Welcome to this week’s edition of #ElevatingNews, where we cut through the noise and spotlight what’s actually shaping the ESG and sustainability landscape – across markets, policy, culture, and capital.
This week, it was all about scaling what matters. From nature credits to blockchain-powered SAF to California’s latest clean energy bond, momentum is building behind the scenes, even as some political headwinds blow in.
Let’s unpack the week.
🌱 Nature & Policy
- EU Releases Roadmap for Nature Credits Market
The European Commission published its long-awaited roadmap for developing a voluntary nature credits market – a tool designed to unlock private finance for biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration. The framework outlines key design principles and governance needs to ensure credibility and prevent greenwashing. Read more→
- EU Lawmakers Reject Proposed ‘High Deforestation Risk’ Country List
In a surprise decision, MEPs voted against a proposed list of countries deemed high-risk under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The list was intended to guide import controls for products linked to deforestation, but critics argued it was diplomatically risky and oversimplified global forest dynamics. The rejection leaves a gap in enforcement clarity, at a time when supply chain scrutiny is under pressure. Read more→
✈️ Innovation & Transition Tech
- Shell, Accenture & Amex GBT Launch Blockchain Platform for Green Jet Fuel
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Shell, Accenture, and American Express Global Business Travel unveiled a blockchain-powered platform to trace and scale the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The system creates verified emissions reduction records, giving corporate buyers a credible way to decarbonize air travel without needing physical SAF deliveries. Read more→
- Veolia Breaks Ground on UK’s First Tray-to-Tray PET Recycling Plant
Veolia has started construction on the UK’s first facility capable of true tray-to-tray recycling for PET food packaging. The site will process up to 60 million trays a year, closing a major loop in plastic packaging circularity. It’s a big step toward scaling domestic infrastructure for high-grade recycled content. Read more→
⚡ Green Finance & Infrastructure
- Ørsted Secures Financing for $3B Offshore Wind Project in Taiwan
Ørsted has reached financial close on the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms in Taiwan – a nearly $3 billion investment that will add over 900 MW of clean energy to the region. The deal involves a syndicate of international banks and reflects the growing maturity of Asia’s renewable energy project finance landscape. Read more→
- California to Issue $1B in Green Bonds for Clean Energy Procurement
The State of California will issue $1 billion in green bonds to fund long-term clean energy supply contracts, including wind, solar, and geothermal. The move supports the state’s 2045 net-zero grid target and demonstrates how subnational governments are using debt markets to de-risk climate infrastructure. Read more→
That’s a wrap on this week’s #ElevatingNews!
From nature credit frameworks to clean energy bonds and blockchain-backed aviation fuels, the scaffolding for real-world sustainability is rising. It’s not always loud, but it is getting more real, scalable, and investable.
Which of these stories do you think will define the second half of 2025?
Let’s keep the conversation going! 👇
