Sustainability will remain a subject of great interest on a global scale as the world strives to establish a more sustainable civilisation. The year ahead will bring several key developments that will shape the trends for sustainability in 2025 in various sectors.
Expansion of Regulations and Compliance Requirements
In the coming year, businesses will face robust and streamlined regulations designed to improve transparency and sustainability compliance. The focus will be on simplifying existing laws and creating a unified framework for reporting, making it easier for businesses to comply with sustainability standards.
- The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has extended its enforcement of anti-greenwashing rules to April 2025.
- The European Union (EU) has already indicated that it will introduce a consolidated framework for sustainability reporting, integrating existing regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
- EU authorities have also announced a review of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the end of 2025 to expand the scope of covered goods.
Related Insight: CBAM Explained | Tunley Environmental
These sustainability and reporting trends in 2025 will lead to a more unified, transparent and accountable regulatory environment, designed to improve the overall effectiveness of sustainability efforts.
Increase in Clean Energy Integration
The global transition to clean energy is expected to accelerate in 2025. Technological advancements and policy shifts will drive the adoption of renewable energy and efficiency solutions.
- Research from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that renewable energy sources are projected to account for 35% of global electricity production, with wind, solar and hydroelectric power leading the way.
- Electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to double by 2025, fuelled by advancements in battery technology and expanding charging infrastructure.
- Countries such as Japan and Germany are pushing forward with hydrogen projects, which will play a key role in decarbonising heavy industries by 2025.
Related Insight: UK Autumn Budget Impact on Sustainability
Increased Investment in Sustainability Technology
Innovations in AI, climate tech, and clean energy solutions will enable more efficient resource management and provide businesses with new ways to address environmental challenges.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) for Sustainability: AI is predicted to play a crucial role in sustainability by optimising energy use, possibly predicting climate risks and improving overall efficiency in industries.
- The UK is expected to continue to lead in climate-focused AI and tech investments, which have already seen a 7% growth in 2024.
- Investment in climate tech firms is expected to surge, providing new solutions for challenges such as carbon capture and resource conservation.
Related Insight: AI Boom and Climate Change
Sustainability Solutions will be Community-Led
With the growing need to adapt to climate change, community-led and nature-based solutions will take centre stage in 2025. These approaches will be critical for addressing biodiversity loss, building resilient communities and enhancing climate adaptation efforts.
- Reforestation, wetland restoration and other nature-based solutions will become increasingly vital for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, especially in vulnerable regions.
- Cities will invest in sustainable urban planning, focusing on energy-efficient buildings, green spaces and public transportation systems.
- Local communities, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), will lead efforts in sustainability, leveraging international collaborations to address their unique vulnerabilities.
These trends on sustainability highlight the importance of local, nature-based solutions to build resilient ecosystems in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
The Tunley Environmental Sustainability Report
This report contains all necessary information about sustainability and reporting trends in 2025. It explores critical areas such as carbon reduction, biodiversity conservation and resource efficiency. For organisations hoping to make significant strides in the direction of a sustainable future, this is a vital resource.
What you can find in this report
- Global sustainability developments in climate action, biodiversity and energy infrastructure.
- Regulatory guidance shaping industries worldwide.
- Tunley’s year in review.
- Challenges facing global sustainability progress.
- Highlights from COP 16 and COP 29.
- Outlook on sustainability in 2025
The Bottom Line
The trends for sustainability in 2025 indicate a year of accelerated change, with regulatory advancements, technological innovations and increased focus on community-led solutions. As businesses prepare for these shifts, staying informed about 2025 sustainability trends will be essential for maintaining competitiveness, enhancing sustainability performance, and contributing to global climate action.