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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COP17 presidency presents technology platform for biodiversity monitoring
The Armenian COP17 Presidency has presented a proposed Yerevan Technology Platform for Biodiversity Monitoring. The initiative is intended to help countries strengthen national biodiversity monitoring systems, assess implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and improve reporting against the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The platform is intended to expand international cooperation and use technology to improve biodiversity data collection and analysis.
EU launches consultation to shape new hydrogen strategy
The European Commission has launched a four-week call for evidence and targeted stakeholder consultation to inform its forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy. The strategy will seek to develop a resilient European hydrogen value chain and provide greater stability for investors. Responses are due by 23 November 2026. The strategy will be developed alongside the EU renewable-energy framework for 2040 and the bloc’s 2040 climate target.
Masdar agrees to acquire 550MW+ Greek solar project
Masdar has agreed to acquire and develop a more than 550MW solar photovoltaic project in Greece from Lightsource bp. The project is expected to become operational by the end of 2026 and generate enough electricity to supply more than 200,000 homes a year. Masdar also plans to integrate battery storage to support grid stability and renewable-energy integration. “These agreements represent another important milestone in our European growth strategy, expanding our portfolio with a high-quality solar asset that we will develop further with battery storage, and will deliver stable, long-term returns,” commented Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar.
Scotland allocates £1.35m for nature restoration, including Cairngorms wildfire recovery
The Scottish Government has announced £1.347 million for nature restoration projects, including £150,100 for habitat recovery following the Abernethy wildfire in the Cairngorms. The wider package includes river restoration, native oyster restoration, chough habitat work, deer management, invasive-species control and peatland restoration. The funding forms part of Scotland’s £23 million nature restoration budget for 2026-27. “Nature underpins our health, wellbeing, economy and way of life, which is why restoring and protecting it is so important,” commented Scotland’s climate action secretary, Gillian Martin.
Singapore commits S$143m to industrial decarbonisation
Singapore has launched a S$143 million Industry Decarbonisation Funding Initiative covering carbon capture, carbon utilisation and other emerging technologies including industrial electrification. Up to S$100 million will support companies working with research institutions on industrial decarbonisation challenges, while five existing projects will receive follow-on funding. Singapore is also developing a S$62.5 million testbed on Jurong Island for emerging low-carbon technologies.
Greenvolt sells 400MW/1.6GWh Polish battery projects
Greenvolt Power has agreed to sell two standalone battery-storage projects in Poland to A&R Investments. The Ełk and Turośń Kościelna projects each have 200MW of power and 800MWh of storage capacity, giving the combined portfolio 400MW and 1.6GWh. Both projects were completed in the third quarter of 2026 and rank among Poland’s largest battery-storage installations. ”We have one of the largest battery storage pipelines in Europe, have built strong expertise in developing these assets and will continue investing in this sector,” commented João Manso Neto, CEO of Greenvolt Group.
Logitech launches supplier decarbonisation programme
Logitech has launched Chain Reaction, a supply-chain decarbonisation programme initially involving 17 key suppliers. The programme will support suppliers with renewable-energy procurement, operational improvements and decarbonisation roadmaps. Logitech is targeting a 50% reduction in Scope 3 greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 and says the initiative is designed to help suppliers contribute directly to that target. “By integrating carbon transparency and decarbonization progress into our commercial metrics, we are enabling more value for our suppliers to grow with Logitech,” said Sree Chenincherry, chief supply chain operations officer at Logitech.
Heidelberg Materials pauses German carbon-capture project
Heidelberg Materials has paused its GeZero carbon-capture project at its Geseke cement plant in Germany. The company said the current conditions do not provide a viable business case, citing the maturity and availability of CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure and the associated economic risks. The decision affects the GeZero project but does not affect ongoing operations at the Geseke plant.
Amazon commits $1.4m to Japanese forest restoration
Amazon has announced its first Right Now Climate Fund investment in Japan, committing ¥220 million ($1.4 million) through 2030 to a forest biodiversity restoration project. Working with the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization, the project will restore up to 20 sites covering 100 hectares near Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Amazon says around 72,000 people, including 20,000 students, are expected to participate in nature-related activities.
