Today’s ESG Updates
- Active Super Fined A$10.5M for Greenwashing – Australia’s Court penalized Active Super for misleading ESG claims, retaining investments in coal, oil, and gambling.
- EU Pledged €2.5B for Syria’s Recovery – The EU committed €2.5B to support Syria, aiding transition and socio-economic recovery.
- AIB Raises €500M for Green Projects – AIB secured its seventh green bond, bringing total ESG funding to €6.9B, supporting renewable energy, clean transport.
- Allianz Publishes First CSRD-Compliant Report – Allianz cut emissions, grew sustainable investments by €4.5B, and strengthened ESG leadership with transparency.
Active Super hit with A$10.5M fine for greenwashing scandal
Australia’s Federal Court fined Active Super A$10.5 million for misleading ESG claims, ASIC said Tuesday. In 2023, ASIC sued Active Super for falsely stating it had divested from gambling, coal, oil tar sands, and Russian investments. The fund still held stakes in SkyCity, Gazprom, Shell, and Whitehaven Coal. Justice O’Callaghan noted that LGSS misrepresented its ethical investments to attract investors. LGSS said it was reviewing the penalty and considering its options. For companies wishing to stay on track with ESG guidelines, see ESG Tools.
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Further reading: Australia’s Active Super hit with $6.7 million penalty for false environmental claims
EU commits €2.5B to rebuild Syria and support refugees
The EU hosted the ninth Brussels Conference, pledging €2.5 billion for Syria’s transition and socio-economic recovery in 2025-2026. EU leaders reaffirmed support for a Syrian-led transition, increasing aid for Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. Civil society played a key role in discussions. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib emphasized the aid as a lifeline for millions, reinforcing dignity, opportunity, and peace. Since 2011, the EU has provided nearly €37 billion in assistance.
Photo Credit: Siddhant Soni
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Further reading: EU pledges €2.5 billion to support Syria and the region
AIB secures €500M to fuel green infrastructure and climate action
AIB raised €500 million through its seventh green bond, reinforcing its leadership in climate finance. With €6.9 billion secured from ESG bonds and €5.1 billion in green lending in 2024, sustainability remains central to AIB’s strategy. Investor demand peaked at €1.3 billion, with green investors comprising over 60% of the order book. AIB aims to fund renewable energy, green buildings, and clean transport, supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Photo Credit: Greg Rosenke
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Further Reading: AIB Raises €500 Million in Seventh Green Bond to Fund Ireland’s Energy Transition
Allianz leads industry with first CSRD-compliant report and major sustainability gains
Allianz published the insurance industry’s first fully CSRD-compliant Annual Report, reinforcing transparency and accountability. In 2024, it achieved major emissions reductions, cutting proprietary investment emissions by 50.7% and operational emissions per employee by 61.5% from 2019 levels. Sustainable investments grew by €4.5 billion to €171.9 billion, while P&C sustainable solutions revenue rose to €4.9 billion. Allianz remains committed to sustainability, resilience, and supporting customers’ transitions to greener practices. For companies looking to further their commitment to ESG, see ESG tools to navigate evolving sustainability reporting guidelines.
Photo Credit:Ricardo Gomez Angel
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Further reading: Allianz Boosts Sustainable Investments by €4.5 Billion, Cuts Employee Emissions 61.5%
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Timon Studler