An 'end of year' snapshot of sustainability driven business innovation

Article by edie

Heineken has updated its flagship ‘Brew a Better World’ sustainability strategy, retiring and simplifying several key social ambitions while maintaining its commitment to a net-zero carbon value chain by 2040. The strategy was first launched by the multinational Dutch brewer in 2021. The company claims that it has now made sustainability “part of” its core business, exceeding short-term goals to cut operational emissions, replenish water and increase the representation of women in senior management roles.

Article by ESG today

Lawmakers in the European Parliament approved today a provisional agreement reached last week with EU member states to significantly scale back sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements for companies. The agreement was adopted with 428 votes in favor and 218 against, in addition to 17 abstentions.

Water management in arid conditions and limited rainfall pose an inevitable challenge. But what if the solution lies beneath our feet? In this episode of Qatar in Motion, Laila Humairah goes to the depths of the earth to uncover how Qatar is creating a sustainable oasis for its green landscape.

Article by Finextra

Barclays is collaborating with UK-based artificial intelligence company ExpectAI to help small and medium-sized businesses grow their profits, using sustainability insights. From early 2026, using publicly available information, Barclays will test ExpectAI’s Una platform. The software creates digital twins of SME operations to deliver an adaptive carbon profile, tailored energy-efficiency recommendations, and connections to verified providers and funding partners to accelerate implementation.

Article by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €14 million loan to Farmalogist, the leading pharmaceutical distribution company in the Western Balkans, to construct a new logistics centre in Serbia.

The loan includes €1.2 million of concessional financing provided by the Global Environment Fund (GEF), reflecting the project’s strong green credentials.