This Week in ESG: Alliances, Action, and AI

The American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) met with Minister of the Environment Alicia Bárcena to discuss how public-private collaboration can support the country’s environmental goals. Meanwhile, OXXO and Red Ambiental launched a waste management program in Nuevo Leon. 

This is the Week in ESG!

AmSoc, SEMARNAT Seek Stronger Public-Private Climate Action

The AmSoc met with Minister of the Environment Alicia Bárcena to discuss how the private sector can support Mexico’s environmental goals through collaboration and compliance with regulations. During the meeting, Bárcena presented 10 national environmental priorities, urging companies to actively engage in restoration, emissions reduction, and sustainable development efforts. The session highlighted growing interest in public-private partnerships, aligning with global initiatives that show how businesses can drive innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

OXXO Launches Waste Management Program in Nuevo Leon

OXXO and Red Ambiental have launched a waste management initiative in Nuevo Leon to enhance recycling and reuse practices across stores in Apodaca, Guadalupe, and Juarez, targeting over 300t of waste monthly. The program features differentiated waste collection and transforms organic waste into compost for green spaces, while issuing monthly certificates to track recovery efforts. Beyond store operations, the partnership will extend to community programs focused on environmental education and sustainability.

UK Pilot Project Uses AI to Cut Food Waste, Emissions

A new UK pilot project led by Sustainable Ventures and supported by major partners like Nestlé, Google Cloud, and FareShare uses AI to redistribute up to 1.5 million surplus meals, aiming to cut food waste, reduce carbon emissions, and save costs. Funded by a US$2.5 million grant from Innovate UK, the AI platform connects food producers, logistics providers, and charities to deliver surplus food more efficiently, potentially avoiding 1,400t of CO₂ emissions and saving up to US$18.8 million. 

AXA México Cuts Carbon Emissions by 85% Over Five Years

AXA México reduced its carbon emissions by 85% and water consumption by 46% between 2019 and 2024, while sourcing 78% of its energy from clean sources, says the company in its latest Sustainability Report. The company is expanding sustainable insurance offerings — such as coverage for EVs and renewable energy infrastructure — and has doubled its sustainable investments, reaching MX$1.27 billion in 2024. Aligning with global ESG standards, AXA emphasized its role in climate risk mitigation and the importance of the insurance sector in addressing environmental and social challenges.

Google Funds Arable’s Irrigation Tech to Save Water in Carolinas

Google is investing over US$4 million in partnership with agtech company Arable to deploy smart irrigation technology across 20,000 acres in the Carolinas, aiming to save 1.9 billion L of water over eight years. The initiative will enhance water efficiency, support vulnerable aquifers, and provide farmers with real-time data to improve crop productivity and sustainability. This project supports Google’s goal to become water positive by 2030, replenishing 120% of its freshwater use while promoting responsible water use in agriculture.