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Sustainability News for January 12th: Introduction
Welcome to the Sustainability News for January 12th, where we share steady progress that continues even when the wider world feels uncertain.
This week’s stories come from very different places, yet they share a common theme. Businesses are staying engaged. Infrastructure is delivering results. Long-term investment is beginning to pay off.
From companies refining how they work with ESG ratings, to the UK quietly breaking another wind power record, to global brands supporting farmers through lasting change, these updates reflect a more mature phase of sustainability. Less noise. More follow-through.
Across the Play It Green community, this kind of progress is familiar. It is built through consistency, practical decisions, and a willingness to stay the course. Let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening this week.
Companies Remain Engaged with ESG Ratings Despite Global Uncertainty
The first piece of sustainability news for January 12th shows that despite ongoing geopolitical turbulence, most companies continue to engage with ESG ratings providers and see them as relevant to their sustainability strategies.
New research from Environmental Resources Management shows that 84 per cent of sustainability teams remain actively involved with ESG raters. What has changed is how they engage. Rather than working with a long list of providers, most companies now focus on between three and five ratings agencies.
This shift reflects pressure on internal teams and a growing desire for clarity. Many organisations are seeking fewer methodologies, stronger alignment with reporting standards, and data that is easier to explain to customers and stakeholders.
The research also highlights a change in motivation. Investor pressure has fallen since 2023, while customer demand has risen sharply. Almost a quarter of companies now cite customer expectations as their main reason for engaging with ESG ratings.
Among providers, S&P Global ESG and CDP continue to score highly for quality, while EcoVadis has climbed rapidly, reflecting the growing focus on supply chain sustainability.
Overall, the findings suggest ESG ratings are not disappearing. Instead, companies are becoming more selective and strategic in how they use them.
UK Breaks Wind Power Generation Record Again
The UK has broken its wind power generation record for the two months in a row, according to the National Energy System Operator.
In December, following a record November, wind farms across Great Britain generated 23,825 megawatts of electricity. That was enough to power more than 23 million homes, representing around three quarters of the country’s housing stock. At the time the record was set, wind accounted for almost half of the national electricity mix.
The milestone highlights how far the UK’s energy system has shifted over the past 25 years. In 2000, renewables generated just three per cent of electricity. Today, they produce around 60 per cent.
The UK now operates more than 2,870 offshore wind turbines across almost 50 projects, with further capacity due to come online over the next few years. Analysis shows that scaling wind power has saved the country around £30 billion in fossil fuel imports since 2000.
These savings have helped reduce exposure to volatile energy markets and improve energy security. The continued expansion of wind generation shows how long-term investment in clean infrastructure delivers tangible benefits over time.
Tesco and Mars Support Farmers Through Sustainable Farming Programmes
The final story of sustainability news for January 12th sees Tesco and Mars both share updates on sustainable farming programmes designed to improve soil health, biodiversity, and resilience across European supply chains.
Tesco confirmed that during the first full year of its Nature Programme, it has supported 130 farmers and more than 30 other suppliers. The programme focuses on commodities exposed to climate and nature risk, including beef, lamb, and fresh produce.
Participating farms receive tailored action plans covering habitat creation, soil improvement, and water efficiency. Tesco is working with expert partners such as Forestry England, the Rivers Trust, and RSPB to deliver the programme.
The retailer is also expanding its work into coastal restoration through a partnership with the Sea Ranger Service, supporting seagrass restoration while creating skills and employment opportunities for young people.
Meanwhile, Mars has confirmed that more than 300 farmers across Europe are involved in its climate-smart agriculture programme, covering almost 70,000 hectares of land. Many farmers report improvements in soil structure, crop quality, and resilience after the transition period.
Both programmes show how long-term support can help sustainable farming practices scale.
Sustainability News for January 12th: Wrap-Up
The Sustainability News for January 12th highlights progress that feels grounded and practical.
Companies are refining their approach to ESG rather than stepping away from it. The UK continues to see the benefits of sustained investment in wind power. Major brands are supporting farmers with programmes designed for the long term, not quick wins.
These stories remind us that meaningful change is rarely dramatic. It’s built through consistency, patience, and a commitment to doing the right things well.
Make Inspiring Sustainability News of Your Own!
If you enjoyed the Sustainability News for January 12th, why not become part of the next positive story by partnering with Play It Green?
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