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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Sustainable aviation fuel market to be worth $84.5 billion by 2035
The global sustainable aviation fuel market will reach a market value of $84.5 billion by 2035, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 35.2% from 2026 to 2035, according to a new report from DataM Intelligence. North America is identified as the largest region for SAF, while Asia-Pacific is forecast to grow fastest. Current IATA data estimates global SAF production at about 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, equivalent to 0.8% of annual jet-fuel consumption.
World Water Council calls for new doctrine on water management
The World Water Council has called for a new approach to water management, shifting the focus from increasing supply towards managing demand. Speaking at Cairo Water Week, president Loïc Fauchon highlighted wastewater reuse, desalination, improved groundwater management, digital leak detection and water-saving technologies. “For too long we have prioritised supply; the time has come to proactively manage demand,” he commented. The Council also called for greater consideration of the water footprint of agriculture, livestock, industry and tourism, as well as action on food waste.
European Commission and UNEP renew environmental cooperation
The European Commission and UNEP have renewed their strategic partnership, signing an amendment to their memorandum of understanding. The cooperation will focus on three areas: climate action for sustainability, resilience, competitiveness and security; ecosystem action covering land, ocean and freshwater systems; and scaling circular-economy, resource-efficient and pollution-free value chains. “We are grateful for UNEP’s invaluable science-based input to policy-making and look forward to deepening our strategic partnership,” said Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
Ricoh sets out sustainable growth agenda in 2026 Integrated Report
Ricoh has published its 2026 Integrated Report, in which the Japanese firm sets out its approach to sustainable growth and its contribution to a sustainable society, alongside financial and non-financial information. Ricoh’s 2026 ESG strategy includes higher greenhouse-gas reduction and renewable-energy targets for fiscal 2030.
EU proposes new Climate Resilience Law
The European Commission has proposed a European Climate Resilience Law intended to establish a more coordinated approach to assessing and responding to climate risks. The Commission says the framework will support public authorities, businesses and communities in preparing for risks including heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and flooding. It includes a European Climate Viewer, a Navigator of Climate Resilience Tools and a Mission Solutions Explorer. The Commission also plans a European heatwave plan, climate insurance alliance and European water initiative.
LG Energy Solution and Energix target 2 GWh of European and North American storage
LG Energy Solution and Energix Renewable Energies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding covering potential battery energy storage system supplies of approximately 2 GWh over the next 24 months, according to reports. The companies are targeting 1.5 GWh in Europe and 0.5 GWh in North America, while also discussing expansion of the potential total to 4.5 GWh. Their cooperation is expected to begin with Energix’s Jonava renewable-energy project in Lithuania, which includes a planned 320 MWh storage system. “Leveraging our differentiated technology and local manufacturing capabilities, we will accelerate the growth of our global ESS business,” commented Changbeom Kang, ESS battery division leader, LG Energy Solution.
ChargePoint launches European channel partner programme
ChargePoint has launched a new three-tier Channel Partner Program for resellers across Europe. The programme covers the UK, France, DACH, Benelux and Nordic regions and provides tiered pricing, growth rebates, joint marketing funds, training, certification and project-registration protections. ChargePoint said the programme is designed to support the deployment of EV charging infrastructure by giving partners greater commercial and technical support. “The transition to electric transportation depends on the strength of the ecosystem delivering charging infrastructure to businesses and fleets,” said John Saffrett, managing director, ChargePoint Europe.
France funds €1m green hydrogen project led by Novacium
A consortium led by French deep-tech company Novacium, alongside Axel’One and AD-VENTA, has secured almost €1 million in public funding under France’s RAPID programme for its METAGENE green hydrogen project. The project has a total budget of €1.2 million and aims to develop a self-contained, high-pressure hydrogen production station using a solid, non-hazardous metallic fuel. The 30-month project began in September.
Emvolon raises $22m to commercialise waste-to-fuel technology
US climate technology company Emvolon has closed a $22 million Series A funding round, alongside federal and state grants. The MIT spinout converts methane-rich waste gases into liquid fuels and said the new funding will support deployment of its first commercial-scale modular chemical system for converting waste methane into biomethanol. Investors include MassVentures, VX Ventures and Wagner Carbon. “Emvolon has a unique ability to expand available energy sources by deploying onsite, establishing local fuel supply chains, and ensuring regional energy resilience,” said Emmanuel Kasseris, co-founder and CEO of Emvolon.
Caribbean countries launch regional marine conservation plan
The Wildlife Conservation Society and the Caribbean Biological Corridor have launched a 30×30 Plus Marine Action Plan at COP17 in Yerevan. The framework covers the Greater Antilles and is intended to improve regional coordination on marine biodiversity and ecological connectivity. The plan was launched with government representatives from countries in the region at a COP17 side event focused on connected marine ecosystems and the 30×30 conservation target. “The ocean knows no borders, and neither should our conservation efforts,” said Pamela Castillo, 30×30 marine director at WCS.

