The Sustainability Update - Key Market Trends as of Q2 2025

/ KERAMIDA Inc./

In our Q2 update of 2025, Amber Greaney, MPA, LEED GA, ENV SP, Vice President of Sustainability at KERAMIDA, shares the latest regulatory changes and emerging trends shaping sustainability this quarter. This quarter’s main takeaways include updates to U.S. and international regulations, CDP reporting season priorities, and industry trends in sustainable steel and sports apparel.

U.S. Climate Regulation: California SB 261 & SB 253

  • SB 261 mandates climate-related financial risk disclosures for companies with over $500M annual revenue operating in California, effective January 1, 2026.

  • SB 253 requires verified Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories from companies with over $1B in revenue.

Canada’s Climate Disclosure Landscape: Voluntary but Advancing

  • Public companies face a pause on CSA’s mandatory rule 51-107, but voluntary disclosures remain strong.

  • The Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS 1 & 2) are published and currently voluntary, covering governance, risk management, and Scope 1–3 emissions.

  • OSFI’s B-15- Federally regulated Financial Institutions must phase in climate related disclosure in compliance with OSFI’s B-15 Guideline, requiring climate risk disclosures from FY2024 to FY2028.

  • Proposed CBCA amendments could mandate TCFD-aligned climate disclosures for federally incorporated private companies.

  • Canada and Caribbean markets are ramping up their corporate climate policy efforts.

CDP & Supply Chain Engagement: Driving Scope 3 Decarbonization

  • CDP reporting season is underway with an emphasis on Scope 3 emissions.

  • More companies are embedding sustainability experts in their supply chains — not only requesting data but also enabling real emissions reductions through collaboration and performance tracking.

Green Steel Certification Gains Momentum

  • The Global Steel Climate Council (GSCC) certification is growing, with companies like Arkansas Steel and Steel Dynamics joining the movement.

Sustainability in Sports: Apparel & Carbon Micro Pricing

  • Sustainable Apparel: Amber recently co-presented at the Green Sports Alliance Summit alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers on materials innovation, local sourcing, and the implications of California’s new climate laws.

  • Carbon Micro Pricing: A novel pricing model adding a small surcharge (1–2 cents) on concessions or merchandise to fund stadium sustainability initiatives — early pilot programs are testing carbon micro pricing, with promising initial responses from fans and facility operators.

Choosing the right advisor has never been more critical.

As climate regulations expand and disclosure expectations become more complex, companies must carefully assess how emerging rules apply and respond in a way that both protects the company’s interests and positions it as a credible leader. A trusted advisor doesn’t just track the rules; they help you interpret and apply them with precision, ensuring your organization stays ahead of both risk and opportunity.

Need Support Navigating These Trends? Whether preparing for SB 261 compliance, managing CDP Scope 3 reporting, or developing supply chain decarbonization strategies, KERAMIDA offers expert guidance to help your organization succeed. Contact us today to get started.

Contact

Nick McCreary, MS, LEED AP
Senior Vice President, Sustainability
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Nick at: nmccreary@keramida.com

Xuqing Xiong, M.S., P.E.
Vice President of GHG Services
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Xuqing Xiong at: xxiong@keramida.com

Anisa Chowdhury, CPA, CA
Vice President of Corporate Sustainability & Assurance
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Anisa at: achowdhury@keramida.com

Amber Greaney, MPA, LEED GA, ENV SP
Vice President, Sustainability
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Amber at: agreaney@keramida.com