1.🌏Microsoft Invests in Low-Carbon Cement Startup Fortera to Tackle Data Center Emissions
Microsoft has invested in California-based green cement startup Fortera, securing rights to purchase its low-carbon “ReCarb” cement that cuts emissions by 70% compared with ordinary Portland cement. The investment, made through Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, will help Fortera build its first 400,000-ton-per-year commercial plant, expanding from its current 15,000-ton pilot.
Cement production contributes 8% of global CO₂ emissions, making it one of the hardest industries to decarbonize. Fortera’s technology captures waste CO₂ as a feedstock, allowing producers to reuse existing kilns and maintain cost parity. This collaboration is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to decarbonize data center construction, following similar deals with Sublime Systems, Stegra, and investments in Boston Metal, CarbonCure, and Prometheus Materials.
“Corporate investment can accelerate emerging markets like low-carbon cement,” said Microsoft’s Brandon Middaugh. “Fortera’s approach offers deep emission cuts and compatibility with current infrastructure.”
2.Amazon Signs Deal for Solar Energy to Power Data Centers in the U.S.
Amazon has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Avangrid, part of Spain’s Iberdrola Group, to procure renewable energy from the new Oregon Trail Solar project. Expected to start operations in 2027, the 57 MWdc (41 MWac) solar plant will provide clean electricity to Amazon’s Pacific Northwest data centers.
The project will use over 100,000 solar panels, generate power equivalent to 10,000 U.S. homes, and create around 200 construction jobs, primarily for local union workers. It will also deliver US$6 million in local tax and community benefits over its lifetime.
This marks the second collaboration between Amazon and Avangrid in Oregon, furthering their mission to expand renewable infrastructure and support energy independence across the U.S.
“This agreement reflects Amazon and Avangrid’s shared commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable energy solutions for America’s growing needs.” — José Antonio Miranda, CEO of Avangrid
3.EU Reduces GHG Emissions 37%, but Faces Growing Climate, Nature Risks: Report
The European Environment Agency (EEA) reports that the EU has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37% since 1990, even as its economy grew 60%, showing clear progress toward its climate goals. However, the report warns of mounting threats to Europe’s competitiveness and resilience due to worsening climate and nature crises.
Renewable energy now makes up 24% of total final energy use and 45% of electricity, while fossil fuels still supply nearly 70% of the EU’s energy. Sectoral progress is uneven—energy and industry emissions are down sharply, but transport and agriculture lag behind.
Climate-related events have caused €738 billion in losses since 1980, with €162 billion in just the last three years. If warming exceeds 1.5°C, the EU could lose €2.4 trillion between 2031–2050 and face a 7% GDP decline by 2100.
Biodiversity continues to deteriorate, with 81% of habitats in poor condition, prompting urgent calls to accelerate environmental action.
“Protecting nature is not a cost—it’s an investment in competitiveness and resilience.” — Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President, European Commission
4.🏦Net Zero Banking Alliance Ceases Operations
The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a UN-backed coalition launched in 2021 to align banks’ lending and investment portfolios with net zero by 2050, has ceased operations following a member vote. The group will transition into a non-membership guidance framework to help banks set and implement decarbonization targets.
After rapid growth to 140 member banks representing $74 trillion in assets, NZBA faced mounting political pushback from U.S. Republican leaders and a wave of high-profile exits — including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, HSBC, UBS, and Barclays.
Although the alliance has ended, its Guidance for Climate Target Setting for Banks remains publicly available and is considered the most widely used global framework for bank-level climate target setting.
“This is not a retreat from climate action but a course correction that broadens global participation,” said Gill Lofts of EY.
5.📊 Most Companies Say Pressure for Sustainability Reporting Increasing Despite Regulatory Pullback: PwC Survey
According to PwC’s Global Sustainability Reporting Survey 2025, pressure from investors, customers, and internal stakeholders for sustainability disclosure continues to rise, even as regulators in the U.S. and EU scale back mandatory reporting. PwC surveyed nearly 500 executives across 40 countries, finding that 77% of companies either report or plan to report under CSRD or ISSB frameworks.
While 40% plan to delay CSRD reporting in line with new EU expectations, an equal share will proceed on their original schedule. Over 66% of companies increased resources for sustainability reporting, 65% boosted senior leadership involvement, and only 6% cut back.
Technology adoption is accelerating—AI use doubled to 28%, centralized data storage jumped to 65%, and sustainability management software reached 37% usage. PwC notes that companies leveraging sustainability data beyond compliance can gain strategic insights to improve operations, resilience, and innovation.
“Leading companies are using sustainability data not just for reporting, but as a tool for smarter business decisions,” said Nadja Picard of PwC.
