ESG in 5 Sustainability News - 17-02-2026
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
This week’s ESG in 5 highlights practical momentum across the sustainability landscape, from aviation fuel investment and circular fashion rules to fresh capital flowing into renewables and breakthrough fusion technology. The common thread: real money, real policy and real partnerships accelerating the transition from ambition to action.
Heathrow puts £100m behind sustainable aviation fuel.
Heathrow is stepping up its decarbonisation plans with a £100 million incentive scheme to boost sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use to 5–6% in 2026 — above the UK’s mandate. The funding is designed to narrow the cost gap between SAF and traditional jet fuel, giving airlines a practical reason to switch. It’s a clear signal that major transport hubs are moving from climate commitments to real financial backing, helping scale cleaner fuel supply across aviation.
SOLV Energy lists at $6bn as renewables attract fresh capital.
Solar and storage infrastructure specialist SOLV Energy has debuted on Nasdaq at a $6 billion valuation, reflecting continued investor confidence in the energy transition. The company builds and maintains large-scale renewable projects — the kind of assets now central to grid stability and electrification. Its successful IPO highlights how capital markets are still firmly behind companies delivering tangible clean energy infrastructure.
EU bans destruction of unsold clothing in circular economy push.
The European Union is moving to stop companies from destroying unsold clothing, a major step in tackling textile waste. Under new circular economy rules, brands will need to rethink production volumes, inventory management and resale strategies. The policy strengthens the EU’s push to reduce waste at source and embed circularity into mainstream business models — particularly in fast fashion.
Fusion startup Inertia secures $450m to scale breakthrough technology.
Inertia has raised $450 million to accelerate development of its laser-based fusion energy system, described as one of the most powerful in the world. While commercial fusion remains a longer-term goal, significant funding rounds like this show growing belief that next-generation clean energy technologies can move from lab to grid. Investor appetite for high-impact climate innovation remains strong.
Airbus and Qantas support low-carbon aviation fuel producer HAMR.
Airbus and Qantas have backed low-carbon fuel company HAMR to help expand sustainable aviation fuel production. The partnership supports new fuel pathways aimed at cutting lifecycle emissions from air travel. With manufacturers and airlines investing directly in supply, aviation decarbonisation is becoming more coordinated, and more commercially grounded.
