corporate partners remained wary of a name and identity that appeared more like a grassroots effort than a credible certification body.
Complex Messaging
Carbon markets are filled with technical jargon and confusing processes, discouraging potential partners and donors. ERS needed to convey the rigour of its digital monitoring, reporting, and verification systems without overwhelming users.
Trust Gaps
Organisations require absolute trust before committing large sums to new carbon standards. ERS needed a presentation and brand identity that signalled accountability, transparency, and professionalism.
Our Approach
01
Deep Strategy Sessions
- Conducted brand workshops to align ERS's core purpose—empowering community-led restoration—with the demands of large corporate partners.
- Mapped the user journey for both buyers seeking carbon credits and project developers in need of certification.
02
Strategic Rename and Credible Acronym
- Transitioned from Wildsense to ERS (Ecosystem Restoration Standard), a concise name that projects reliability.
- Focused on heritage-inspired design choices, using black, gold, and white, along with a classic serif typeface.
03
Speech and Communication Tools
- Developed a forward-looking speech that introduced the new carbon standard in a constructive way, acknowledging industry controversies without alienating existing players.
- Provided press releases and executive summary drafts for major events, reinforcing ERS's new brand image.
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Ready for the Next Phase
By reshaping its name, identity, and communication strategy, ERS now stands as a serious contender in the voluntary carbon markets. The improved user journey, combined with thoughtful speech writing and brand positioning, has significantly bolstered ERS's credibility and appeal.
Increased Funding
Secured an additional five million following the rebrand, bringing total funding to eight million. The refined identity played a key role in boosting confidence among investors and partners.
Global Partnerships
The improved credibility and simplified messaging opened doors with large corporations that had previously been cautious.
Enhanced Market Visibility
ERS now appears alongside well-known certifiers in major forums, with 150+ projects in the pipeline and a clearly recognisable brand.
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“The rebrand was a game-changer.”
As a young company interacting with large corporates, building credibility was absolutely key to our business. Fortunately, Brighter Future went deep. Really deep. They really took the time to tease out the essence of what the brand needed to become, not just what it was. The attention to detail of their team of creatives and copywriters is unlike anything I've experienced. Their work goes way beyond executing a mission. They truly care about each brand they work with. We couldn't be happier with the results. The work speaks for itself. Our brand is now an asset.”
Thibault Sorret, Founder and CEO, ERS
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