How ESG-Based Lending Is Reshaping Greek Businesses

Introduction to ESG-Based Lending Over the last few years, corporate financing has entered a period of deep transformation. Traditional financial indicators such as revenue, liquidity, and creditworthiness still matter. However, they no longer tell the full story. Today, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria sit at the core of banking risk assessment. As a sustainability […]

Why the Global Carbon Levy on Shipping Still Matters

Introduction to the Global Carbon Levy on Shipping As someone who has spent over two decades working with corporations and institutions on ESG and sustainability strategies, I’ve seen how complex yet vital global cooperation is when it comes to emissions pricing. The global carbon levy on shipping, now under negotiation by the International Maritime Organization […]

Europe’s Next Green Engine: The Power of Sustainable Procurement

Introduction to Sustainable Procurement As sustainability professionals, we often talk about innovation and impact — but few tools hold as much untapped potential as public procurement. Representing nearly 14% of the European Union’s GDP, public spending is not just administrative: it’s transformative. When governments choose sustainable suppliers and low-emission solutions, they can accelerate Europe’s green […]

AI Meets ESG: How Artificial Intelligence is Redefining Sustainability Strategy

Introduction: AI’s Transformative Role in ESG As a sustainability professional with over two decades of experience, I’ve witnessed many technological revolutions — but few as transformative as Artificial Intelligence (AI). No longer a futuristic concept, AI is rapidly reshaping how organizations design, implement, and measure their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. Whether it’s predictive […]

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 […]

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 […]