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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UN calls for faster private-sector investment in clean energy
The UN Global Compact’s Private Sector Forum has called for faster public-private investment in clean energy, grid infrastructure and energy access. More than 100 CEOs, government leaders and UN representatives attended the 20 September forum in New York. Participants identified grid constraints, financing costs, regulatory uncertainty and limited energy access as barriers to deployment, while also discussing blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms for emerging markets.
United Group reaffirms 2027 renewable electricity and 2040 net-zero targets
Telecoms firm United Group has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, reaffirming its target to source 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2027 and reach net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040. Its interim climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. In 2025, the telecoms and media group assessed more than 2,700 suppliers for ethical compliance and recorded 42% female representation at group leadership level.
‘The Wombles’, Chronicle Media partner on sustainability-focused YouTube channels
The Wombles and Chronicle Media have partnered to manage two new YouTube channels, combining remastered episodes from the 1970s and 1990s with new animated and live-action content. The new programming will focus on reuse, sustainability, gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, and outdoor environmental actions. “The Wombles has inspired generations of devoted fans with its enduring message of environmental responsibility and service,” said Aaron Sisto, co-founder and CEO of Chronicle Media.
Velocys launches larger reactor for sustainable aviation fuel projects
Velocys has launched its AlphaCore 800 microchannel Fischer-Tropsch reactor for larger sustainable aviation fuel and e-fuels projects. The reactor can produce up to 800 barrels per day, or approximately 30,000 tonnes a year, of Fischer-Tropsch liquids. A 60,000-tonne-a-year FT plant could use two AlphaCore 800 reactors instead of eight AlphaCore 200 units, reducing the number of reactors required by 75%.
E.ON responds to £30m Great British Energy funding for community clean energy
E.ON UK has welcomed £30 million of Great British Energy funding for more than 1,000 local and community-led clean-energy projects across the UK. “This new funding for community-led clean energy projects is an important step towards helping more communities take greater control of their energy and lower bills,” commented Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK.
Zambia signs 25-year PPA for planned 500MW solar project
Zambia’s national utility ZESCO has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Hungary-based EnerSynk Group for a planned 500MW solar project in the Copperbelt province, according to reports. The agreement allows the project to progress to technical studies, environmental and regulatory processes, financing and implementation planning. The facility is intended to supply renewable electricity to Zambia’s national grid.
China-ASEAN electricity cooperation reaches 75bn kWh of cross-border exchange
China and ASEAN countries have developed 16 cross-border transmission lines rated at 110kV or above, with cumulative electricity exchange exceeding 75 billion kWh, according to the China Electricity Council. The announcement was made at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo, in Nanning, China.
World Circular Economy Forum brings 3,600 stakeholders to India
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 brought more than 3,600 stakeholders from 62 countries to Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 15–18 September, according to reports. The event covered circular finance, sustainable resources, digitalisation, circular supply chains, extended producer responsibility, green jobs and sustainable products. It was organised by India’s Central Pollution Control Board, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sitra and the governments of Finland and Gujarat.