The Most Important ESG Trends for 2026?

Apr 14 2025 By Evelyne Hoffman Ecology Agriculture Economy 0 Comments

In 2026, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies will no longer be optional for businesses – they will be a fundamental part of corporate governance, driven by evolving regulations, investor demands, and societal expectations. The ESG trends are clear.

With governments worldwide introducing stricter standards and frameworks, companies must adopt more transparent, measurable, and actionable ESG initiatives to remain competitive and compliant.

The next wave of ESG trends will focus on deeper sustainability commitments, data-driven decision-making, and stronger accountability across environmental impact, social equity, and corporate governance. In this landscape, staying ahead of the curve will require organizations to integrate ESG into their core strategies, ensuring they address not only the challenges of today but the long-term risks and opportunities of the future.

24 Sustainability Trends to Watch in 2026

We identified 15 ESG trends for businesses and will also give you some examples.

15 ESG trends for businesses in 2026

1. Increased Regulation and Reporting Requirements

• Policies: Governments and regulatory bodies like the European Union (EU) are introducing more stringent ESG reporting standards. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), for example, expands the scope of companies required to report on ESG performance and enforces more detailed disclosure requirements. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also working on rules for climate-related disclosures.
• Example: In 2026, companies across Europe and the U.S. may be required to report on greenhouse gas emissions, board diversity, supply chain sustainability, and more under standardized frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

2. Scope 3 Emissions Focus

• Policies: Expect to see expanded carbon tax regimes and incentives to reduce supply chain emissions. Governments may introduce regulations that mandate transparency on Scope 3 emissions. Initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) are also pushing companies to set targets that include Scope 3 reductions.
• Example: Major retailers like Walmart and IKEA have already begun to assess and reduce emissions across their supply chains by partnering with suppliers and introducing low-carbon sourcing strategies. By 2026, such practices will likely become widespread due to increased regulatory pressure.

3. Biodiversity and Natural Capital Accounting

• Policies: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) could inspire new government actions, leading to biodiversity-focused regulations. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is creating frameworks to help companies report on biodiversity risks, and this will likely become mandatory for large businesses.
• Example: Companies in the agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors will need to monitor their impact on ecosystems. Firms like Unilever have already launched initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint, such as sustainable sourcing of palm oil, with biodiversity protection becoming a primary metric.

4. Social Equity and Diversity Metrics

• Policies: Several countries are introducing laws mandating gender diversity in company boards, such as the EU’s directive that requires listed companies to have at least 40% women in non-executive director positions by 2026. There may also be new requirements to publicly report pay gaps and diversity data.
• Example: In 2026, companies like Google and Microsoft, which have already established public DEI reports and diversity targets, will need to go further in demonstrating progress toward racial and gender equity goals, with penalties for non-compliance likely increasing in certain regions.

5. ESG in Executive Compensation

• Policies: Countries like France and the UK are introducing guidelines that require large firms to tie executive compensation packages to achieving specific ESG targets, such as reductions in carbon emissions or improvements in diversity.
• Example: At Shell, part of the CEO’s pay is already tied to achieving decarbonization goals, including reducing the company’s carbon intensity. This trend will expand, forcing executives to focus more on long-term ESG goals as a key part of their compensation packages.

6. Circular Economy Adoption

• Policies: Governments worldwide are implementing regulations that promote circular economy principles, such as the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, which targets waste reduction, product lifecycle extension, and recycling. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws may become more widespread, requiring companies to be accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products.
• Example: Electronics giant Apple has embraced circularity by recycling components from old devices and aiming to use 100% recycled materials for all its products. This type of policy-driven approach will likely be adopted by more companies by 2026.

7. Data and AI Integration in ESG Decision-Making

• Policies: Governments may begin incentivizing or mandating the use of advanced technologies for ESG reporting, such as AI-driven carbon accounting tools or blockchain for supply chain transparency. The EU’s AI Act, set to regulate high-risk AI systems, could also play a role in how AI is used for ESG data analytics.
• Example: Firms like IBM and Microsoft are already leveraging AI to optimize energy use, monitor emissions, and assess supply chain sustainability. By 2026, advanced ESG reporting tools that integrate AI will become essential for companies seeking to remain competitive and compliant.

