ESG in 5 Sustainability News - 24-03-2026
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Sustainability continues to move firmly into the mainstream, with companies and investors placing greater focus on practical, measurable climate solutions. From carbon removal and clean energy infrastructure to more detailed transition planning, ESG is increasingly centred on real-world implementation rather than long-term ambition alone. This shift reflects growing pressure for transparency, accountability and tangible progress as businesses adapt to a lower-carbon economy.
Google turns landfill methane into carbon removal opportunity.
Google has signed a deal with AMP to deliver 200,000 tonnes of carbon removal by 2030, using waste-based biochar technology that also helps tackle methane emissions from landfill-bound organic waste. The agreement links carbon removal to waste infrastructure, showing how climate strategies are increasingly targeting multiple environmental problems at once.
The significance is broader than the volume alone. Methane remains one of the most potent near-term warming drivers, and solutions that prevent landfill emissions while creating long-term carbon storage are attracting growing corporate interest. For the market, this reflects a shift away from simple offsetting toward higher-integrity, infrastructure-linked climate interventions.
Chanel sets out first climate transition plan.
Chanel has unveiled its first climate transition plan, setting out how it intends to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 2040. The plan includes targets to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and Scope 3 emissions by 42% over the same period, with remaining emissions to be addressed through nature-based solutions and removals.
For the luxury sector, this is an important signal. Climate strategy is moving beyond broad ambition statements toward structured transition planning that covers operations, materials, packaging, supplier engagement and long-term energy investment. As scrutiny grows, brands are under rising pressure to show not just targets, but credible pathways for how decarbonisation will actually be delivered.
Tesla and LG deepen battery push for grid-scale storage.
Tesla and LG Energy Solution are set to build a $4.3 billion lithium-iron-phosphate battery plant in Lansing, Michigan, to supply cells for Tesla’s Megapack 3 utility-scale energy storage systems. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027, reinforcing the strategic importance of battery manufacturing capacity as demand for large-scale energy storage continues to accelerate.
This is not just an EV story. Grid-scale storage is becoming a core enabler of renewable power systems, helping smooth intermittency and improve energy reliability. Investment in domestic battery supply chains therefore carries both industrial and climate significance, particularly as governments and corporates seek to strengthen clean energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on external manufacturing hubs.
Carlsberg refreshes ESG strategy with tougher climate focus.
Carlsberg has relaunched its ESG programme under the name Brewing Tomorrow, built around four pillars: Cutting Carbon, Protecting Nature, Empowering People and Inspiring Choice. The updated framework introduces stronger absolute Scope 3 emissions reduction targets, expands commitments on regenerative agriculture and recycled materials, and keeps the group focused on net zero across its value chain by 2040.
What stands out is the move from relative to absolute emissions targets across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, a more demanding approach that gives investors a clearer sense of real-world decarbonisation. As large consumer businesses deal with more complex portfolios and supply chains, the message is clear: ESG programmes are becoming more operational, more measurable and more embedded in long-term business resilience.
KKR backs India’s electric bus build-out.
KKR, one of the world’s largest global investment firms, is committing up to $310 million to scale Allfleet, India’s electric bus platform, while also taking a minority stake in manufacturer PMI Electro. The platform is targeting deployment of more than 5,000 electric buses under long-term agreements with state transport authorities, highlighting the pace at which clean public transport is moving from pilot stage to scaled infrastructure.
The deal also marks KKR’s first Global Climate Transition investment in India, underlining how private capital is moving deeper into emerging-market decarbonisation themes. Urban mobility is becoming a major climate investment category, particularly where electrification can reduce emissions, improve air quality and support the expansion of reliable public transport in fast-growing cities.
