Sustainability Watch: Monthly Regulatory Highlights – Sep 2025

As nations respond to the urgent call for environmental resilience and economic transformation, our newsletter brings you curated updates from Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. In Europe, sweeping reforms are empowering consumers, modernizing data systems, and driving green investment to support a competitive, climate-resilient economy. North America is navigating a complex energy landscape, balancing traditional energy support with evolving climate oversight. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is leading innovation in nature-positive strategies, carbon markets, ESG standards, and social finance platforms.

Europe

Europe is accelerating its green transition through a series of bold initiatives aimed at reshaping consumer behavior, industrial competitiveness, and environmental accountability. From new sustainability labels empowering shoppers to choose durable products, to streamlined climate regulations and ambitious waste reduction targets, the EU is laying the groundwork for a circular economy. Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank is fast-tracking green financing to support clean energy and innovation, and updated housing and population data rules promise smarter policymaking. Together, these efforts signal a unified push toward a more resilient, climate-conscious Europe.

North America

Recent developments in U.S. environmental policy signal a strategic pivot toward bolstering traditional energy sources while easing regulatory burdens. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a significant rollback of greenhouse gas reporting requirements, potentially exempting thousands of facilities across key sectors. Simultaneously, coordinated actions by the Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, and EPA aim to revitalize the coal industry through expanded leasing, substantial funding for plant upgrades, and revised emissions rules. These moves reflect a complex balancing act between energy resilience and environmental oversight.

APAC & Oceania

The Asia-Pacific region saw diverse ESG regulatory activity. Singapore introduced new controls on persistent organic pollutants, effective August 1, 2025, requiring permits and enhanced safety protocols. Vietnam enacted a new Electricity Law to boost renewable energy, aiming for 60% solar and wind by 2050. Australia published its Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, while Malaysia slashed renewable tariffs. The IFRS Foundation proposed amendments to 41 SASB standards and issued guidance on transition plan disclosures under IFRS S2. The GRI released new standards on climate change and energy, emphasizing just transitions and Scope 1–3 emissions. These updates reflect a strong regional push toward harmonized, science-based ESG reporting.

Adityam Dutta
Consultant, Insights & Advisory ESG team   Posts
Wendy Wen
Analyst, Insights & Advisory ESG team   Posts
Aashish Mathela
Junior Analyst, Insights & Advisory ESG team   Posts

Latest Posts

Out Now

Elevate Magazine - Issue #3

Discover how AI is reshaping the future of business.