What the New EU ESG Rules Mean for Greek Businesses

Introduction to EU ESG Rules Over the past five years, the European Union has made a clear strategic decision: to transform sustainability from a voluntary corporate practice into a structural pillar of the economy and a minimum operating requirement for large and medium-sized European businesses. This shift has been driven primarily through regulations such as […]

Europe’s ESG Landscape and Key Trends in 2026

Why Europe’s ESG Framework Is Resetting in 2026 Europe ESG trends 2026 reveal a reality that differs sharply from recent headlines. Behind regulatory delays, simplification efforts, and political pushbacks, ESG rules across the EU are not being abandoned. Instead, they are being recalibrated and embedded into the core of business, finance, and trade. As Europe […]

Interview with Nikos Avlonas, CSE: “We insisted on ESG long before it became mainstream”

As the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) celebrates its 20th anniversary, founder and president Nikos Avlonas looks back on two decades of growth, innovation and international impact. In this exclusive interview, he highlights the milestones that shaped CSE’s global presence, the strategic choices that strengthened its resilience and the urgent challenges sustainability professionals face […]

From Just-in-Time to Just-in-Case: Building Climate-Resilient Supply Chains

Introduction to Climate Resilience in Business Extreme weather is no longer an outlier—it’s the baseline. Floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires disrupt factories, transport corridors, and consumer prices. The once-celebrated efficiency of “just-in-time” now exposes businesses to cascading climate risks. As I argue in my book, Practical Sustainability Strategies, resilience must move from side project to […]

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 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 Certified ESG Practitioners Are Leading Sustainable Change

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with professionals who are shaping the future of corporate sustainability. One key thing I’ve learned? Real change is driven by knowledge, credibility, and leadership. That’s exactly what Certified ESG Practitioners bring to the table. In today’s business landscape, where greenwashing is quickly exposed […]

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 […]