Achieving Mission Possible: The Green Recovery Inspiration Sessions

Hosted as part of edie’s brand-new Mission Possible: Green Recovery campaign of digital content and events, the Green Recovery Inspiration Sessions offer up an afternoon of live, interactive webinar presentations and discussions – all dedicated to delivering a socially and environmentally sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Boris Johnson commits government to protecting 30% of UK's land

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that the UK will sign an international commitment binding nations to protect 30% of their land-based habitats - a move designed to halt biodiversity loss.

How to seize the opportunities of a green recovery

Now is the perfect time for organisations to give back to society and pay it forward to future generations by seizing the opportunities of a green recovery.

Chanel links €600m sustainability bond to science-based targets

Luxury fashion and fragrance giant Chanel has issued a €600m transaction for bonds linked to the company's progress against its 1.5C science-based targets.

As Boris Johnson unveils COP26 'launchpad' event, is the world on track for a green recovery?

In a speech to world leaders today, Boris Johnson confirmed that the UK will co-host a climate event with the UN in December and will spend the coming months urging other nations to update their emissions targets. But is the UK keeping its own promises for a green recovery? And are world leaders walking the talk on their own commitments?

Available to watch on demand: edie's green recovery webinar sessions

Expert speakers gave insight and advice during a free set of green recovery-themed webinars and masterclasses that took place on Wednesday 23 September. You can watch the sessions, featuring the Aldersgate Group, BT, Bank of England, Ella's Kitchen, UKGBC on demand. 

Green recovery: 'Retrofit revolution' could create half a million UK jobs

More than 455,000 'white van' jobs could be created across the UK's property and construction sectors if the government increases funding for retrofit projects and green skills as part of its Covid-19 recovery package.

London and Bristol vow to divest from fossil fuel companies as part of Covid-19 recovery plans

The mayors of 12 major global cities, including London and Bristol in the UK and Berlin, Milan and Oslo in Europe, have committed to "take all possible steps" to divest their city assets from fossil fuel companies.

#SustyTalk: WWF's Raymond Dhirani on financing the green recovery

edie's SustyTalk series continues with WWF UK's head of sustainable finance Raymond Dhirani discussing the role of the finance sector in creating a Covid-19 recovery movement that tackles the twin climate and nature crises.

Higher carbon prices could raise £27bn for green recovery by 2030, experts tell UK Government

The UK's price on carbon will need to reach £75 per tonne by 2030 if the nation is to meet its 2050 net-zero target - a price which would raise up to £27bn of finance for low-carbon sectors.

Tate & Lyle has carbon goals approve by Science Based Targets initiative

Food and drink ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle has had goals to reduce operational and value chain emissions approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

#SustyTalk: Lloyds Banking Group's James Wilde on financing the green recovery

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Lloyds Banking Group's head of sustainability James Wilde taking part in a virtual discussion on financing the green recovery, as well as providing an update on the bank's efforts to halve its emissions.

Closing the loop in a post-Covid-19 landscape

The impact that Covid-19 has had on communities around the world is unprecedented. The face mask - now a ubiquitous symbol of the global pandemic - serves as an ongoing reminder that a virus invisible to the human eye has forced communities across the world to retreat and entire nations to shut down.

BT joins calls to accelerate climate action through 1.5C Business Playbook

BT has joined the likes of Ikea and Ericsson in supporting the 1.5C Business Playbook, calling for renewed efforts from corporates and policymakers to halve emissions by 2030 as part of a "race to zero".

Mark Carney: Climate considerations must be 'embedded' in every financial decision for a truly green recovery

Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has outlined his vision for financing a green economic recovery for Covid-19 in the UK, calling for measures to ensure that every financial decision made by the private sector takes climate into account.

Why business must take the lead in our green economy

Ella's Kitchen's chief executive Mark Cuddigan outlines why returning to a sense of normality does not mean reverting back to business as usual, with his latest blog outlining the importance of corporate's spurring the green recovery.

