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. If you have a news story you’d like to send us, you can contact us here.
ABN AMRO commits to developing an absolute emissions backstop
ABN AMRO has committed to developing an absolute emissions backstop by 2030. The Dutch bank previously announced a commitment to developing absolute financed-emissions reduction targets, making this relevant to the continuing debate over how financial institutions measure and manage the emissions associated with their lending and investment portfolios. As ABN AMRO chief sustainability officer Sandra Phlippen recently noted in a World Economic Forum article, “most European banks have detailed their climate strategy up to 2030, but not beyond.”
China implements SAF compliance service for foreign-registered business jets
Sino Jet and China Aviation Fuel have implemented what they describe as China’s first sustainable aviation fuel compliance service for foreign-registered business jets. The service is designed to help international business aviation operators meet SAF-related requirements while operating in China. The development combines aviation fuel supply and compliance services and creates a mechanism for foreign-registered business aircraft to participate in the country’s emerging SAF framework.
South Australia opens consultation on biodiversity protection
The South Australian Government has opened public consultation on the bodies that will support implementation of the state’s proposed Biodiversity Act. The consultation is part of the development of South Australia’s first dedicated biodiversity legislation and seeks views on the proposed governance arrangements for biodiversity protection. The government says the legislation is intended to establish a framework for protecting and restoring biodiversity across the state.
Antibiotice Iași cuts electricity costs by 20% using solar generation
Romanian pharmaceutical producer Antibiotice Iași reduced its electricity expenses by 20% during the first half of 2026 following the deployment of its own solar generation capacity, according to reports. The company is state-controlled and has been developing renewable-energy infrastructure as part of efforts to reduce its dependence on grid electricity.
Savor says independent LCA finds up to 98% lower emissions for carbon-derived fats
Food technology company Savor has released an independent life-cycle assessment examining its carbon-derived fats, according to reports. The assessment found emissions reductions ranging from 50% to 98% compared with conventional fats including butter, palm oil and cocoa butter, depending on the product and comparison.
California prepares next funding rounds for EV fast-charging infrastructure
The California Energy Commission is preparing the next funding windows under its Fast Charge California Project, with applications expected to open in October 2026. The programme supports DC fast-charging infrastructure and is open to property owners, businesses, site hosts and EV service providers. The commission is holding a webinar on 18 August to explain eligibility, equipment and network requirements and the application process for the forthcoming funding rounds.
