Progress is visible in our world towards a more sustainable future, and this inspires us daily. Across multiple sectors, measurable achievements demonstrate that sustainability is not just a goal but a reality in action – here are just a few examples and there are many more:
🌟 Rapid expansion of renewable energy: Global renewable power capacity more than doubled from 1,851 GW in 2015 to over 4,448 GW in 2024, underlining the structural shift of the global energy system. Main contributer to the growth is China, adding about 374 GW of new capacity in 2024
…and renewable energy is not only growing but also much cheaper:
🌟 Price reduction of renewable energies: In 2024, 91% of new renewable energy projects worldwide produced electricity at lower plant-level generation costs (LCOE) than the cheapest new fossil fuel power plants. Onshore wind and utility-scale solar PV became cheaper than all new coal and gas plants, with typical generation costs of 3–6 US-cent per kWh, compared to 8–20+ US-cent per kWh for new fossil power plants.
🌟 Growing significance of circular economy The European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Act have accelerated Europe’s transformation toward a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy. In 2023, the EU’s circular material use rate reached a record 11.8 %, up from 10.7 % in 2010, with frontrunner Netherlands already above 30 % circular material use, making Europe the world region with the highest share of recycled materials in its overall material use. Case studies show that modular design, refurbishment, and high recycled content can cut lifecycle emissions by 20–70 % and reduce energy use and waste by up to 70 %, demonstrating clear environmental and business benefits. Circular activities also support employment, generating approximately 4.3 million jobs in the EU in 2021.
At e-hoch-3 | eco impact experts, we help our clients leverage these trends and make ESG and sustainability an integral part of their market positioning.