SustainabilityOnline: The Sustainability Brief – 13 August

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With so much happening in the world of corporate sustainability, SustainabilityOnline is introducing The Sustainability Brief – a regular round-up of some of the top stories making headlines around the world.

In other words, we scour the world for the most important sustainability news, so you don’t have to.

Railroads could save billions through fuel-efficiency improvements

A new analysis from OptiFuel Systems estimates that the six US Class I railroads could reduce fuel costs substantially by adopting alternative fuel and efficiency technologies. The Class I railroads consumed about 3.08 billion gallons of diesel in 2025, with the analysis highlighting potential savings from compressed natural gas, renewable natural gas, hybrid systems and lower fuel consumption.

One Rock agrees $470m sale of EnviroServe to Clean Harbors

One Rock Capital Partners has agreed to sell environmental services company EnviroServe to Clean Harbors for $470 million. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. “We believe this transaction with Clean Harbors positions the company for continued growth as part of one of the world’s leading environmental services companies,” said Tony W. Lee, managing partner at One Rock.

Capstone Energy+ reports first-quarter fiscal 2027 results

Capstone Energy+ has reported its first-quarter fiscal 2027 results, covering the three months ended 30 June. Revenue for Q1 2027 came in at $24.9 million, compared to $27.9 million in Q1 2026. Gross profit increased 16% to $8.8 million. The company provides behind-the-meter energy systems for industrial and commercial customers, including clean microturbine and combined heat and power technologies.

UK considers disposable barbecue restrictions amid wildfire risk

The UK government is considering measures relating to disposable barbecues as extreme heat and wildfire risks continue across parts of England, according to reports. Greater restrictions could form part of efforts to reduce human-caused wildfire risks during periods of high temperatures and dry conditions. The Met Office has issued an amber extreme-heat warning covering parts of England, with temperatures forecast to reach 37–38°C in some areas.

Colebrook Bosson Saunders publishes 2026 Sustainability Report

London-based workplace solutions company Colebrook Bosson Saunders has published its 2026 Sustainability Report, covering progress towards its 2030 sustainability targets. The company said that it cut its total carbon emissions by 8.06% against its FY2023 baseline in the year to May 2025.

Karbon-X and Core Energy explore EV charging infrastructure in South America

Karbon-X and Core Energy have signed a letter of intent to explore the development of commercial electric-vehicle charging infrastructure in South America. The collaboration will allow Karbon-X to apply its project-development and carbon-market capabilities to potential charging projects. The companies say the initiative could support the development of EV infrastructure as transport electrification expands across the region.

Vinhomes expands ESG integration across Asian real-estate development

Vietnamese property developer Vinhomes is expanding its approach to ESG integration across its urban-development activities, linking environmental considerations with project planning and investment, according to reports. The company is positioning sustainability as part of its wider development strategy, including areas such as resource efficiency and environmental management.

Business leaders meet in Sri Lanka to discuss sustainable growth

Business and sustainability leaders have gathered in Colombo for discussions focused on responsible business and sustainable and inclusive growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The Forward Faster Now APAC 2026 event brings together business and sustainability stakeholders to address regional cooperation and sustainable development. “Across Asia-Pacific, businesses are operating in an increasingly complex environment shaped by climate change, technological disruption, evolving stakeholder expectations and geopolitical uncertainty. Yet these challenges also present an opportunity for companies to lead,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and executive director of the UN Global Compact.

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