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 […]

EU 2030 Climate Target for ESG Professionals: Key Strategies to Stay Ahead

As someone who has spent over two decades working at the intersection of sustainability, business strategy, and ESG innovation, I see the EU 2030 climate target ESG strategies as a pivotal challenge—and opportunity—for professionals today. This is more than policy—it’s a wake-up call for ESG professionals, and an opportunity to lead the charge in redefining […]

ESG Integration in Greek Companies: My Perspective from the 2025 CSE Research

As someone deeply involved in the sustainability field and President of the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), I see the findings of our latest 2025 research in Greece as both encouraging and concerning. ESG integration in Greek companies is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. But are Greek companies truly embracing this transformation? Key […]