As we kick off 2025, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Europe are waking up to a big change: the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). If you're running an SME, this might sound like just another acronym to keep you awake at night. But before you groan and reach for another cup of coffee, let’s unpack this game-changing regulation and, spoiler alert, it’s not all doom and gloom! Beneath the corporate sustainability jargon lies an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to embrace sustainability, reduce their operating costs, attract good talent and gain competitive advantage in a busy market.

The CSRD is a European Union directive aimed at making sustainability reporting a standard practice (now you know why we’ve been talking about ESG reporting for what feels like forever!). This means new rules, new responsibilities, and, if you play your cards right, new opportunities.

It’s time to get ahead of the curve and understand what the CSRD is all about, what it r...

At Fifty Shades Greener sustainability is a priority in everything which we do.

In this spirit it was decided that as a team we would each test out different homemade DIY environmentally friendly cleaning recipes and share our experiences in a blog.

Giving our readers insight as to what solutions are just that and what one’s are best missed!

Why is it your interest to bother to make your own eco friendly cleaning products?

Better Air quality

Commercial cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are dangerous to our health causing eye, nose, and throat irritation as well as headaches, dizziness and memory loss!

Save your Money 

Making your own eco cleaning products is actually more affordable than using commercial brands. Many green products simply use ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, water and citrus.

Better for our planet

Toxic chemicals from cleaning products are flushed down the drain and enter our waterways. Using chemical free ...

In 2015, leaders from 193 different countries agreed on 17 global goals they felt the world needed to achieve by 2030. The ninth goal is Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which is about developing and promoting sustainable industry and enhancing innovation.

When we talk about climate change and how we should tackle this crisis, oftentimes we think of the most pressing issues such as poverty, biodiversity loss, climate action, and gender equality.

But how does ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’ fit into this picture, and is this SDG a vital part of solving the climate crisis, and if so, how? We will be discussing this in this week’s blog!

What is the aim of SDG 9?

SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure aims to develop and promote sustainable industry and enhance innovation. It is known that diverse economies with strong infrastructures often sustain less damage and experience faster recovery from potential economic challenges. SDG 9 recognizes the importance a...

ESG is currently a buzzword that people are either very familiar with or have simply heard about.

The fact is, that ESG is going to become an integral part of how we all do business, particularly on how we report on the sustainable practices of our company in a transparent way.

KALDEWEI is a company that we came across early last year and we were delighted to be able to interview one of their international project managers Paul MacSherry on the business itself and LUXSTAINABILTY.

They also shared their recently published ESG sustainability report which we view as best practice standard and a shining example of how businesses should be reporting on all aspects of their business’ operations including Scopes 1, 2 and 3. It touches on all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and is presented in a clear and transparent way.

Who are KALDEWEI and who are their clients?

KALDEWEI is a 104 year old German family-owned business manufacturing bath tubs, wash basins and shower surfaces using ...

“As the Climate Crisis deepens, the financial sector will play a key role.”

Without the financial sector's support, it will become increasingly difficult to bring the required awareness to environmental issues globally. Money talks and money propels action.

Investment is crucial to projects and businesses who are supporting and practising environmentally sustainable strategies and researching innovative energy solutions. What Is Sustainable Finance and Why Is It Important?

But what is Green Finance?

In layman’s terms and according to the World Economic Forum - it is any “structured financial activity that’s been created to ensure a better environmental outcome”.

Greater accountability is needed and this is where we see Green Finance playing a huge part.

There has been a significant increase in the availability of green finance to businesses to help make them greener but more importantly, the investment sector, both public and private, are now also demanding for businesses to ha...