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PwC’s Second Annual State of Decarbonization Report: Essential ingredients for achieving your climate ambition
March 20, 2025
PwC’s State of Decarbonization Report shows companies aren’t backing down from their climate commitments. More companies than ever are making commitments, and 37% are increasing their ambitions while only 16% are decreasing their goals. Small companies are stepping up, too, driven by customer pressure. Even leadership changes aren’t shaking corporate resolve.
Our research shows climate isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a potential value driver. The winners will be those that fund the transition appropriately, govern it well and engage effectively with their supply chain partners to unlock value from product sustainability and Scope 3 decarbonization.
Read more insights in our report.
Sustainability watch
Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on:
- New SBTi standard
- Impact of the EU’s Omnibus proposals
- Trump administration tariffs, policies and regulations
- SEC guidance on a range of sustainability topics
- Potential limited access to NOAA and FEMA climate risk data.
How insurers can keep cool amid rising heat
March 26, 2025
Extreme heat could cost $2.4 trillion in annual productivity and $445 billion in fixed-asset losses for publicly listed companies by 2035.
The World Economic Forum, with the help of PwC’s Veronika Torarp, lays out solutions as the world faces the growing consequences of extreme weather.
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Big Tech, big demand: Can nuclear deliver?
March 25, 2025
US energy demand is soaring, fueled by AI-driven data centers, electrification and reshoring manufacturing. At the same time, energy security is a national priority, with “energy dominance” a key policy goal.
Nuclear, and especially small modular reactors (SMRs), are emerging as a reliable, zero-carbon solution. With Big Tech betting on nuclear, momentum is building, but challenges remain. Most US reactors are aging, and SMRs — while promising — are still untested at scale.
As investment and policy shifts accelerate nuclear development, organizations should assess their long-term energy strategies and consider how nuclear energy might fit into a resilient, low-carbon future.
“I’m an optimist. I think AI is going to help us solve [the energy demand] problem. We’re already seeing it.”
Listen to Scott Likens and Heather Horn, National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader at PwC US, discuss AI and sustainability on Episode Five, Sustainable Solutions, on The Atlantic’s The Most Interesting Thing in A.I. podcast.
Waste not, want not: EPR laws are reshaping waste management
March 24, 2025
In some states, local governments and consumers no longer carry the full burden for responsibly retiring electronics, mattresses and other used products. Who’s on the hook? The businesses making those products.
The US has more than 100 extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws across more than 30 states, so compliance can feel like juggling torches — while blindfolded. Here’s why:
- The regulatory jigsaw puzzle: EPR laws are state-specific and vary wildly from Oregon to Maine, which, alongside California, are setting the gold standard for EPR programs. It's messy, and no two laws are quite the same.
- Budget-busting costs: Rolling out take-back, recycling and logistics programs aren’t cheap. Plus, you may need to join or fund a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
- Your supply chain won’t love it: EPR laws can force big changes in sourcing, production processes and managing product returns. It’s like a supply chain makeover — but way less glamorous.
- Data management nightmare: Tracking a product’s entire lifecycle — from sale to disposal — means collecting and reporting mountains of data. Robust data systems aren’t optional; they’re survival tools.
Need more info on EPR laws? In his LinkedIn post, David Linich, Sustainability Principal, PwC US, outlines what you need to know and how to comply.
Proxy season preview: A new paradigm for investment stewardship
March 24, 2025
The SEC has issued significant new guidance on topics ranging from shareholder proposals to investor engagement and communication. This shift in approach raises questions about how business priorities and voting outcomes could be impacted during this year’s proxy season.
What does this mean for your company?
Case study: MakuSafe bridges safety and efficiency with wearable tech
March 19, 2025
A big challenge for industrial companies is how to effectively balance productivity and safety. MakuSafe had the answer: connected wearables. The company uncovered an untapped market for wearable devices that can help companies increase both productivity and worker safety.
Sustainability pays off — CEOs say ROI is real
March 17, 2025
PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey shows climate-friendly investments are six times more likely to boost revenue than decrease it.
Two-thirds of CEOs report these initiatives have reduced or maintained costs.
Capture the financial benefits of sustainability today.
The European Commission’s omnibus proposals: What you need to know
March 12, 2025
The European Commission published the first of the omnibus packages intended to simplify the region’s sustainability reporting requirements.
The EU proposed two updates to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive referred to as the “stop the clock” and the “content” proposals. The “stop the clock” proposal seeks to postpone some reporting deadlines by two years. This delay is intended to provide time for the adoption of the “content” proposal, which includes four primary areas of proposed changes, including the scope of the CSRD, value chain requirements, assurance requirements and updates to the ESRS standards.
Need CSRD reporting insights, omnibus proposal updates or the latest info on sustainability reporting in the US? How about help in assessing scope, timing and how proposed changes will impact your sustainability reporting strategy?
Don’t let carbon pricing dull your competitive advantage
March 14, 2025
Carbon emissions, and their price, are rising. Yet many companies don’t realize the carbon costs buried in their supply chain, quietly reshaping cost profiles. Get ahead by mapping your emissions, planning for price shifts and engaging investors.
