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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Alliance to End Plastic Waste reports 138,162 tonnes of plastic waste reduced in 2025
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste says its programmes reduced 138,162 tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste and valorised 165,317 tonnes during 2025, according to reports. Since 2019, cumulative reductions have reached 378,147 tonnes and 418,529 tonnes of plastic waste has been valorised, while the alliance says it has catalysed $641 million in third-party and impact-investor funding commitments. “We have made important progress this year and are building momentum for the years ahead,” said Jacob Duer, president and CEO, Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
Oracle seeks 2GW of new renewable energy in New Mexico
Oracle has issued an RFP for 2GW of new renewable generation in New Mexico, covering solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable technologies for delivery between 2027 and 2031. The projects will support Oracle’s Project Jupiter commitment to achieve 100% carbon-free energy matching by 2031. “New Mexico has an extraordinary opportunity to grow its renewable energy resources and create lasting value for communities across the state, and Oracle wants to help accelerate that growth,” said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
Google commits €13bn to Finnish AI infrastructure, clean energy and environmental projects
Google will invest €13 billion in Finland over 2027–28 across digital infrastructure, clean energy and local partnerships, its largest single investment in Europe. The programme includes a 22-year agreement supporting the Loviisa nuclear plant, new onshore wind capacity and a 94MW battery system. Google will also fund forest and wetland restoration and invest €31 million in local communities.
UK government seeks evidence on AI-enabled clean-energy system
The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has opened a call for evidence on how artificial intelligence could transform the electricity system, covering generation, transmission, demand, system operation and longer-term impacts. The consultation applies to England, Scotland and Wales and will inform development of the UK AI for Clean Energy Strategy. Responses are requested by 6 November 2026.
Suniva raises $835m to build second US solar-cell factory
Suniva has completed an $835 million debt and equity financing package to build a second US solar-cell manufacturing facility in Laurens County, South Carolina. The plant is expected to begin operations in late 2027 and will add 4.5GW of annual capacity to Suniva’s existing 1GW operation in Georgia, taking total US manufacturing capacity to 5.5GW.
FTC Solar starts shipments for 330MW Australian solar and storage project
FTC Solar has started tracker shipments for Naturgy subsidiary Global Power Generation’s 330MW solar and 180MW battery-storage Fraser Coast project in Queensland. The hybrid facility is expected to begin operations in 2028 and will be Naturgy’s largest renewable-energy project in Australia. GPG currently has 1.3GW of renewable capacity operating, 0.5GW under construction and a 2GW Australian development pipeline.
Teleste sets 80% Scope 1 and 2 reduction target for 2030
Teleste has had its near-term climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The company plans to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% by 2030 from a 2022 baseline, while cutting Scope 3 emissions from the use of sold products by 51.6% per product sold over the same period. The targets cover operations and the value chain.
Marine heatwaves increase coastal CO₂ uptake by 11%, study finds
Researchers led by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon found that many coastal and shelf seas absorb more atmospheric CO₂ during marine heatwaves than under normal conditions, with the strongest effect in northern polar and subpolar regions. The analysis found an average increase of about 11% in coastal CO₂ uptake. The researchers cautioned that increased uptake does not indicate an overall climate benefit because heatwaves also alter sea ice, ecosystems and ocean chemistry.
