Sustainability Quarterly – September 2025

Amid geopolitical tensions, sustainability remains a key trend, in terms of market stability, navigating global dynamics, and in advancing the domestic and global energy transition.

In this edition of Sustainability Quarterly, we interview Marta Lesiewska, EMEALA Climate & Nature Lead at Anthesis, on the role of sustainability in mitigating risk in an uncertain market.

We also provide key takeaways from our recent event exploring decarbonisation and alternative fuel initiatives in international shipping, co-organised by HFW with the Institute of International Shipping & Trade Law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Law School and the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.

HFW Partner Jason Marett provides insights into sustainable finance in the sugar and agri-sector, and we detail considerations relevant to the preparation of an ESG policy.

We note in addition to an ESG policy, corporations and governments must also have a plan for how an ESG policy is implemented, and systems and processes in place for monitoring and reporting on the progress of that implementation. Otherwise, there is a risk of third-party litigation or regulatory enforcement for greenwashing.

Our regulatory updates for this quarter include UK developments in sustainable aviation fuel, emissions trading and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. In Australia, we note the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve and ‘Future Made in Australia’ package, concerning renewable hydrogen, critical minerals processing, ‘green’ steel, low-carbon fuels and clean energy manufacturing.

Firmina Chen, Knowledge Counsel, also contributed to this edition.

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