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Europe’s electricity system absorbs energy shocks but storage remains limited
Eurelectric’s Power Barometer 2026 reported that 72% of EU electricity generation was clean during 2026, helping limit the impact of fossil-fuel price volatility. EU electricity prices increased 22.8% between February and August while gas prices rose 88.4%. Utility-scale electricity storage stood at 64GW in 2025, with 78GW of additions planned, compared with an EU target of 200GW by 2030.
European banks already factoring building energy performance into mortgages
Aalto University researchers interviewed 25 green-finance experts from major European banks and real-estate advisers and found that building energy performance is already influencing lending decisions. Properties with high energy ratings can qualify for green lending or more favourable financing terms, while poorly rated properties may face greater financing difficulties. “For people taking out a mortgage, or considering buying a home, it is important to understand that the environmental performance of the property already affects banks’ lending decisions and loan terms,” commented Seppo Junnila, Professor of Real Estate Economics at Aalto University.
Stella McCartney highlights animal-free materials and ocean protection at Paris Fashion Week
Stella McCartney presented a wool-free collection at Paris Fashion Week, highlighting alternatives including Brewed Protein, a fermented material developed with Japanese biotechnology company Spiber, The Guardian reported. The designer also used the show to highlight concerns about marine ecosystems and overfishing. The collection was presented in the gardens of the British Embassy in Paris. “There is no wool on the runway this season, and I’m proud of that,” McCartney commented.
Liverpool FC reaches ‘Champion’ tier with 45 GOAL sustainability medals
Liverpool FC has received 45 GOAL sustainability medals at the 2026 GOAL Medal Ceremony in New York, up from 36 in 2025, moving the club into the organisation’s ‘Champion’ tier. The club received 19 gold-level medals across areas including waste reduction, food and nutrition, ESG strategy and sustainable partnerships. Liverpool also said around two-thirds of its partners support its ‘The Red Way’ sustainability initiative, while 52% of suppliers have carbon targets and net-zero ambitions.
EIB provides €100m for 1.3GW solar project in Romania
The European Investment Bank is providing €100 million for Rezolv Energy’s Dama Solar project in Arad County, Romania. The planned plant will have peak capacity of around 1.3GW and is expected to produce enough electricity annually for more than 280,000 households. The €728 million project is expected to create around 1,500 jobs during construction and includes an 82-hectare area dedicated to nature restoration.
EU considers stronger marine protection through revised framework
The European Commission is reviewing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the EU’s main instrument for protecting the marine environment. A stakeholder roundtable on 30 September examined proposals to strengthen protection of marine ecosystems, improve implementation and simplify reporting. The Commission said the revision would also improve links with the Water Framework Directive, Nature Restoration Regulation and Maritime Spatial Planning Directive.
More than 5% of Switzerland’s glacier ice lost in 2026
Swiss glaciers lost more than 5% of their ice volume during 2026, according to data from the Swiss Academy of Sciences and GLAMOS reported by ETH Zurich. Average glacier thickness declined by 2.5–4 metres, while some glacier tongues lost up to 10 metres. Several smaller glaciers disappeared completely, while nearly 20% of Switzerland’s glacier volume has been lost over the past five years.
Arq reports lower water use and higher emissions in 2025 sustainability report
US-based Arq has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, reporting a 50% reduction in water use at its Corbin facility and the return of around 134 million gallons of clean water to Lynn Camp Creek. The company reclaimed 29 acres and 1,826 linear feet of stream at its Five Forks Mine. Arq reported Scope 1 emissions of 15,703.93 tonnes CO₂e and Scope 2 emissions of 3,590.23 tonnes CO₂e, while stating that its carbon footprint, energy consumption and waste increased year-on-year.