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European Commission proposes common energy and water rating system for data centres
The European Commission has proposed a common rating scheme for individual data centres with capacity above 500kW, requiring transparent information on energy and water use and recognising contributions such as waste-heat reuse and clean-energy generation. The EU expects data-centre capacity to triple over the next five to seven years, while the first sustainability labels are expected in 2027.
UN launches sustainable procurement framework for companies
The UN Global Compact has launched a Sustainable Procurement Implementation Framework designed to help companies integrate environmental, social and governance considerations into procurement and supplier management. The framework was developed by the organisation’s Coalition for Sustainable Procurement and supports a stated ambition of enabling 100,000 companies to integrate sustainability into procurement by 2030.
Bureau Veritas raises revenue growth target and sets €1bn AI services goal
Certification body Bureau Veritas has upgraded its 2027–2028 total revenue growth target to double-digit growth. The company is targeting €1 billion in revenue from AI-driven markets and services by 2030 under its LEAP | 28 strategic plan. “In 2027 and 2028, we will accelerate acquisitions, and we will complete the full rollout of the performance and people programs and amplify their impact,” commented Hinda Gharbi, CEO.
Amazon commits $20m to Colorado River water conservation
Amazon is investing $20 million in water-conservation projects across the Colorado River Basin through a new corporate coalition targeting $100 million over two years. Two initial projects include $2.2 million for leak detection and repairs in Orange County, expected to save more than 189 million gallons annually, and $2.4 million for agricultural sensors expected to save about 238 million gallons a year.
ADM plans carbon-removal credits from 800,000-tonne facility
ADM plans to enter the voluntary carbon-removal market with credits generated by its Columbus, Nebraska, carbon-capture operation, which has capacity exceeding 800,000 tonnes a year. The credits are being certified under Puro.earth’s Geologically Stored Carbon methodology, with initial issuance expected by year-end subject to audit. ADM expects a 15-year crediting period following certification and verification.
EWEC projects 45% fall in Abu Dhabi power and water emissions
Emirates Water and Electricity Company projects that carbon emissions from Abu Dhabi’s electricity and water production will fall by more than 45% by 2035, from about 42 million tonnes in 2019 to approximately 23 million tonnes. The projection comes as electricity demand is expected to increase substantially, with the system plan combining renewable generation, changes in water production and other infrastructure measures.
EU launches Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform
The European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee and European Committee of the Regions have launched a Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, bringing together more than 50 high-level experts. The platform will address implementation barriers under the EU Water Resilience Strategy, with work focused on digitalisation, water efficiency and water reuse. A separate European Water Academy is also being launched. “This summer of extreme heat and drought has underlined more than ever how fundamental our water agenda is to increasing our resilience,” commented Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.