A new era for sustainability — learn what experts expect in 2026 

Sustainability is entering a new phase — evolving from a values based narrative into a strategic business infrastructure that shapes performance, investment, risk and competitiveness. In a recent TechRound feature, global experts — including Carlota Galván, Global Head of ESG at HBX Group — shared what this shift means for 2026. The message is consistent: Sustainability is moving from storytelling to strategy, and organisations that adapt early will gain a clear commercial advantage. 

Sustainability expectations are becoming more practical and results driven. Organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate measurable progress, operational improvements and financial relevance. Cost efficiency, supply chain stability and access to capital now sit at the centre of the sustainability case. Communication is also maturing. Companies are moving away from abstract impact language and focusing on clear, tangible benefits for stakeholders and destinations. 

New reporting standards and regulatory enforcement are accelerating demands for high-quality data, transparency and robust transition planning. Sustainability is now a core element of enterprise risk management as climate disruption, resource volatility and supply chain pressures increasingly influence insurance, financing and operational planning. With Double Materiality becoming mainstream, organisations must consider both how sustainability topics impact their business and how their business impacts people and the planet. 

Advances in AI, monitoring tools and data infrastructure are enabling more granular insights into environmental and operational performance. This links sustainability decisions directly to financial outcomes, helping organisations identify inefficiencies, anticipate risks, strengthen resilience, and prioritise investments that deliver both commercial and environmental value. As a result, sustainability is becoming a lever for efficiency, differentiation and long-term competitiveness.

Also, experts add sharper colour on how these shifts will play out in practice — particularly around data, accountability and execution. Sam Hill (TDK Ventures) notes that the rapid growth of AI is influencing where companies invest next, as “digital capacity” becomes a priority. Richard Neish (Crosstide) adds that rising technology demands could put “AI ambitions” under pressure if organisations don’t keep their sustainability goals in view. 

From an implementation perspective, Sam Stark (Green Project Technologies) highlights that 2026 will be driven by “action and efficiency”, with stakeholders expecting real progress — not just reporting. Alyssa Zucker (Workiva) adds that sustainability is increasingly becoming “financial language”, making clear, reliable data more important for decision making. 

Sector insights reflect this direction. Carlota Galván (HBX Group) points to tourism, where “footfall data” can help manage visitor pressure and community led “microdestinations” can spread benefits more fairly. Mike Smeed (InMotion Ventures) notes growing attention on critical materials and circular solutions as “security imperatives”, while Robert Schogger (MetSpace) calls sustainability in real estate a “commercial necessity”. Finally, Rebecca Scottorn (L.E.K. Consulting) sees organisations moving towards “granular transition planning” that focuses on practical, high impact actions.