CSR News - December 2025

👉 The Commission simplifies transparency rules for sustainable financial products

On 20 November 2025, the European Commission proposed a series of amendments to the “SFDR” regulation. These changes “aim to address current shortcomings by simplifying the rules, making them more effective, and better suited to market realities.”

Source: European Commission, 11/20/2025

👉 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2359 of 8 July 2025 supplementing Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying a method for assessing greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved through low-carbon fuels

On 21 November 2025, the European Commission published a delegated regulation supplementing Directive (EU) 2024/1788, which establishes common rules for the decarbonisation of natural gas and hydrogen markets. This regulation sets out in its annex a method for assessing the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through low-carbon fuels other than recycled-carbon fuels.

Source: European Union, 11/21/2025

👉 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1416 of 11 July 2025 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772 as regards the postponement of the application date of disclosure requirements for certain companies

On 10 November 2025, the European Commission published the delegated regulation amending the timeline for the application of sustainability-related disclosure obligations laid down in Regulation (EU) 2023/2772. The text aims to ease the burden on companies, notably by allowing companies with more than 750 employees to benefit from the same transitional provisions as other firms. The regulation enters into force on 13 November 2025 and applies to financial years beginning on 1 January 2025.

Source: European Union, 11/10/2025

👉 Commission Communication on the interpretation and implementation of certain legal provisions of the European Green Bonds Regulation

On 6 November 2025, the European Commission published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to clarify certain requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/2631. This FAQ is intended to support stakeholders implementing the new voluntary standard for European green bonds and forms part of the Commission’s efforts to make the sustainable finance framework more accessible.

Source: European Union, 11/06/2025

👉 New Europe invest template

First introduced in 2022 and now in its third annual revision, the template offers a solution for ESG data collection and reporting across the PE/VC investment chain. In 2025, the update focuses on:

• Consolidation and clarification of existing metrics
• Improved materiality and user-friendliness
• Continued alignment with EU regulations and major industry initiatives
• Adjustments to reflect recent market trends

More metrics may be added in future templates (possibly v5.0) as regulation and market practices evolve.

Source: Invest Europe, 11/13/2025

👉 TNFD pauses technical work as ISSB takes over nature-related standard-setting

The TNFD will halt its technical work after the IFRS Foundation confirmed that the ISSB will lead global standard-setting for nature-related disclosures. TNFD, created in 2021 and modelled on the TCFD, published its final recommendations in 2023. It will now shift to supporting market adoption while ISSB develops nature standards integrated with IFRS S1/S2. For financial institutions, this marks a consolidation of climate- and nature-reporting frameworks, signalling future expectations for stronger governance, risk management and metrics on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Source: ESG Today, 11/12/2025

👉 UK publishes new sustainability assurance standard

The UK’s Financial Reporting Council has released ISSA (UK) 5000, a national version of the global IAASB sustainability assurance standard. Designed for voluntary use, it aims to improve the quality and consistency of assurance across multiple frameworks (EU, ISSB, GRI, ISO). The move comes as the UK considers mandatory sustainability reporting. For financial institutions, it signals rising expectations for assured, decision-useful ESG data.

Source: ESG Today, 11/12/2025

👉 SBTi releases updated draft of Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2

The SBTi has published a revised draft of its Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, aiming to make science-based climate action more accessible while remaining aligned with global climate goals. The proposal introduces greater flexibility, including multiple pathways for direct emissions-reduction targets and clearer conditions for the use of carbon credits. The draft also offers a broader “menu of options” to help companies reduce their carbon footprint, with the goal of enabling more firms to set credible net-zero commitments.

Source: ESG Today, 11/10/2025

👉 European Parliament backs major cuts to CSRD and CSDDD

The European Parliament has adopted a negotiating position supporting sweeping reductions to the CSRD and CSDDD. MEPs voted to significantly narrow company scope (CSRD thresholds: 1,750 employees and €450m turnover; CSDDD thresholds: 5,000 employees and €1.5bn turnover) and to remove mandatory climate transition plans under the CSDDD. ESRS requirements would be simplified, with sector-specific standards made voluntary. Trilogue negotiations with the Council begin next week, aiming for a deal by year-end.

Source: Sustainable Futures Linklaters, 11/13/2025

👉 The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched a second public consultation (6 Nov – 8 Dec 2025) on its revised Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2. The update aims to strengthen scientific credibility while making climate-action frameworks more accessible and adaptable across regions and sectors.

