TNFD Finalizes Sector Guidance for Technology and Telecommunications

On September 22, 2026, the Taskforce on Nature‑related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) released its final sector guidance for the technology and telecommunications sector, along with a new use case illustrating water‑risk assessment for semiconductor manufacturing and data centers. With this publication, TNFD’s sector‑specific guidance now covers 18 sectors, representing roughly 60 percent of the Sustainable Industry Classification System (SICS®). As the use of AI expands, activity in semiconductor manufacturing and data centers has increased, driving higher water consumption. In water‑stressed regions, rising demand for freshwater is making water procurement more difficult and heightening risks that affect business continuity and investment decisions. The new guidance provides a framework to support risk management and capital allocation by companies and financial institutions. In addition to nature‑related risks, it also organizes operational considerations such as water‑use reduction and equipment efficiency improvements.