With so much happening in the world of corporate sustainability, SustainabilityOnline has introduced The Sustainability Brief – a regular round-up of some of the top stories making headlines around the world.
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IUCN warns biodiversity funding and implementation gaps remain after COP17
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has welcomed progress made at COP17 but warned that the outcomes do not fully match the scale of action and financing required to achieve global biodiversity targets. The organisation highlighted the need for greater financial resources, improved monitoring and stronger implementation of national commitments. ‘We leave Yerevan with a stronger framework for effective, equitable and participatory biodiversity action, and a set of new, leading initiatives and decisions to back it,’ IUCN said in a statement.
EU and Canada join forces to improve climate-risk forecasting
The European Commission and Environment and Climate Change Canada have agreed to strengthen cooperation on climate modelling through the EU’s Destination Earth initiative. The DestinE partnership will combine European and Canadian data, scientific expertise and AI-enabled modelling to improve forecasting of extreme weather and climate risks. Initial priorities include wildfire prediction, Arctic climate risks and improved preparedness for extreme weather events.
Uniper and Stadtwerke Lippstadt agree 42 MWh battery storage project
Uniper and German municipal utility Stadtwerke Lippstadt have signed a seven-year agreement covering a planned battery storage facility with a power capacity of 20 MW and storage capacity of approximately 42 MWh. Uniper will market and commercially optimise the installation, supporting the integration of renewable electricity into the German power system. “Battery storage systems are playing an increasingly important role in an energy system with a growing share of renewables,” commented Nils Beenen, managing director of Uniper Energy Sales GmbH.
UNEP highlights restoration opportunities across 24 cities
UNEP has reported progress through its Generation Restoration Cities initiative, which has supported 24 cities across 19 countries in incorporating nature-based solutions into urban planning. The programme has helped integrate restoration into 31 policies and urban plans and developed 87 assessments and tools. Participating cities have identified more than 196,688 hectares for potential future restoration, while the initiative has reached more than 1.5 million people through awareness activities.
Skyworth launches global smart microgrid brand
Skyworth Solar has launched Solavita, a new global brand covering smart microgrid and distributed energy solutions. Its portfolio combines rooftop solar, battery storage, energy management systems and larger-scale microgrid solutions for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company highlighted a residential installation in Jesteburg, Germany, combining 18.9 kW of rooftop solar with 20.48 kWh of battery storage. “As renewable energy becomes more distributed, the long-term performance of the whole system becomes increasingly important,” said Fan Ruiwu, chairman of Skyworth Solar.
China and Malaysia discuss cooperation on marine biodiversity
Scientists, environmental organisations and students from China and Malaysia have met in Sanya, China, to discuss marine conservation and regional ocean cooperation. The China-Malaysia Youth Ocean Dialogue examined the effects of El Niño on coral reefs, coastal erosion and the importance of cross-border biodiversity research. Participants also discussed establishing regional early-warning systems and improving the sharing of marine science data.
Researchers explore ways to convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), working with BOKU University in Vienna, have developed a process that uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) and electricity to produce itaconic acid, a chemical used in biodegradable plastics, textiles, adhesives and resins. The study combines electrochemical and microbial processes in a single bioreactor. The researchers converted CO₂ into formate using electricity and then used a genetically engineered yeast strain, Komagataella phaffii, to produce itaconic acid from the formate.
Emirates Flight Catering wins food waste award for biodigester initiative
Emirates Flight Catering has been named Best Food Waste Initiative of the Year at the 2026 Middle East Waste & Recycling Awards, recognising its use of Power Knot biodigesters to divert food waste from landfill across its Dubai operations. The technology uses microorganisms to convert food waste into grey water within 24 hours. Following a pilot in 2024, the company commissioned a larger LFC-3000 biodigester in December 2025, capable of processing substantial volumes of organic waste, and has ordered a second unit for its Food Point facility.
Hizenergy presents battery storage solutions for European markets
Hizenergy has presented its commercial and industrial battery energy storage portfolio for European markets, targeting businesses seeking to manage electricity costs and integrate renewable generation. Its Enerbox system offers 125 kW of power and storage capacities of 261 kWh or 313 kWh, with multiple units capable of operating in parallel. The systems are designed to support solar self-consumption, peak-load management, energy trading and backup power.