Sustainability can drive savings if you “embed [it] throughout the business, not just in pockets, and make sure each function has accountability.”
Read more in Forbes about the two executives who can turn your company into a sustainability leader.
Grow through resilience: Turning climate risks into business wins
March 3, 2025
The choice is clear: adapt or be left behind. Companies that embrace climate adaptation aren’t just safeguarding assets; they’re building resilience and unlocking untapped growth. Start integrating climate strategies now and turn risk into competitive advantage.
How data centers are balancing AI growth and sustainability
February 27, 2025
The data center industry is racing to scale while grappling with power constraints.
Operators should balance speed, efficiency and resilience to stay ahead.
Want a deep dive on how data centers are prioritizing long-term energy stability?
Smart ways to invest? Survey says ... sustainability!
March 6, 2025
About two-thirds of US investors plan to invest more in companies addressing climate risks and opportunities, per PwC’s Global Investor Survey 2024. The winners? Firms innovating on renewables, building sustainable supply chains and boosting climate resilience.
The road ahead: How executive orders are impacting energy and the environment and driving a new policy landscape
February 24, 2025
Several of President Trump’s executive orders target the rollback of Biden-era environmental initiatives, including restrictions on public land drilling, stricter vehicle emissions standards and renewable energy expansion, while prioritizing domestic energy production. The result? Regulatory shifts that challenge companies to adapt. As these changes unfold, remember that organizations that integrate sustainability into strategy and access a broad array of US energy resources may potentially achieve meaningful growth, address energy demand and fortify their competitive edge.
What’s next? Read our latest insights on the new administration’s plans as executive orders, tariffs and other regulatory changes are announced.
10 questions to define a winning climate transition strategy
March 3, 2025
Climate success starts with a plan — one that’s sharp actionable and future-proof.
CFOs and sustainability leaders: Are you aligning behaviors to accelerate action? Managing time like a finite resource? Leveraging emotions to inspire change?
Planning for a world of sustainable chemicals
February 25, 2025
The what: The chemical industry is the second-largest industrial CO₂ emitter and relies on fossil fuels.
So what: To align with the Paris Agreement, it must cut emissions — 72% of which come from seven key chemicals.
Now what: Tap renewables, cost-saving decarb strategies and emissions-cutting innovations.
Margins up: Why sustainable product design can be a path to higher revenue — and profits
February 12, 2025
PwC’s Voice of the Consumer Survey showed shoppers are willing to pay an average 9.7% premium for sustainable goods. Tap into this with holistic design, sustainable materials, efficient manufacturing and life cycle assessment to cut costs, reduce impacts and drive demand.
CFO playbook: 7 sustainability strategies for managing risk, resilience and costs
February 17, 2025
Learn how an effective sustainability strategy can potentially boost revenue, leverage tax incentives and streamline data with advanced tech. Lead with trust, innovation and smarter decisions.
Ready to drive growth and mitigate risks?
Cut carbon, capture growth: The opportunity in sustainable capital projects
February 11, 2025
Sustainable capital projects can slash emissions and drive progress, but many companies miss the mark. Poor planning, misaligned goals and siloed teams derail efforts. Success demands clear strategies, agile execution and sustainability-focused decision-making.
Don’t let complexity stall your impact. Get the insights you need to turn ambition into action.
Add to cart: ESG controller, the position you didn’t know you needed
February 3, 2025
ESG controllers help generate thorough and reliable reporting, align sustainability with strategy and build trust. They’re watchdogs for transparency and defenders against reputational risks. Learn why ESG controllers are critical to your sustainability strategy.
From trade-offs to payoffs: CEOs on creating value with climate action
February 5, 2025
Action on sustainability has real upside. PwC’s survey of 4,700 CEOs shows that climate-related innovation has a positive effect on profit margins and revenues — as do half a dozen other climate-related business moves. What’s more, CEOs who report taking more climate action are also more likely to express confidence about the future of their business.
Designing for tomorrow: How life cycle assessments can drive product innovation
February 4, 2025
LCAs can uncover supply chain and product design inefficiencies and help you respond to increasing asks from customers and regulators. With growing demand for sustainable products, use LCAs to help align financial goals with sustainability wins. Start small: Set goals, collect data and assess key products.
The 10 common pitfalls of CSRD-aligned double materiality assessments
February 14, 2025
The EU’s CSRD significantly expands sustainability reporting, mandating companies to consider financial impacts and societal effects. To comply with the CSRD, your company will need to identify its material sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities. The required approach is a “double materiality” assessment. Avoid these common pitfalls and meet the new standard for regulatory disclosures. Ready to avoid surprises?
“Today’s CEOs are charged with an urgent priority: embedding sustainability into their core strategies to unlock pathways to new investment, drive innovation and fuel growth. In a rapidly changing environment, where exceeding the 1.5°C threshold becomes increasingly likely, companies need to both mitigate risks and adapt their business models to withstand climate impacts.”
Read more in ESG Today about the CEO’s Guide to Sustainable Transformation.
