July 2025 sustainability updates: turning strategy into action
Edge Impact
A global impact consultancy combining science, strategy and storytelling to reimagine sustainability for positive impact
Catch up on the biggest developments in climate and sustainability across Australia and beyond.
Australia’s Climateworks Centre has launched a new guide that sets a higher standard for credible climate transition plans.
GRI updates its Climate and Energy Standards, aligning reporting with science and the GHG Protocol.
AICD and ACSI release a net zero governance guide for Australian directors.
The EU unveils a nature credits roadmap, encouraging private investment in biodiversity.
Upcoming FOGO mandates will impact businesses from 2026
We asked Mark Siebentritt, Edge’s Global Climate and Nature Practice Lead:
What’s one thing businesses should keep in mind as they prepare for mandatory climate disclosure?
Compliance may be the first step, but building long-term business value is the real goal.
Through our recent national workshop series with Commonwealth Bank, one thing is clear: climate reporting isn’t just a regulatory box to tick. When done well, it can help future-proof your business.
It also means tackling tricky areas like assurance, Scope 3 emissions, and quantifying risk with pragmatism rather than perfection. By bridging perception gaps and embedding climate into business strategy, organisations can unlock insights that shape a more resilient and competitive future.
— Mark Siebentritt, Global Climate and Nature Practice Lead, Edge Impact
Interested in joining the next Climate Disclosure Workshop? Register your interest here.
New guide sets a higher standard for credible climate transition plans
Australia’s Climateworks Centre has launched a first-of-its-kind guide detailing seven criteria to benchmark and strengthen corporate climate transition plans. The resource supports investor confidence and aligns with global expectations.
GRI updates Climate and Energy Standards for clearer, science-aligned reporting
The new GRI standards focus on science-based targets, just transition principles, and comprehensive energy disclosures all fully aligned with the GHG Protocol making reporting more consistent and actionable.
Boardrooms get new toolkit for net zero governance from AICD & ACSI
AICD and ACSI’s practical guide helps directors understand their legal and strategic roles in climate transition planning, featuring case studies and legal insights to support credible, forward-looking governance.
Upcoming FOGO mandates will impact businesses from 2026
Many large businesses still aren’t aware of the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling mandates rolling out in NSW. From July 2026, businesses and institutions will need to separate food and garden waste to reduce landfill and cut emissions. The rollout is part of a statewide approach, with household collection services to follow by 2030.
Learn more about the mandates.
EU launches Nature Credits roadmap to boost private investment in nature
The European Commission’s roadmap encourages private investment in nature-positive projects like wetland restoration and forest expansion, backed by clear standards to ensure credibility and prevent greenwashing.
NSW court blocks Australia’s largest coal mine expansion over emissions concerns
The NSW Court of Appeal overturned approval for Mach Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion, citing failure to consider full carbon pollution, including emissions from exported coal.
Consulting model shifts to focus on impact over output
Clients increasingly demand trusted partners who help transform strategy into measurable outcomes. Max Van Biene GAICD, Edge’s Global Director of Client Impact, shares how Edge is adapting with embedded expertise and flexible delivery models.
Climate disclosure in Australia: lessons from Edge and McGrathNicol workshops
Edge’s Mark Siebentritt and McGrathNicol’s Courtney Roe share lessons from recent climate disclosure sessions across Australia. Key takeaways include the need for clear data to build board confidence, growing supply chain disclosure pressures, practical scenario analysis steps, and balancing transparency with materiality in climate reporting.
Helping businesses get climate disclosure right
We’ve partnered with Commonwealth Bank to support Australian organisations through a three-part climate disclosure workshop series.
In our first session, Prioritisation, sustainability and finance leaders explored how to meet new reporting requirements and unlock strategic value.
Key takeaways:
Compliance is just the start: Focused effort in the right areas can create lasting business value.
Climate assurance is still evolving: Navigating it will take shared learning and flexibility.
You’re not alone: Many organisations are facing similar challenges and can benefit from practical collaboration.
Interested in joining a future session? Register your interest here.
At Edge Impact, we’ve spent over 15 years helping organisations lead with impact combining science, strategy, and storytelling to deliver real change.
Along the way, we’ve created a suite of practical resources to support others on the same path.
Explore our range of practical resources here.
Just starting your sustainability journey?
Explore practical resources and first steps to build momentum
Ready to tackle specific challenges?
Get in touch with our experts to discuss tailored solutions for your organisation.
— The Edge Impact Team
Passionate advocate for the environment| Foster a sustainable future for both people and the planet | SXSW 23, COP27 Speaker | BBC100 Women 2023
1moThank you team Edge Impact