Google announced two new solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Japan, its first in the country, supporting the construction of new solar projects that will add 60 MW of clean energy capacity to the Japanese grid. According to Google, the new agreement will contribute to its commitment to power all its operations on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) by 2030. Google…
The European Council announced today that it has approved the Net-Zero industry Act (NZIA), a new law introducing a framework of measures aimed at scaling up Europe’s manufacturing capacity for technologies key to achieving the EU’s climate goals. The announcement marks the last major step in the adoption of the NZIA, following the European Parliament’s approval of the new regulations…
Green logistics-focused startup shipzero announced today that it has raised €8 million (USD$8.7 million) in a Series A funding round, with proceeds from the financing aimed at supporting the company’s growth, and the expansion of the capabilities and reach of its transport emissions management platform. Launched in 2018 by co-founders Mirko Schedlbauer and Tobias Bohnhoff, Hamburg, Germany-based shipzero helps shippers,…
The European Council announced today the approval by member states of regulations for a new “Ecodesign” framework to establish sustainability requirements for nearly all products across the EU, as well as a new ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear. The announcement by the EU Council marks the last major step towards the final adoption of the new…
German power producer RWE announced that it has signed two 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Microsoft for the purchase of renewable energy from two new Texas-based onshore wind farms, with a combined capacity of 446 MW. The two new renewable energy projects include RWE Peyton Creek II and the Lane City project. Peyton Creek II, currently under construction, is…
This week in ESG news: 80% of companies see sustainability as revenue and profit driver, Morgan Stanley survey finds; EU passes environmental, human rights sustainability due diligence law; Holcim to build €500 million net zero cement plant; tech giants launch carbon removal buyers coalition; Bloomberg survey finds most lawyers don’t expect SEC climate disclosure rule to survive intact; Diageo decarbonizes…
Thomas recently joined Rio AI as Associate Director – Financial Services. Based in London, he brings a deep understanding of sustainability practices, essential for crafting sustainable financial strategies. Previously at Deloitte, Thomas led initiatives around the EU Taxonomy Regulation, developed the ‘Taxonomy Map’ framework and supported clients with sustainability disclosures under various directives such as CSRD and SFDR. His extensive…
The European Council announced today the approval by member states of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), marking the final step in the adoption of legislation setting mandatory obligations for large companies to address their negative impacts on human rights and the environment across their value chains. The final adoption of the directive had come into significant doubt in…