Chief sustainability officers: Leading the charge in 2025
February 14, 2025
In 2025, sustainability leaders are stepping into the spotlight, transforming sustainability from a buzzword to a business imperative. What’s in their playbook:
- Mastering ESG compliance
- Driving strategic sustainability initiatives
- Leveraging technology for growth.
Emissions reduction: The financial sector’s high-stakes hurdles
January 20, 2025
Cutting carbon footprints is crucial but challenging — complex accounting, data gaps and shifting targets persist. Financial institutions can succeed with advanced analytics, stakeholder alignment and scalable technology. Strategic, long-term action is essential.
Independent ESG assurance: The edge CFOs can’t ignore
January 24, 2025
Build trust with verified data, enhance transparency with clear audits, stay compliant with evolving ESG rules and gain a competitive edge. Assured ESG data isn’t just compliance — it’s smart business.
Investors speak: Sustainability is a business imperative
January 22, 2025
PwC’s Global Investor Survey 2024 shows climate action is vital for investor confidence. More than 70% of respondents say companies should embed sustainability into strategy and 50% say businesses must rethink how they create, deliver and capture value to address climate change.
Biodiversity and business: Why nature risk should be on your company’s radar
December 20, 2024
Ignoring nature’s decline isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a looming financial risk. CFOs and finance leaders should assess and mitigate these risks to safeguard their companies’ future.
Why it matters:
- Revenue risk: Nature-dependent industries risk massive revenue decreases partly from biodiversity loss.
- Regulatory pressure: Governments are stepping in, with new policies demanding accountability for nature-related risks.
- Investor expectations: ESG-focused investors are asking companies to disclose their nature impacts and plans.
What to do about it:
- Start tracking your nature footprint and embed biodiversity into your sustainability strategy.
- Look for opportunities to innovate with nature-positive solutions, such as regenerative agriculture or sustainable sourcing.
- Stay ahead of regulations with clear biodiversity risk disclosures.
What you really need to know (and do) about Scope 3 emissions
January 15, 2025
Scope 3 emissions — mainly indirect emissions from supply chains and product use — can account for more than 90% of a company’s carbon footprint. The catch? They’re the hardest to track and reduce. The upside? They can be a source of cost savings and competitive advantage.
To cut them, companies must:
- Understand the potential levers available to reduce emissions in each of the relevant 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions.
- Align with the right cross-functional stakeholders and outside partners on a detailed plan to reduce these emissions.
- Segment your suppliers and engage in smart collaboration to drive maximum impact.
- Invest in tech to track and manage data.
Ignoring Scope 3 isn’t just risky — it’s a missed opportunity for a competitive edge.
The CEO’s checklist for finding an edge with sustainability
January 15, 2025
Managing energy demand, uncovering hidden risks, investing in sustainability innovation and upgrading your data infrastructure. Four mission-critical actions to help your company respond to sustainability-driven opportunities. Ready to transform?
How tech can turn sustainability into a strategic advantage
January 8, 2025
Tech companies are under pressure to meet stricter sustainability reporting rules like California’s mandates and the EU’s CSRD. The challenge? Accurate data across complex supply chains isn’t easy. Smart tools, technology upgrades and adaptive strategies can simplify compliance and turn hurdles into opportunities.
Want a full breakdown?
The climate transition: a rising health concern
January 8, 2025
Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a health crisis. PwC’s 2024 US Healthcare Climate Survey shows 87% of health execs believe climate change will drive acute and chronic illnesses. The takeaway? Healthcare systems must adapt, building resilience to meet rising climate-induced health challenges. Learn how leaders can prepare for what’s next.
Is your climate tech up to the job? Ask these five questions
December 16, 2024
Selecting the right technology — software platforms, cloud-based analytics, plug-ins/add-ons to existing enterprise resource planning tools and data lakes — should be top of mind for companies that are developing an ESG reporting strategy. In making this decision, companies have a strategic opportunity to transform their ESG decision-making process by grounding it in data that can be analyzed throughout the year.
Company leaders should ask:
- Does our climate tech integrate with our existing systems?
- Can it scale with our evolving ESG goals and emerging technologies like AI and GenAI?
- Does it enable reliable data and compliance with regulations?
- Will it provide insights for decision-making?
- Is it user-friendly for all stakeholders?
Choosing wisely can change your ESG reporting from a compliance task to a strategic advantage.
How GE Vernova rose to the carbon challenge
December 11, 2024
GE Vernova is a global energy leader whose technology helps to generate about 30% of the world’s electricity. The company did three things to rise to the carbon challenge:
- Assessed the role of carbon pricing and market mechanisms in decarbonization
- Developed a strategic outlook of the digital value chain in carbon reduction
- Charted a path to meet shifting demands and unpredictable conditions while fortifying climate efforts.
Why US companies are betting big on climate
December 3, 2024
PwC’s State of Climate Tech 2024 report highlights where businesses see opportunities for technology to address climate challenges.
Findings of note:
- AI breakthroughs in both emissions reduction and climate resilience
- A trend of technologies to support adaptation and resilience
- Big companies’ focus on investments in energy and mobility solutions.
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