EU member states in the European Council have greenlit a directive deferring the adoption of standards for sector-specific sustainability disclosures and sustainability reporting from companies outside the EU under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This decision, which follows the European Parliament's earlier approval, finalizes the postponement of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for…

The European Commission has initiated action against 20 airlines in collaboration with EU consumer authorities, targeting misleading greenwashing practices regarding CO2 emissions offsetting claims. Airlines have been urged to align their practices with EU consumer law or face potential enforcement actions, including sanctions. This move follows a complaint by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and…

Honda has unveiled plans to construct a robust electric vehicle (EV) value chain in Ontario, Canada, as part of its strategy to bolster its EV supply system in anticipation of growing EV demand in North America. This initiative entails an estimated investment of CAD$15 billion (USD$11 billion), inclusive of contributions from joint venture partners. Jean…

The Canadian Government has unveiled its new Federal Plastics Registry, mandating plastic producers to report on the quantity and type of plastic they introduce into the Canadian market, aiming to track plastic throughout its lifecycle in the economy, from production to disposal. This initiative aligns with Canada’s zero plastic waste agenda, addressing the nation’s significant…

Lawmakers in the European Parliament have overwhelmingly approved the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), a pivotal legislation designed to bolster EU manufacturing of essential technologies vital for achieving Europe’s ambitious climate and energy objectives. The NZIA, proposed by the European Commission in March 2023 as part of its Green Deal Industrial Plan strategy, aims to enhance…

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong has announced mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements for all listed companies, based on the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) new reporting standards, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions disclosure starting from the 2025 reporting year. This decision follows a consultation launched last year, receiving broad support, and aligns with global…

The UK government has confirmed its target of mandating at least 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK jet fuel mix by 2030, as part of its efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. SAF, derived from sustainable resources, is recognized as a key tool for reducing emissions in…

After overcoming years of negotiation hurdles, the European Parliament has voted 374 to 235 to adopt the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), marking a significant step towards mandating companies to address their negative impacts on human rights and the environment. This decision follows the rejection of an earlier version by member states in the…

Total Energies and Vanguard Renewables, a BlackRock portfolio company, have unveiled plans for a new joint venture focused on converting food biowaste into renewable natural gas (RNG) across the U.S. Leveraging Vanguard Renewables' expertise in anaerobic digestion and TotalEnergies' global experience in renewable gas assets, the partnership aims to develop 10 RNG projects within the…

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK has unveiled a consultation on extending its Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) to portfolio managers, aiming to ensure investors can accurately assess the sustainability attributes of investment products and mitigate greenwashing risks. This initiative follows the FCA's introduction of SDR requirements for asset managers in November 2023, which…

Apple has made significant strides towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire business by 2030, announcing that over 320 suppliers, representing 95% of its direct manufacturing spend, have committed to using 100% renewable energy for Apple production by 2030. This commitment is critical as nearly two-thirds of Apple's carbon footprint comes from…

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has committed S$35 million (USD$26 million) over the next three years to initiatives aimed at upskilling and reskilling professionals in the financial services sector, focusing on developing sustainable finance specialists. This funding aligns with the release of the Sustainable Finance Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) by MAS and the Institute…