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 […]

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% […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Sustainability: A Necessity for Business Survival

Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity for survival in today’s business world. As ESG regulations tighten across Europe and globally, businesses must move beyond corporate responsibility toward a measurable, accountable, and strategic approach. Companies that fail to adapt are already finding themselves excluded from funding, investors, and supply chains. As I wrote in […]