Source : SBTi, 11/06/2025

👉 The ISSB board has agreed to advance work on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services (BEES) disclosures. Following staff recommendations, it will explore incremental nature-related reporting to fill gaps in IFRS S1 and S2. An exposure draft on nature disclosures is expected ahead of COP17, pending formal approval.

Source : Responsible Investor, 11/10/2025

👉 More than half of asset owner equity holdings face significant physical climate risk, according to MSCI. The report links rising losses—over US$2 trillion globally in the past decade—to escalating extreme weather, with Australia among the most exposed. Despite 94% of firms assessing risks, few take long-term resilience action.

Source : Responsible Investor, 11/03/2025

👉 The TNFD has published new guidance on integrating nature into corporate transition plans. Building on GFANZ and TPT frameworks, it helps organisations align with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by embedding nature-related goals, actions and accountability mechanisms within core business strategies.

Source : TNFD, 11/2025

👉 Nearly 50% of global banking assets are now covered by the UN’s Principles for Responsible Banking, with signatories embedding sustainability across strategy, governance and client engagement. MSCI analysis indicates PRB banks pay, on average, one percentage point less for equity and debt capital, suggesting a financial advantage. Regulators are increasingly aligning with practices pioneered by UNEP FI.

Source : UNEP FI, 10/15/2025

👉 The ECB has issued its first climate-risk-related fine, imposing periodic penalties on Spanish bank ABANCA for failing to adequately identify climate risks. The decision follows the ECB’s push to integrate climate risk into supervision after its 2022 stress test showed banks remain overly exposed to high-emitting sectors and must accelerate risk-management upgrades.

Source : ESG Today, 11/11/2025

👉 Ørsted has become the first global energy major to complete a full green transition, achieving a 98% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and reaching 99% renewable energy. After a decade-long shift from fossil-heavy operations to offshore wind leadership, it now sets a benchmark for energy-sector decarbonisation.

Source : ESG News, 11/12/2025

👉 A new EU-commissioned study shows women-led start-ups receive only 12% of total VC funding, while women represent just 16% of General Partners and manage around 9% of AUM. The launch of the EU Gender Investment Dashboard aims to improve data transparency and accountability to address persistent funding inequalities.

Source : BusinessNow, 11/14/2025

👉 A new Bain survey of global GPs and LPs shows steady, though uneven, momentum on private-markets decarbonisation. Nearly all investors now assess emissions in due diligence, and 70% of GPs see decarbonisation as a long-term value driver that strengthens fundraising. The PMDR framework is rapidly becoming an industry standard, though many investors still lack measurement and specialist expertise.

Source : Bain, 11/19/2025

👉 Unlisted companies increasingly adopt strong ESG practices to attract capital, with BCG data showing they often outperform listed peers on decarbonisation. Private-equity funds say sustainability requirements can lift portfolio EBITDA by 4–7%. The trend spans private debt, infrastructure and real estate, supported by long investment horizons and growing demand as clean-energy investment now outpaces fossil fuels two-to-one.

Source : Les Echos, 11/18/2025

👉 Deutsche Bank has set a €900 billion goal for sustainable finance by 2030, focusing on ESG investments, transition finance, and biodiversity. This includes launching its first Transition Finance Framework to support clients in advanced industrial transitions, as global markets shift toward low-carbon models.

Source : ESG News, 11/18/2025

👉 Banks are under increasing pressure from investors and society to align their financing with global sustainability goals, especially the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive economy. Many banks, including UNEP FI members, have set impact targets and are now focused on implementing them. "A Guide to Transition Plans for Banks" offers practical guidance for developing and advancing these transition plans.

Source : UNEP FI, 11/2025

👉 The EU invests USD 3 billion to accelerate the development of net-zero technologies in 18 countries.

Source : ESG News, 11/03/2025

👉 New white paper sets the foundation for a forthcoming Adaptation for Resilience (mARs) Guide supporting Environmental Objective 2 of the ASEAN Taxonomy.

Source : ESG News, 11/25/2025

👉 A Morgan Stanley survey of 950 institutional investors finds over 80% expect to increase allocations to sustainable investments in the next two years, with performance cited as the main driver. Nearly 90% of asset owners and managers view sustainable strategies as a key differentiator when awarding mandates, signalling strong demand across regions.

Source : ESG Today, 11/25/2025