Day: 6 January 2026

Demand for ESG ratings remains strong but companies seek more alignment with reporting standards, according to ERM research

Stuart Mitchell

ERM’s latest assessment of the ESG rating landscape finds that corporate sustainability professionals continue to value and engage with ratings agencies but are taking a more selective approach based on stakeholder needs. Rate the Raters, developed by ERM’s Sustainability Institute, finds that most (84 percent) companies plan to continue engagement with ESG ratings and see them as an important part of their sustainability strategy. However, more than three-quarters (77 percent) also emphasize the need for closer ratings methodology alignment with leading mandatory and voluntary sustainability standards. Investor demand drives engagement…

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BMW Group sets new climate target for 2035: At least 60 million tons of CO2e savings compared to 2019 – another milestone on the road to net zero

Stuart Mitchell

The BMW Group has defined a new 2035 milestone for cutting CO2e emissions on the road to net zero. The company aims to reduce its CO2e emissions by at least 60 million metric tons compared to 2019 levels, an additional reduction of approximately 20 million tons of CO2e beyond the existing 2030 target. In doing so, the BMW Group is pursuing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy along the entire life cycle, with the goal of achieving net zero by 2050 at the latest. This represents a firm commitment to the goals…

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Virgin Media O2 and The Multibank join forces to help people in poverty stay connected this winter

Stuart Mitchell

Virgin Media O2 is helping hundreds of people experiencing financial hardship stay connected this winter and beyond by providing free smartphones and O2 mobile data to The Multibank.   Through this new partnership, the company has donated refurbished phones and O2 data via its Community Calling programme with charity, Hubbub, which are being rehomed to people who need them through Multibanks in Fife, Swansea, and Tees Valley.   It’s part of the operator’s pledge to donate up to 12,000 devices to people who can’t afford data or devices during 2025, and comes…

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Unity Trust Bank sets the standard with its first impact verification

Stuart Mitchell

Unity Trust Bank has become one of a small number of banks around the globe to be independently assessed as meeting the ‘Operating Principles for Impact Management’ standard. This latest milestone underscores Unity’s commitment to drive positive social change and creates a benchmark for responsible banking in the UK. The ‘Principles’ are globally recognised guidelines for investors to ensure that their money is being used for good and reported in the correct way. Unity’s impact management system was reviewed and verified by The Good Economy, one of the UK’s leading…

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Co-op commits to LEAF Marque Certification, empowered by grower and farmer partnerships

Stuart Mitchell

Co-op announces commitment to enhance sustainability across its fresh produce supply chain by requiring all UK-grown products to be LEAF marque certified by January 2027.   The convenience retailer will roll out the environmental certification in its stores throughout 2026, in partnership with British growers and farmers, as part of Co-op’s ongoing strategy to strengthen resilience in its fresh produce supply chain.   The new LEAF marque is a recognised standard for sustainable farming, focusing on integrated farm management practices which promote soil health, biodiversity, and the protection of water resources. The certification will work alongside existing reassurance schemes such as Red Tractor.   Olivia Theaker, Co-op’s Agriculture Manager said: “Supporting British agriculture…

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