Riccardo Liguori World Finance Sustainability Awards 2025 spotlight companies transforming climate action across sectors
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Sustainability isn’t just about having the right mindset anymore. In 2025, with the climate crisis continuing to unleash extreme weather events across the globe and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals agenda falling seriously behind schedule—only 15% of SDGs are on track according to the latest reports—what truly matters are tangible actions. This is precisely why the World Finance Sustainability Awards 2025 remain such a vital tool for identifying which companies and institutions are genuinely contributing to an ecological, social, and transparent transition.
Among this year’s winners, there’s a particularly noteworthy achievement for a European airport operator: Aeroporti di Roma, which manages Rome’s major airports including Fiumicino Airport, has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable airport. This isn’t merely a symbolic recognition, but one grounded in hard data and structural commitments: reductions in both direct and indirect emissions, intelligent energy management, investments in low-impact infrastructure, and a long-term plan to achieve net-zero emissions. It’s one of the few European aviation facilities certified at Level 4+ (the highest level) in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
Yet Rome’s airports aren’t the only exemplary case. The World Finance Sustainability Awards span a vast array of sectors, recognizing companies that have successfully integrated ESG criteria into the heart of their operations. From digital technology to industrial manufacturing, from finance to agriculture, here’s a comprehensive overview of the 2025 winners.
Financial services leading the charge
In the world of finance and investments, several standout performers have emerged. KBC Asset Management continues its leadership in sustainable wealth management, while Campo Capital has distinguished itself in impact investing. EXANTE earned recognition for its commitment to gender equality in Wealth Tech, and the Bahrain Stock Exchange stands unique in its region for ESG transparency in the Gulf area.
The financial sector’s recognition speaks to a broader trend. As one industry observer noted, “The outlook for 2025 is growth in sustainable finance,” despite the political headwinds in some regions. Green bond volumes are expected to rise to approximately $620 billion (about $675 billion), representing a 2% increase over 2024 figures.
Industry and technology forging ahead
The industrial and technology sectors showed remarkable innovation in sustainability practices. Lenovo earned acclaim for sustainability in computer hardware, while GlobalFoundries led the semiconductor sector. In steel production, Nucor demonstrated that heavy industry can embrace environmental responsibility. INAPA stood out in paper and pulp, and Wärtsilä Corporation made significant strides in energy and maritime decarbonization.
EUCATEX in industrial wood products and Antolin in automotive interior design rounded out a diverse group of manufacturers proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist. These companies have moved beyond mere compliance to become genuine innovators in their respective fields.
Feeding the world responsibly
Food production and natural resources management saw significant recognition. Fresh Del Monte demonstrated excellence in food production and distribution, while Cantina Psagot and Corticeira Amorim earned honors for wine production and wine-related products respectively. DuPont was recognized for its water management initiatives—a particularly crucial area as water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global concern.
The agricultural sector’s inclusion highlights how fundamental industries are adapting to climate pressures while maintaining productivity. These companies are proving that feeding a growing global population doesn’t have to come at the expense of environmental health.
Health, beauty, and social impact
The health and wellness sector produced some of the most inspiring stories. Saathi Pads earned recognition for biodegradable feminine hygiene products with significant social impact—a perfect example of how sustainability encompasses both environmental and social dimensions. AS Watson made its mark in the beauty sector, showing how consumer-facing industries can embed sustainability into their core operations.
Mobility sector in transition
Transportation—arguably one of the most challenging sectors for decarbonization—showed remarkable progress. Turkish Airlines was recognized for its comprehensive decarbonization plan, while budget carrier Wizz Air proved that low-cost doesn’t mean low-sustainability through its energy efficiency initiatives. CPKC led rail transport, and Amex GBT Egencia championed responsible tourism.
The aviation industry’s recognition is particularly significant given its “hard-to-abate” nature. Rome’s airports, for instance, have set themselves an ambitious target to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2030, placing them 20 years ahead of global climate neutrality objectives.
Building and designing for tomorrow
Engineering, construction, and design saw impressive innovation. WSP Global led sustainable engineering design, while MillerKnoll earned recognition in two categories: office furniture and office furnishing. BA Vetro distinguished itself in the glass sector, proving that even traditional industries can revolutionize their environmental impact.
Digital infrastructure with purpose
In our increasingly connected world, digital infrastructure companies showed how technology can be part of the solution. QTS demonstrated sustainable data center management—crucial as our digital footprint continues to expand exponentially. Swisscom led telecommunications, showing how connectivity providers can minimize their environmental impact while expanding access.
The Rome model: a case study in airport sustainability
The recognition of Aeroporti di Roma deserves special attention as a model for the aviation industry. Since achieving the first Airport Carbon Accreditation certification in 2011, the company has continuously reduced carbon emissions under its control and driven broader reductions within the airport system through comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
Their approach is comprehensive: making sustainable aviation fuel available to airlines by 2024, promoting electric mobility with 500 charging stations (approximately 550 yards apart across the airport complex), completely renewing their vehicle fleet, and building large photovoltaic plants with a total capacity of 60 MW (equivalent to powering about 20,000 homes annually). The company has also joined The Climate Group’s EP-100 global initiative on smarter energy use, committing to increase energy productivity by 150%.
What makes their achievement particularly remarkable is the timing. As noted by Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe: “When launching the new levels of Airport Carbon Accreditation in 2020, amid the direst of crises ever witnessed by the aviation sector, we were propelling an industry-wide ambition that was suddenly stripped of the vital resources to fulfill it”.
Looking ahead: the sustainability imperative
The 2025 awards arrive at a critical juncture. A 2024 McKinsey study found that companies integrating ESG into core decision-making reported improved resilience and stakeholder trust. However, success increasingly depends on credible data, transparency, and long-term accountability—not greenwashing or symbolic gestures.
These award winners represent more than just recognition; they’re proof points that sustainable business practices aren’t just morally necessary but economically viable. From Rome’s airports targeting net-zero emissions two decades ahead of schedule to technology companies revolutionizing energy efficiency, these organizations are writing the playbook for responsible business in the climate era.
The message is clear: in 2025, sustainability has moved from the margins to the mainstream. The companies and institutions recognized by World Finance haven’t just adapted to this reality—they’re actively shaping it, one innovative practice at a time.
Source: World Finance
