Sustainability teams are entering 2026 under growing pressure: more climate regulations, more reporting requirements, and higher expectations from leadership — all while being asked to deliver real emissions reductions. This 4th Sustainability Trendbook of the Year takes a step back to analyse what 2025 has revealed and what sustainability managers should prepare for next.
This is the fourth year in a row that we publish the Sustainability Trendbook, a resource that many sustainability teams in our community have used over time to adapt their priorities, tools and ways of working in a rapidly evolving landscape. This edition is informed by ongoing conversations with more than 70 sustainability professionals, experts and regulators, whose practical experience grounds the analysis in day-to-day reality. Their insights help ensure that the trends presented here reflect not only regulatory developments, but also how sustainability work is actually being organised, resourced and delivered inside organisations.
This edition focuses on a major shift underway across sustainability and carbon regulation: the move from exhaustive reporting toward proof of credible decarbonisation planning and execution. Drawing on global regulatory developments, voluntary frameworks and market signals, the report explains how regulators are starting to give teams space — and in some cases explicit requirements — to focus on action rather than just disclosure.
Inside the trendbook, readers will find:
- A clear analysis of how sustainability and carbon frameworks are evolving in 2025–2026
- A global regulatory horizon showing upcoming climate, carbon and decarbonisation requirements
- A world map highlighting key regional and national regulations impacting multinational companies
- Practical insights on how sustainability teams can rebalance time and resources toward decarbonisation execution, ROI and tangible results
Written for sustainability leaders, ESG and reporting teams, this trendbook helps organisations anticipate regulatory change, simplify reporting where possible, and refocus on what truly drives impact: delivering and tracking real decarbonisation initiatives. Register your interest to receive the Trendbook in the form.
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