2024 Year in Review: Looking Back on our Best Top 10s
What a year 2024 has been.
This year we launched ClimateTech Digital, have seen the community grow and look forward to 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism.
With the year drawing to a close, we look back on the back on the best Top 10s across ClimateTech Digital, as well as some Top 10 highlights in Sustainability Magazine and Energy Digital’s publications.
The best of: ClimateTech Digital Top 10s
Here are three of the best Top 10s on ClimateTech Digital.
From giants like Tesla and Google to smaller companies working with other industry titans, ClimateTech Digital is here to celebrate the world’s leading climate tech companies.
This comes as the climate tech market was valued at US$20.3bn in 2023 and is forecast to grow to US$183bn within 10 years.
Reflecting this upward trend, in 2022 global climate tech venture capital funding reached US$70bn.
Impossible Foods, Vestas, Climeworks and Beyond Meat are four of the 10 companies celebrated in this list.
Storage solutions for both energy and carbon have the potential to revolutionise industries for net zero emissions.
The top 10 climate tech solutions include hydrogen energy storage, pumped hydro energy storage and battery energy storage systems.
BESS, thermal energy storage, soil carbon storage and forest carbon storage are others that made the list.
Some of the top circular design strategies and companies leading the way include Caterpillar’s remanufacturing and Apple’s circular material selection.
These strategies can help to avoid the 45% of emissions that won’t be removed by the transition to clean energy and technologies alongside supporting reduction in land, water and other raw material use.
Philips’ modular design, BMW’s material passports, Unilever’s circular packaging, Adidas’ regenerative design and H&M’s digital product passports also feature.
The best of Sustainability Magazine in Top 10s
February
Top 10: CEOs in Sustainability
In February, Sustainability Magazine highlighted the top CEOs driving sustainable business practices and leading corporate ESG initiatives.
These executives play a crucial role in shaping their companies' visions and sustainability strategies.
Among the recognised leaders were Mads Nipper of Ørsted, Vestas’ Henrik Andersen, and Tamara Lundgren from Radius Recycling, all celebrated for their contributions to sustainable business.
April saw a significant focus on technology firms, as industry giants were recognised by Sustainability Magazine not just for their technological expertise but also for their commitment to integrating sustainability into their operations effectively.
Leaders like Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Google were acknowledged for their dominance in the tech sector and their proactive sustainability initiatives.
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, climate tech unicorns — companies valued at over US$1bn — are leading the charge in developing sustainable solutions.
A surge of these innovative firms is creating technologies aimed at reducing environmental harm and facilitating the global shift towards a sustainable future.
Notable names among these pioneers, as celebrated by Sustainability Magazine, include OLA Electric, Octopus Energy and Bolt.
August
Top 10: Sustainability Influencers
In August, sustainability influencers took to the spotlight in Sustainability Magazine, featuring notable figures from various backgrounds on the Top 10 list.
Dame Jane Goodall, recognised for her six decades of conservation work, shares this honor with Elon Musk, David Attenborough, Leonardo DiCaprio and environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
Their philanthropic efforts have significantly raised climate awareness, transforming their passionate visions into a powerful movement for change.
November
Top 10: Ethical Investment Companies
ESG-focused funds drew in US$234bn globally in 2023, demonstrating the financial viability of sustainable investments.
Financial institutions are increasingly prioritising sustainability strategies and eco-friendly partnerships.
Leading the charge are companies like Legal & General, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and BlackRock, who are backing their commitments with substantial investments.
Nate Hurst, Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer, Managing Director of BlackRock Foundation, says: “The ‘E’ and ‘S’ of ESG are two sides of the same coin. We can’t talk about climate change and the energy transition without recognising their impacts on people and communities.”
Energy Digital’s Top 10 highlights
In its June edition, Energy Digital showcased 10 leading tech companies, including Google, Amazon, Oracle and Nvidia that provide solutions benefiting the energy and utilities sectors.
This recognition highlights how innovation and efficiency from technology firms are essential in supporting these industries, particularly in achieving sustainability objectives.
The companies featured are well-known for their significant contributions to enhancing operational effectiveness and driving sustainable practices within the energy landscape.
August
Top 10: Smart Cities
In August, Energy Digital traveled the globe to highlight 10 of the smartest cities worldwide, including Canberra, Copenhagen, Washington DC and Singapore.
The list also features London, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Dubai.
These cities have implemented technologies such as EV charging stations, energy-efficient lighting, green-certified buildings and advanced traffic management systems to enhance urban living for everyone.
December
Top 10: Energy Projects
In December, the final issue of the year focused on the world’s most pioneering energy projects.
Featuring hydropower facilities, solar installations, wind farms and undersea cables, these 10 initiatives exemplify innovation and a progressive approach to energy.
Among those highlighted are Denmark's energy islands, the Australia-Asia PowerLink and the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Power Plant, all setting new standards in the industry.
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