Business and investor giants urge EU to raise 2030 emissions target

More than 150 businesses and a group of investors with €33trn in assets under management have today (15 September) called on the European Union (EU) to back the ambitions set out in its Green Deal by committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

SBTi kickstarts process on global standard for science-based corporate net-zero targets

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has issued its first guidance on what will ultimately lead to the development of a new global standard to ensure that corporate net-zero carbon targets are aligned with climate science.

Sustainability Leaders Awards open for entries ahead of virtual ceremony

edie is proud to announce that the UK's largest and most prestigious sustainable business awards scheme has opened for entries, offering organisations and individuals the opportunity to be recognised and celebrated for leading on sustainability, energy and climate action.

How a focus on green technology can build back better from the coronavirus pandemic

BT's chief digital impact and sustainability officer Andy Wales discussing how low-carbon and technological innovation can "reboot" Britain to help deliver a green economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Moving beyond ESG to real world impact in a new era of scrutiny for investors

For anyone who thinks sustainable investing is just about climate, the Covid-19 crisis has proven that businesses becoming resilient to climate change, have also proven best-prepared to ride the shock of the current pandemic.

Flurry of corporate plastic announcements hints at a new normal for the circular economy

In what has been a bumper week for news stories on single-use plastics, edie explores how corporates are forging ahead with new collection and take-back schemes for recyclable packaging that had been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Inclusive recovery: Can a post-pandemic economy shift society and sectors to greener pastures?

The world is still reeling from the continued impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, but the financial decisions that are made now will determine whether all sectors and parts of society are brought along the green recovery.

Sustainability must be at the heart of C-Suite thinking for the 'new normal' in the wake of Covid-19

Covid-19 has been a wake-up call for many CEOs when it comes to sustainability. While many companies had already increased their actions and commitment to sustainability pre-Covi-19, the pandemic has seemingly acted as a catalyst for urgent action on climate change.

UK could save £1.6bn and 17,000 deaths by improving air quality, report finds

Improving air quality in England in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines could deliver a £1.6bn benefit while preventing 17,000 premature deaths each year that are linked to air pollution.

Uber commits to becoming zero-emissions mobility platform by 2040

Uber has announced its intention to become a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2040, with all journeys to be completed via zero-emission vehicles, public transit and bespoke micro-mobility devices.

UK needs 'significant' overhaul of infrastructure investment to reach net-zero, report claims

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has claimed that the UK Government needs to "undertake a significant programme of infrastructure investment" to enable regulators and private investment to create funding for critical net-zero infrastructure.

Scotland commits £1.6bn for national green recovery

The Scottish Government has outlined a new £1.6bn spending framework that will form part of an enhanced New Deal for the country that will improve biodiversity, slash emissions from heating and buildings and support 5,000 low-carbon jobs.

BEIS to review whether UK's oil and gas licencing regime is net-zero compatible

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will review whether its plans for the future oil and gas licencing regime are "aligned with tackling climate change" and compatible with the UK's 2050 net-zero target.

Microsoft joins European Corporate Leaders Group

Microsoft has joined the European Corporate Leaders Group (CLG Europe) to lobby for ambitious climate policy across the continent, with the European Union (EU) recently pushing for a carbon-neutrality goal.

Lenovo to halve emissions as part of science-based targets

Computer manufacturer Lenovo has unveiled new science-based targets to halve emissions from its operations and reduce value chain impacts by 25% by 2030, with a view to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Ikea owner commits €600m in sustainability investing over next 12 months

Ingka Group - the business owner of Ikea - will commit €600m in sustainability investments, including a "zero-fossil fuel" approach, to assist with Ikea's overall ambition of becoming "climate positive" by 2030.

In charts: How the UK's green recovery is taking shape

EXCLUSIVE: An edie survey of more than 240 sustainability, energy and CSR professionals across the UK has revealed exactly what they make of the global reen recovery movement, and provided an update on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted day-to-day work in this sector. Here are the results...

9 in 10 sustainability professionals excited by green recovery opportunities, survey reveals

EXCLUSIVE: An edie survey of more than 240 sustainability, energy and CSR professionals has revealed that 89% believe the implementation of Covid-19 recovery plans is an opportunity to accelerate climate action.

