By embracing the principles and initiatives outlined in the 

, businesses can unlock new avenues for innovation, drive operational efficiencies, and tap into emerging markets fuelled by environmental consciousness. Moreover, the Green Deal allows companies to align their strategies with evolving consumer preferences, enhance brand reputation, and secure long-term profitability while contributing to the global effort to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

EU Green Deal

A Roadmap to climate neutrality: The European Green Deal, launched in December 2019, aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. This plan combines emission reduction efforts with CO2 capture initiatives to achieve a net-zero outcome. The Green Deal represents the EU's roadmap to a sustainable economy, urging businesses to align with environmental targets through innovation, carbon management, and responsible resource use.

The  business opportunities

Enhancing transparency and accountability: 

elevates sustainability reporting to the same level as financial reporting, mandating transparency for businesses operating in the EU. Starting in 2025, approximately 1,700 large companies in Norway will report on their 2024 sustainability impacts, followed by gradual inclusion of SMEs by 2028. Covering the entire ESG spectrum, CSRD requires external assurance, goal setting, and risk analyses with a dual materiality approach. In Norway, CSRD will integrate into accounting law, holding company boards accountable for the accuracy of sustainability reports.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

 targets larger companies operating within or outside of Norway, as well as foreign companies doing business in the country. The law applies to firms meeting at least two of these three criteria: annual revenue exceeding 70 million NOK, a balance sheet over 35 million NOK, or more than 50 employees. For parent companies, the law considers the combined metrics of the group. The Transparency Act mandates that businesses report on social responsibility and environmental impact, emphasizing transparency in corporate practices.

Transparency Law

The Norwegian Transparancy Act

Strengthening corporate responsibility: The 

 proposal expands due diligence requirements to include environmental considerations, emphasising businesses' responsibility throughout their supply chains. It aims to ensure companies actively manage and mitigate environmental and social risks.

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

Classifying sustainable economic activities: The EU Taxonomy provides a classification framework for sustainable economic activities, not companies themselves. To qualify, an activity must contribute to one of the six environmental objectives, avoid harm to other objectives, and meet minimum social standards. This taxonomy offers a scientifically backed definition of sustainability, guiding investments and preventing greenwashing. It aims to direct funds toward sustainability transitions, streamline market practices, and support the EU’s environmental goals.

EU Taxonomy

Promoting product sustainability: The Eco-design Directive enforces sustainable product design by reducing waste and extending product life. Expected to impact a wide range of product categories, this directive requires manufacturers to meet strict sustainability criteria. Key elements include the right to repair, a digital product passport for traceability, and a prohibition on the destruction of certain unsold goods. This initiative aligns with the EU’s broader circular economy goals, encouraging resource efficiency from production through disposal.

Ecodesign Directive


Combating environmental degradation: Effective from December 30, 2024, for large companies (and June 30, 2025, for smaller entities), this regulation targets products like beef, cocoa, coffee, rubber, and wood that pose a deforestation risk. Companies involved in the production or trade of these goods must ensure deforestation-free supply chains, conduct risk assessments based on production regions, and submit due diligence declarations. This directive will require companies to maintain detailed geolocation data on sourcing sites to ensure environmental compliance.

EU Deforestation Regulation

Ensuring credible environmental marketing: The Green Claims Regulation regulates how companies communicate environmental claims about their products and services. Establishing verification processes aims to prevent greenwashing and promote transparent and reliable environmental marketing.

Green Claims Regulation

Prioritizing climate and environmental considerations: Effective January 1, 2024, this legislation requires public authorities to consider climate and environmental factors in procurement, with a minimum weighting of 30% toward these criteria. Government agencies and public organizations must prioritize lifecycle costs, sustainable solutions, and minimal environmental impact when contracting suppliers. This new rule also aligns with the Norwegian Auditor General's findings, highlighting the need for better coordination and tracking of sustainable procurement practices.

Public Procurement Act

Facilitating informed choices: The Empowering Consumers Directive seeks to inform consumers about the sustainability aspects of products and protect them from misleading green claims. Providing clear and reliable information empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Empowering Consumers Directive


Safeguarding the earth's vital systems: The concept of planetary boundaries identifies critical environmental thresholds that must be preserved for sustainable development. As humanity surpasses several of these boundaries, urgent action is needed to protect the Earth's ecosystems and secure our future.

Navigating the Green Deal: A guide for Norwegian businesses