CSE Annual Research: Why ESG Leadership Defines Europe’s Top Companies

ESG leadership in Europe is setting a powerful standard for how companies combine sustainability with business performance. Across the continent, the most profitable organizations are embedding ESG into strategy, governance, and value creation. New research from the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) examined 210 of the most profitable FT 500 companies across Europe and […]
Who Leads Sustainability in the US & Canada? CSE Annual Research

In 2026, Sustainability leaders across North America are setting a powerful standard. Sustainability is no longer a separate priority, it is a central business function. When done right, it drives profitability, reduces risk, and increases resilience. The Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) analyzed 210 of the most profitable FT 500 companies across 21 sectors. […]
Corporate Sustainability in Europe: 8 ESG Trends Defining 2026 and the Years Ahead

By CSE Research Department Updated: January 2026 Europe’s ESG Reset – From Expansion to Execution Despite headlines about delays, deregulatory sentiment in some member states, and ongoing simplification efforts, Europe’s ESG framework is not being rolled back, it is being recalibrated. As of 2026, the European Union is entering a strategic phase of […]
Green Technology and U.S. Sustainability Goals

Why Sustainability Drives Success Sustainability now drives how U.S. companies grow, manage risk, and compete in a rapidly changing regulatory and investor landscape. It no longer functions as a side initiative. Instead, it supports profitability, innovation, and resilience. Green technology U.S. sustainability goals increasingly shape corporate strategy, as digital solutions enable measurable progress on emissions […]
How Federal Sustainability Plans Are Shaping Corporate America in 2026

Federal sustainability policy is no longer a background issue for U.S. companies. In 2026, it directly shapes how corporations set climate targets, report ESG data, manage supply chains, and design products. While regulations vary by sector, the direction is clear. Companies that align early gain resilience, credibility, and market access. Those that delay face rising […]
Why Battery and EV Manufacturing Matters Under ESRS

By CSE research department Battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing has become a pillar of Europe’s green industrial strategy and a material topic under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). For companies affected by CSRD, this sector now goes far beyond decarbonisation. It intersects with climate planning, resource efficiency, workforce development, and supply chain governance. […]
Why Sustainability Jobs Are Growing in Europe

Sustainability roles in Europe have evolved from niche positions to essential components of corporate strategy, compliance, and long-term value creation. As the European Union accelerates its green and social transition, businesses face increasing regulatory, investor, and stakeholder pressure to deliver transparent and credible sustainability performance. Key regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive […]
Why ESG Compliance Skills Matter in 2026

ESG Has Moved from Narrative to Mandate Sustainability has officially entered the regulatory core of global business. As we move toward 2026, ESG compliance is no longer just a brand differentiator, it is a regulated, auditable, and enforced dimension of business operations. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance has become a career-defining skillset, especially as […]
Building a Strong Sustainability Business Case: Why U.S. Companies Need ESG Training in 2026

In the United States, sustainability is no longer treated as a corporate side initiative. Instead, it has become a strategic driver of performance, risk management, and long-term value creation. As a result, investors, regulators, customers, and employees increasingly expect companies to prove that sustainability decisions are grounded in data and aligned with business objectives. Companies […]
Why Investors Are Prioritizing ESG in 2026

Investors prioritizing ESG in 2026 want fewer promises and more proof. In the U.S., sustainability now signals whether a company manages risk, allocates capital wisely, and earns durable trust. That shift shows up in both market data and disclosure pressure. The US SIF Trends Report 2025/2026 puts scale behind the story. It tracks $61.7 trillion […]