How Google is decarbonizing its facilities

Smart temperature and lighting controls, purchase power agreements and building electrification are all being used by the tech giant to reduce scope 2 emissions.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 16, 2023

BlackRock decarbonization venture with Temasek reached $1B in climate tech investments in Q3

CEO Larry Fink said the joint venture with the Singapore-based investment firm committed a first round of funding to five companies developing technologies that will be critical to the clean energy transition.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 13, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

This year has shaped up to be a formative one for ESG, from the U.S. pulling out of major climate agreements to federal agencies recalibrating their approach to sustainability under the new administration.

By ESG Dive staff

Greenwashing growing in frequency and complexity: report

“Social washing,” which is when companies make misleading claims of conduct on social issues, is also on the rise, according to a report from ESG data and research company RepRisk. 

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 11, 2023

BlackRock creates net-zero investment after axing pair of ESG funds

The asset management firm has shifted resources to climate-specific funds after the SEC updated the “Names Rule” to increase accountability on ESG funds.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 9, 2023

Target increases PCR in packaging, slides on virgin plastic reduction

The retailer said it is “applying lessons learned” to turn around the virgin plastic number.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 6, 2023

Marriott, Hilton and other hotels launch alliance for sustainable procurement

The founding companies, also including Accor, IHG and Radisson, will use EcoVadis's rating systems to create a common sustainability standard for the industry’s value chain.

By Jenna Graber • Oct. 6, 2023

Suppliers say automakers must balance sustainability with safety, costs

Greater standardization of targets and measures would help the automotive industry reach net-zero emissions globally by 2050, a Center for Automotive Research report says.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 2, 2023

75% of companies unprepared for coming ESG audits: KPMG

As regulators worldwide begin to mandate ESG disclosures, only 25% of companies are ready for audits of their reports, KPMG said.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 26, 2023

22 Republican state attorneys general accuse a financial services climate alliance of potential antitrust violations

The letter, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, alleges the Net Zero Financial Services Providers Alliance’s market influence could “deprive disfavored companies of economic opportunities.”

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 18, 2023

Ikea expands on sustainability initiative with 2 clean energy projects

The home furnishings retailer plans to install solar panels and battery energy storage systems, along with renewable heating and cooling projects, in multiple locations across the United States.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 18, 2023

Apple backs California climate bill requiring large companies to disclose carbon footprint

Senate Bill 253 would require businesses operating in the Golden State that make over $1 billion to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 14, 2023

Gensler says Scope 3 emissions flap delays final climate risk rule

Republican senators criticized Gensler for what they said is a burdensome and divisive regulatory agenda.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 12, 2023

ESG ratings fluctuate for asset managers: Morningstar

Three U.S.-based firms saw their grades move up, while UBS Asset Management slipped following its merger with Credit Suisse.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 11, 2023

Lego to invest $1.4B in sustainability as it pledges net-zero emissions by 2050

The Danish toy manufacturer plans to reduce its environmental impact by designing carbon neutral factories and producing more renewable energy.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 5, 2023

Vanguard joins BlackRock in pouring cold water on ESG proposals

The nation’s two largest asset management firms supported fewer environmental and social proposals in 2023, as companies voted on a record number of ESG proposals.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 1, 2023

EPA enforcement priorities include new focus on landfill methane, PFAS

The agency’s latest update to its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives drew comments from industry trade groups as well as New York City about potential implications for waste operations.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2023

Who will pay to decarbonize the supply chain?

Some brands are helping their suppliers reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Others are dumping new requirements on vendors without shouldering any of the costs.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 15, 2023

6 CFO tips for handling the backlash against ESG

The ESG backlash has compelled companies to alter their sustainability strategies, including ensuring close alignment with core business goals, the Conference Board said.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 9, 2023

Gensler pressured by 80 Democrats to adopt climate risk rule

Democrats backed a proposed SEC rule on carbon emissions disclosure following GOP-backed hearings last month aimed at curbing federal promotion of ESG principles.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 7, 2023

Record number of ESG shareholder proposals go to a vote

As of June 30, approval rates for shareholder proposals focused on environmental and social issues fell compared to all of 2022, Diligent Market Intelligence said.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 4, 2023

SEC takes climate rule criticism ‘very seriously’: top official

GOP lawmakers on Tuesday accused an SEC division director of undermining capitalism by pushing for a climate risk disclosure rule.

By Jim Tyson • July 18, 2023

Sustainability can boost bottom line: Brand Finance

Companies that fail to live up to consumers’ perceptions of their ESG performance put hundreds of millions in value at risk, according to Brand Finance.

By Jim Tyson • June 30, 2023

ESG standard setter releases global reporting rules

The global effort to harmonize rules for corporate sustainability reporting will now focus on rallying adoption of its voluntary standards in dozens of jurisdictions worldwide.

By Jim Tyson • June 27, 2023

SEC General Counsel defends climate risk disclosure rule

Republican lawmakers accused the SEC’s top attorney of stonewalling requests for information on the agency’s regulation and enforcement.

By Jim Tyson • June 22, 2023

GOP lawmakers tell Gensler not to bow to EU’s tough climate rules

The Biden administration aims to allow strict EU standards on climate risk to guide actions by U.S. companies, according to top Republican legislators.

By Jim Tyson • June 6, 2023