Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) Celebrates 20 Years of Global Impact

Presentation of the 3rd Edition of “Practical Sustainability Strategies” by CSE President Nikos Avlonas Athens, October 9, 2025 To mark its 20th anniversary of international leadership in sustainable development, the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) held the official presentation of the 3rd edition of the globally acclaimed book “Practical Sustainability Strategies: How to Gain […]

Why “Practical Sustainability Strategies” Remains a Global ESG Bestseller

Introduction to Practical Sustainability Strategies I’m proud to share the release of the 3rd Edition of the global bestseller Practical Sustainability Strategies: How to Excel in ESG and Gain a Competitive Advantage (Wiley, 2025). Over a decade after its first release, this book continues to inspire professionals, executives, and students seeking to turn sustainability into […]

How ESG Criteria Shape the Financing of Greek Companies

Introduction to ESG and Financing As an ESG and sustainability professional, I have witnessed how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have transformed the way businesses access financing. What was once a “nice to have” is now a fundamental requirement. Banks, institutional investors, and private equity funds no longer assess companies solely on financial performance. […]

Sustainability as a Driver of Business Value

Sustainability is no longer seen only as risk management or regulatory compliance. It has become a core driver of long-term value creation. According to Morgan Stanley’s latest Sustainable Signals: Corporates 2025 survey, 88% of companies worldwide believe that ESG practices (Environmental, Social, and Governance) directly contribute to long-term value. This figure has increased from 85% […]

When Brands Go Silent: The Rise of Greenhushing

For years, we have debated greenwashing in ESG —the act of exaggerating sustainability claims. But a quieter trend is emerging: greenhushing. Instead of overstating environmental efforts, some companies are choosing to say very little, or nothing at all, about their sustainability progress. A recent Wall Street Journal report highlighted how sustainability chiefs are recalibrating their […]

Is AI the Future of ESG or Just Hype? Real Risks & Rewards Explained

AI Meets ESG: A Powerful Promise Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the buzzword of the decade. From boardrooms to classrooms, from Silicon Valley to Davos, everyone is talking about how AI will change the way we work and live. But when it comes to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, the question is sharper: Is […]

Sustainability Persists—Despite (and Because of) ESG Backlash

Over the past year, “ESG backlash” has dominated headlines. Critics claim environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices are distractions, or worse, political theater. In the U.S., ESG has been weaponized in political debates, while Europe is doubling down on regulation and disclosure mandates. But amid the noise, one truth holds firm: sustainability is not a […]

Why the EU’s New Sustainability Standard for SMEs Is a Game Changer

The European Commission has taken a bold and necessary step by adopting the new EU SME sustainability standard, part of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). For me, having worked with companies across sectors and continents on ESG integration for over two decades, this is more than a regulatory update. It’s a strategic inflection point that […]

Greenwashing in Net Zero Commitments: A Growing ESG Risk

Greenwashing in Net Zero commitments is one of the most pressing challenges facing the ESG movement today. As someone who has worked in sustainability leadership for over two decades, I’ve seen how ambitious climate pledges can drive meaningful change—but only when they are backed by credible action. Unfortunately, more and more companies are making net […]

Sustainability as Value Creation: A Business Imperative

As sustainability becomes a core element of corporate strategy, a striking 88% of global companies now view sustainability value creation as a business opportunity rather than a cost, according to a recent Morgan Stanley survey. This shift signals more than a trend—it’s a transformation in how leaders approach ESG and long-term performance. As someone who […]