2026 Will Redefine ESG in Europe. Here’s How Winners Are Preparing

Europe is entering a decisive ESG era. Sustainability no longer sits on the sidelines of corporate strategy. According to the Sustainability Radar January 2026, regulatory enforcement across the EU, the UK, and key European markets is accelerating, as climate, supply chain, and disclosure obligations move from policy to practice. For companies operating in the EU, […]
Water Bankruptcy and Business Risk

Water is no longer just a sustainability issue. It has become a direct business risk. Across industries, companies are facing an uncomfortable reality: in many regions, water systems cannot keep up with demand. This growing pressure is now being described as “water bankruptcy,” and it is already affecting operations, supply chains, and cost stability. At […]
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. […]
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 […]
How to Prepare for the EU 2040 Climate Target: ESG Strategy Guide

The European Union has now agreed a binding target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. This sits between the current 2030 target and the legally binding goal of climate neutrality by 2050, and it signals a clear direction of travel for every sector of the European […]
Europe’s 2040 Climate Pathway: COP30 Implications for ESG Leaders

In the week leading up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Europe sent a mixed and rather uncomfortable message to the world. On paper, the EU reaffirms its commitment to climate neutrality by 2050. In practice, it has now agreed to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, surrounded […]
CSE’s ESG Consultants Edition: A Global Success Story

October 2025 | By CSE The Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) proudly celebrates another milestone, the Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program, Consultants Edition, held on September 11–12 & 15, 2025, was once again fully booked, bringing together a global cohort of forward-thinking sustainability professionals. Led by Nikos Avlonas, CSE’s Founder and President, and […]
How Companies Build Effective Sustainability Teams for ESG Success

Corporate sustainability has shifted from being a peripheral activity to a core driver of business resilience, competitiveness, and stakeholder trust. A recent survey by the Conference Board and ESGAUGE gathered insights from 70 U.S. and multinational companies, highlighting how sustainability teams are structured, how they collaborate with other business functions, and what best practices […]
4 Myths About CSRD—and the Truth Every Business Needs to Know

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is not just another EU regulation—it is reshaping the way businesses approach transparency, accountability, and ESG reporting. With the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), CSRD sets the most ambitious global framework for corporate sustainability disclosures despite the Omnibus changes. But even as deadlines approach, there are misconceptions from executives […]