Our team arrived at GreenBiz this year expecting tough conversations. With the politicization of ESG at an all-time high and new regulatory frameworks shifting the sustainability landscape, how would corporate sustainability professionals be navigating the uncertainty? Would the mood be one of frustration and retreat?

Instead, we found the conference buzzing with discussions about evolution and resilience. Sustainability communications are entering a paradigm of strategic, consistent messaging, where benefits align with business value. Here are some of our GreenBiz 2025 key takeaways for those navigating this new era.

Read more: Corporate sustainability's (next) "business values" era‍

1. Materiality not morality

Sustainability is being reframed from a moral obligation to a business imperative. The focus is shifting toward materiality, and what directly impacts business success rather than vague, virtue-driven narratives. Companies are centering their sustainability strategies around measurable business value, risk mitigation, and long-term resilience. 

2. The term “ESG” is dead, but the work continues

It was made clear in session after session: ESG, as a term, is being phased out. The language has evolved in response to mounting external pressures, with companies opting for words like “sustainability,” “impact,” and “responsible business” instead.

3. Regulation is driving strategy

There’s still a lot of uncertainty, but the alphabet soup of disclosure regulations, like CSRD, IFRS, and SB 261, is forcing companies to prioritize compliance over voluntary commitments. Anti-greenwashing regulations are also making a significant impact, driving rigor and assurance and pushing organizations to ensure that claims are verifiable and defensible. 

4. Message consistency is more important than ever

As companies prepare for compliance with CSRD and other regulatory frameworks, internal legal teams are playing a much bigger role in sustainability communications. Staying consistent across reports, press releases, and stakeholder engagements is now a non-negotiable and alignment between sustainability and legal teams is essential to avoid scrutiny and maintain credibility.‍

5. Audit and legal teams are VIPs

As regulatory requirements become more stringent, internal audit and legal teams are emerging as essential players to embed sustainability efforts into broader corporate governance structures. Companies that engage their audit and legal teams early in the process will be better equipped to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure the right level of risk and compliance.

6. Standing out feels risky

Many companies are taking a “wait and see” approach, looking to peers for guidance on best practices and doing just enough to stay compliant and competitive without drawing attention or backlash. This hesitation also presents an opportunity: Companies that can navigate the risk and communicate a strong, authentic sustainability message will have a competitive edge.

7. DEI is being rebranded

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs remain uncertain, but at the very least they are being repositioned. Companies are moving away from the acronym and instead leaning into terms like “belonging,” “inclusion,” or simply framing their efforts as part of a “values-driven culture.” ‍

8. AI is here to stay

AI isn’t just about ChatGPT. AI tools are quickly emerging to support climate risk analysis, supply chain mapping, materiality assessments, and more. These emerging technologies are helping companies sift through complex data sets to drive smarter sustainability decisions.

If there’s one overarching theme from GreenBiz 2025, it’s this: The work isn’t stopping, but it is shifting and the opportunity to create meaningful impact remains vast. Those who can adapt to this new reality and communicate sustainability as a strategic business advantage, rather than a moral imperative, will be the ones leading the way.

Need help navigating the complexities of sustainability strategy and communications? Our team is here to help. Reach out to book a meeting with one of our experts anytime.

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