8. Greenwashing Backlash

• Policies: Regulatory bodies like the EU and the U.S. SEC are expected to clamp down on greenwashing by implementing stricter advertising and reporting regulations. The EU’s Green Claims Directive will require companies to substantiate their environmental claims with scientific evidence. Fines and penalties will likely increase for firms found guilty of misleading consumers or investors.
• Example: Fast fashion brands such as H&M and Zara have faced criticism for greenwashing due to vague sustainability claims. In 2026, they will need to provide clearer data on their sustainability efforts or face regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage.

9. Sustainable Finance Expansion

• Policies: The EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and similar rules globally will drive transparency in sustainable investing. Financial institutions will need to disclose how they incorporate ESG into investment decisions, and ESG-focused financial products will grow in volume. Governments may also offer tax incentives for ESG-aligned investments.
• Example: By 2026, more companies will issue green bonds or sustainability-linked loans, like Enel and PepsiCo, whose bonds are tied to achieving renewable energy or emissions targets. Banks will favor businesses with strong ESG credentials when offering financing, which will drive more companies toward sustainable practices.

10. Human Rights and Labor Practices Spotlight

• Policies: Laws like the UK’s Modern Slavery Act and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive will hold companies accountable for human rights abuses within their supply chains. Mandatory human rights due diligence will force businesses to actively monitor and report on labor conditions.
• Example: Major fashion brands like Nike and Adidas have faced pressure over their labor practices. In 2026, they will likely be required by law to provide greater transparency regarding working conditions across their global supply chains, with penalties for companies that fail to meet these new standards.

11. Climate Litigation and Legal Accountability

• Policies: The rise in climate-related lawsuits is intensifying scrutiny on corporate environmental practices. Legislation such as California’s SB 253 and SB 261 mandates comprehensive climate disclosures, exposing companies to potential legal challenges if they fail to comply. Globally, courts are increasingly receptive to cases holding corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change.​
• Example: In a landmark case, a Peruvian farmer sued German energy giant RWE, alleging the company’s emissions contributed to glacial melting threatening his hometown. This case could set a precedent for holding corporations legally responsible for climate impacts worldwide.​

12. Worker Wellbeing and Mental Health in ESG

• Policies: ESG frameworks are expanding to include employee mental health and wellbeing as critical components. Companies are expected to implement comprehensive wellness programs, addressing issues like burnout and stress, and to report on these initiatives transparently.​
• Example: Despite significant investments in wellness programs, many companies are not seeing the desired outcomes in employee mental health. This has led to a reevaluation of strategies, emphasizing the need for more effective, evidence-based approaches to employee wellbeing.​

13. ESG for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

• Policies: While ESG reporting has primarily focused on large corporations, there is a growing push to include SMEs in sustainability initiatives. Regulatory bodies are developing frameworks to support SMEs in adopting ESG practices, recognizing their collective impact on the economy and environment.​
• Example: The European Commission is working on formalizing the VSME (Voluntary SME) framework, aiming to provide SMEs with tailored ESG reporting standards. This initiative seeks to make ESG integration more accessible and practical for smaller businesses.​

14. Just Transition Strategies

• Policies: The concept of a “just transition” emphasizes the need to ensure that the shift to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive. Policies are being developed to support workers and communities affected by the transition, integrating social equity into climate action plans.​
• Example: The European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism allocates significant funding to support regions heavily dependent on carbon-intensive industries. This initiative aims to mitigate socio-economic impacts by promoting economic diversification and job creation in affected areas.​

15. AI Ethics and ESG Integration

• Policies: As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in business operations, ethical considerations are being integrated into ESG frameworks. Regulations are emerging to ensure AI systems are transparent, accountable, and aligned with societal values.​
• Example: The European Union’s AI Act, expected to be enforced by 2026, will establish comprehensive governance for high-risk AI applications. Non-compliance could result in substantial fines, highlighting the importance of ethical AI practices in corporate ESG strategies.

These trends and policy shifts reflect the growing importance of ESG as a critical framework for corporate governance and risk management, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.