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ISO 14060 set to become key standard for net-zero strategies
ISO 14060 is set to become a key standard for businesses committed to achieving net-zero. Building on the 2022 net-zero guidelines will provide a clear framework for setting and delivering credible (science-based) targets. As scrutiny on corporate climate commitments grows, this standard will help organisations move beyond vague pledges and offsetting, ensuring real, measurable progress on decarbonisation. For sustainability leaders, it offers a structured approach to strengthening their organisation’s net-zero strategy and demonstrating accountability.
With ISO 14060 expected ahead of COP30 in November 2025, now is the time to start preparing. Organisations that align early—by reviewing targets, testing implementation strategies, and integrating the standard into new frameworks—will be well-positioned when it comes into effect.
European Commission to revise Corporate Sustainability ReportingDirective
The European Commission is revising the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), aiming to simplify requirements and reduce the burden on businesses. Under the proposed changes, only companies with more than 1,000 employees and either over €50 million in net turnover or €25 million in assets will need to comply. This adjustment is expected to exempt around 80% of previously affected businesses, significantly narrowing the scope of mandatory sustainability reporting.
For organisations, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. While it may ease administrative pressure for many, it also raises concerns about maintaining transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability efforts. Businesses that remain within the reporting scope will need to focus on delivering high-quality disclosures that align with evolving stakeholder expectations. With the proposal awaiting final approval, now is the time for organisations to assess how these changes will impact their sustainability strategies and long-term ESG commitments.
Key takeaways from the 17th Annual CSR & ESG Summit 2025
The 17th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit 2025 in Hong Kong brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of sustainability in business. With a focus on climate action, transition finance, carbon emissions, and diversity, the event highlighted how companies can integrate ESG principles into long-term strategy and decision-making.
A key theme was the growing pressure on businesses to move beyond compliance and demonstrate measurable impact. Speakers emphasised the need for transparent reporting, scalable green finance solutions, and innovative approaches to reducing emissions. As regulations tighten and investor expectations rise, the summit reinforced the message that ESG is no longer optional—it’s a critical factor in building resilient, future-ready businesses.
Nature study discovers data drift and its impact on AI performance
Recent research published in Nature highlights how AI models trained on unreliable or unverified data can produce inaccurate predictions, undermining their effectiveness. While this study focuses on medical imaging, the issue of data drift—the gradual decline in AI performance due to poor-quality data—applies just as much to energy management.
AI might have a place in enhancing energy monitoring and optimisation. Still, if AI models rely on flawed, outdated, or AI-generated data, errors can accumulate - leading to miscalculations in energy usage patterns, inefficient resource allocation, or even increased consumption. For AI to truly support sustainable energy outcomes, businesses must ensure their energy data is reliable, validated, and traceable. Without this foundation, AI remains a powerful assistant but not a decision-maker when it comes to managing energy in the built environment.