Today’s ESG Updates
- US Dismantles Appliance Efficiency Standards: The Trump administration introduced a new rule making future efficiency mandates harder to enforce.
- New Zealand Set to Miss Climate Targets: The Climate Change Commission says the country would need to double its emissions cuts to meet 2030 and 2050 goals.
- EU Publishes Net-Zero Industry Act Guidance Documents: The European Commission released guidance on Articles 25 and 26.
- MN8 to Acquire Greenbacker in $375 Million Deal: The merger would combine 4.3 GW and 1.9 GW of capacity to create a top-three U.S. clean power platform across 33 states.
US Department of Energy cuts energy-efficiency standards for household appliances
The Trump administration is continuing its battle with energy conservation standards, introducing a new rule that would make it harder for future presidents to enforce energy efficiency standards for appliances. Previously, the administration moved to repeal 17 standards for washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances. In a domestic policy bill introduced last year, tax breaks were phased out for homeowners who purchased energy-efficient water heaters or upgraded their insulation.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency within the U.S. economy stalled in 2025 after years of positive progress. Speaking on efficiency standards, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said, “Americans should be free from radical Green New Scam mandates to choose the appliances they want in their homes.”
While energy-efficient appliances may cost more up front, they typically save consumers money over time. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that energy efficiency standards have saved American households around $576 each year. As the war in Iran continues and heatwaves suffocate the United States, energy costs and demand are increasing, and energy efficiency is more important than ever.
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Further reading: The U.S. Is Pulling Back on Energy Efficiency Just as Prices Are Rising
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New Zealand on track to miss climate targets
In an annual emissions monitoring report, New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission announced that the country is on track to miss its 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Jo Hendy, the independent advisory body’s Chief Executive, said, “Emissions are gradually falling but progress stalled in 2024, and current policy settings are not delivering at the pace needed.” In order to meet targets, New Zealand would need to double its greenhouse gas emissions cuts.
The commission encouraged an uptake in batteries, industrial heat pumps, electric vehicles, and solar panels as low-emissions alternatives. It also called on the government to provide clearer information around fossil fuel substitutes and use targeted investments to finance the transition.
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Further reading: New Zealand climate goals at risk as emissions progress stalls, report says
Related Articles
Here is a list of articles selected by our Editorial Board that have gained significant interest from the public:
European Commission publishes new guidance documents for Net-Zero Industry Act
This week, the European Commission published guidance on Article 25 and Article 26 of the Net-Zero Industry Act, which first entered into force in June 2024. The goal of the Act, paired with the two new guidance documents, is to use public spending as a tool to strengthen Europe’s clean-tech manufacturing industry. It will focus on sustainability and supply chain resilience, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.
Article 25 covers public procurement for net-zero technologies. It requires buyers to apply minimum standards on environmental sustainability and to favor diversity in clean-tech supply. Article 26 relates to renewable energy project auctions. EU countries must apply non-price criteria such as on-time and complete delivery, cybersecurity, business conduct, and sustainability. Both guidance documents aim to offer greater clarity to ensure implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act.
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Further reading: Commission publishes guidance on the application of non-price criteria under the Net-Zero Industry Act
MN8 to acquire Greenbacker in $375 million deal
MN8, an independent power producer (IPP) based in the United States, announced its acquisition of Greenbacker, a U.S.-based IPP and investment manager, in a $375 million deal. The merger would create a top-three clean power platform in the United States, combining MN8’s 4.3 gigawatts (GW) of capacity with Greenbacker’s 1.9 GW and expanding operations to over 33 states.
The merger comes at a time when energy demand is growing rapidly in the U.S. with AI and data center expansion. Jon Yoder, President and CEO of MN8, said, “This combination brings together two complementary platforms at a critical time… Together with Greenbacker, we will have the scale, diversification, and expertise to lead the next chapter of America’s infrastructure build-out.”
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Further reading: MN8 Energy to Acquire Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC, Creating a Top-Tier American Power Platform
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Wendelin Jacober.
