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, the spotlight was on structure. From sovereign sustainability bonds and updated reporting frameworks to new ESG tools for compliance and transition planning – it’s clear that the next frontier for climate action is clarity.
Let’s break down what mattered.
📈 Sustainable Finance & Market Infrastructure
- Slovenia Issues Europe’s First Sovereign Sustainability Bond (€1B)
Slovenia made history by issuing Europe’s first government-level sustainability bond, raising €1 billion to finance projects aligned with climate mitigation, energy transition, and social equity. Read more→ - UK Sets Ambition to Become ‘Sustainable Finance Capital of the World’
The UK government unveiled its long-term plan to lead globally in sustainable finance. The strategy includes aligning with IFRS sustainability standards, building domestic capacity, and strengthening green capital markets – a bold bid to remain competitive post-Brexit. Read more→
- Carbon2Nature and Merlin Properties Partner to Launch ‘Bosque Merlin’
In a unique nature-finance collaboration, Carbon2Nature and Merlin Properties announced the creation of the “Bosque Merlin” reforestation project in Spain – combining biodiversity restoration with carbon removal outcomes. Another real estate player stepping into natural capital. Read more→
📊 Reporting & Regulatory Frameworks
- GRI Releases Updated Climate and Energy Standards
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has published revised climate and energy disclosure standards, designed to better align with global frameworks and provide clearer guidance on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. It’s a much-needed refresh that strengthens interoperability with ISSB and ESRS. Read more→ - IFRS Publishes Guidance on Transition Plan Disclosures
The IFRS Foundation issued new guidance for companies on how to disclose credible transition plans under the ISSB standards. The guidance supports investor confidence in net-zero strategies and helps companies avoid generic or “checkbox” disclosures. Read more→ - UK Opens Consultation on First Draft of Sustainability Disclosure Standards
The UK launched a public consultation on its draft Sustainability Disclosure Standards, based on the ISSB framework. These standards will form the backbone of the UK’s approach to ESG reporting, with a strong focus on proportionality for SMEs and investor relevance. Read more→ - Wolters Kluwer Launches ESG Tool for CBAM Compliance
Wolters Kluwer released new ESG and carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) tools to help companies navigate EU import emissions regulations. It’s part of a growing wave of compliance tech that’s helping businesses stay ahead of regulatory risk. Read more→
⚙️ Corporate Action & Low-Carbon Partnerships
- Eni and BMW Launch Sustainable Mobility Pilot
Eni and BMW have teamed up on a pilot program to test the use of lower-carbon fuels and data integration in shared mobility. This partnership exemplifies the synergy between energy players and industry, with the objective of fostering a supportive ecosystem capable of integrating research and technological development, market demand, and decarbonization targets. To achieve a successful energy transition, it is crucial to combine efforts across the various economic and industrial sectors requiring decarbonization, leveraging all available sustainable technologies and industrial initiatives. Read more→
That’s a wrap on this week’s #ElevatingNews!
From updated ESG disclosure frameworks to sovereign green finance and nature-based climate partnerships, this week’s moves show one thing clearly: the sustainability transition is trying to get structurally smarter.
Which of these stories do you think sets the tone for the next half of 2025?
Let’s keep the conversation going 👇
