Welcome to this week’s edition of #ElevatingNews: Week in Review, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the ESG and sustainability landscape – cutting through the noise to highlight the stories that truly matter.
This week was packed with major policy decisions, renewable energy investments, and advancements in sustainable finance.
Let’s dive in.
🌍 Policy & Regulations
EU Delays 2040 Climate Target Proposal
The European Commission has postponed its proposal for the 2040 climate target, missing its Q1 deadline. The delay raises concerns about the EU’s long-term climate commitments as the bloc balances economic competitiveness with ambitious sustainability goals. Read more →
EU Council Agrees on ‘Stop the Clock’ Mechanism
A new measure has been approved that temporarily pauses certain sustainability reporting requirements under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The pause aims to ease regulatory burdens on businesses while allowing them time to adapt to the evolving climate reporting framework, without undermining the EU’s broader climate ambitions. Read more →
SEC Drops Defense of Climate Disclosure Rules
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to stop defending its climate disclosure rules in court, signaling potential changes to corporate reporting requirements. This move has sparked debate over transparency and regulatory oversight. Read more →
⚡ Energy & Renewables
Google Signs Renewable Energy PPA in Spain
Google has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Exus Renewables to source wind energy from a Spanish wind farm, reinforcing its commitment to a carbon-free future. Read more →
Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies Invest $714M in Carbon Storage – The three energy giants are expanding their carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives in Norway, investing over $700 million to scale up emissions reduction efforts. Read more →
China Leads Global Renewable Energy Boom
A new report highlights China’s dominant role in driving global renewable energy investments, with the country outpacing all other nations in clean energy expansion. The report underscores that China accounted for nearly 50% of global renewable energy investments in 2024. Read more →
🛫 Sustainable Innovation & Technology
Airbus Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Adoption
Airbus has launched a new “book and claim” system aimed at accelerating the integration of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into the aviation sector. This system will allow airlines to purchase SAF credits without needing to physically fuel their aircraft with SAF, effectively decoupling the purchase of SAF from direct fuel supply logistics. Read more →
Airbus Showcases Hydrogen Aircraft Technologies
Airbus presented advancements in hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies during its 2025 Summit, unveiling its vision for the future of sustainable aviation. The company outlined its plans to develop next-generation aircraft and hydrogen-powered solutions, including the revised ZEROe project, aiming to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Read more →
RMI Releases Impact Accounting Framework for Buildings
The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) introduced an Impact Accounting methodology aimed at reducing embodied carbon in building construction. This framework helps architects and procurement teams measure and manage emissions using both process-based and spend-based calculations. Read more →
📈 Finance & ESG Reporting
ING’s Climate Targets Validated by SBTi
ING’s climate targets, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its own operations and client sectors, have been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing its commitment to net zero. Read more →
IFRS Launches ISSB Standards Roadmap Tool
The IFRS Foundation has launched the Jurisdictional Roadmap Development Tool to assist countries and organizations in planning the adoption of ISSB standards for sustainability disclosures. This interactive tool supports jurisdictions in navigating key policy considerations, providing a structured approach to integrating ISSB standards into their regulatory frameworks. Read more →
EU Releases Report on Sustainable Finance for SMEs
The European Commission’s new report addresses barriers faced by SMEs in accessing sustainable finance. It proposes the “SME sustainable finance standard,” a voluntary framework that simplifies how SMEs can demonstrate their climate efforts to lenders. Read more →
Iberdrola Issues $400M in Green Bonds
Iberdrola has raised $400 million through green bonds to fund its renewable energy expansion initiatives. This issuance supports the company’s commitment to increasing clean energy capacity and advancing its sustainability goals. Read more →
PwC’s 2025 State of Decarbonization Report Reveals Strong Commitment to Sustainability and Business Value
PwC’s 2025 report highlights growing corporate commitment to sustainability, despite less public focus on climate pledges. The number of companies making climate commitments has surged, with over 4,000 reporting through CDP in 2024. Notably, 37% are ramping up ambitions, and 83% are investing in low-carbon products, with sustainability driving significant revenue growth. Small companies are also stepping up, and leadership transitions are not undermining climate commitments. Read more →
That’s a wrap on this week’s #ElevatingNews! Stay tuned for next week’s biggest ESG and sustainability developments. Which of these stories caught your attention? Let us know in the comments! 👇