Mission Possible: edie launches new campaign to drive a Green Recovery

edie has today (2 September) launched a spin-off of the award-winning Mission Possible campaign which will support sustainability, energy and CSR professionals on our collective mission to drive a green recovery across all major industries in the UK.

The Green Recovery Business Roadmap

Much has been said about the need to deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. But what new ways of working should businesses be exploring to assist with a just and low-carbon transition? This new report outlines EIGHT key considerations.

Davos delayed: World Economic Forum postpones 2021 event over Covid-19 concerns

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has postponed the 2021 iteration of its namesake conference in Davos, Switzerland, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

UK emissions still down 14% despite lockdown easing, Carbon Trust analysis finds

The UK's greenhouse gas emissions footprint is down 14% year-on-year per capita basis, new analysis of consumer spending data by the Carbon Trust has concluded.

Green groups outraged as government presses on with £27.4bn roads plan

The Treasury and Highways England are facing criticism after the latest string of details about the UK Government's £27.4bn road-building plan was published, with green groups arguing that the money would have been better spent on public transport and digital infrastructure.

Moody's: Global green bond issuance reached record high amid Covid-19 crisis

The global issuance of sustainable and green bonds totalled a record $99.9bn (£75.5bn) in the second quarter of 2020, with investors increasingly focusing on ESG risks and seeking to play their part in the green recovery movement.

Transition Agreements: Companies urged to future-proof job security as part of net-zero disruption

Companies should make Transition Agreements with existing unions to ensure that job security, training and potential redeployment are covered as part of the UK's net-zero transition.

Environment Bill update: UK to introduce legally binding nature, water, air and waste targets from 2022

After enshrining its 2050 net-zero target in law last year, the UK Government is developing similar legally binding targets for biodiversity, air quality, water and waste.

Defra selects local authorities to spearhead innovative nature restoration projects

Local authorities in Cornwall, Buckinghamshire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Northumberland have been selected to trial place-based nature restoration strategies, which, if successful, could be replicated across the UK.

Tory MPs call for Boris Johnson to go further and faster on climate in Covid-19 recovery plans

A group of 100 moderate Conservative MPs have called on Boris Johnson to beef up green legislation and investment through the UK's Covid-19 recovery strategy, and are particularly keen for the national petrol and diesel car ban to be moved forward to 2030.

'Crack on': Alok Sharma implores businesses to join £2bn Green Homes Grant

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has called on tradespeople across the UK to access the Government's new £2bn Green Homes Grants scheme to mobilise efforts to improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.

Hydrogen deployment could deliver 75,000 jobs and £18bn boon for UK economy

Utilising hydrogen production could generate £18bn for the UK economy and support more than 75,000 jobs over the next 15 years, according to a taskforce backed by the likes of Shell and BP.

Don't let financial capital stand in the way of your sustainability targets

In July, Tim Wynn-Jones of Centrica Business Solutions spoke on a roundtable for edie around how businesses are shifting strategies towards a green recovery. Here, he summarises how innovation in sustainability financing can act as a route to net-zero.

edie launches new business guide on the green recovery

edie has launched a new Explains guide outlining the business impacts, opportunities and drivers of the broader green recovery narrative, as nations attempt to "build back better" from the coronavirus pandemic.

John Elkington: Businesses should 'think like insurgents' to spur green recovery efforts

EXCLUSIVE: Many organisations will need to "regenerate" approaches to environmental, societal and economic business models in the wake of the financial damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to Volans' chairman and chief pollinator John Elkington, who has called on companies to "think like an insurgent".

edie Explains: The Green recovery

What is the green recovery? Where does business sustainability fit into its wider context? What is happening at a policy level? And what does the future hold for green recovery efforts? This edie Explains guide answers all of these questions and more.

Purpose-led business 'key' to green Covid-19 recovery, say top CEOs

The chief executives of Danone, L'Oreal and Philips are among the signatories of a new open letter calling for the creation of an economic system that "puts purpose first, so our planet and society can thrive", through Covid-19 recovery efforts.

Bank of England accused of 'missing significant green recovery opportunity'

Greenpeace and other climate campaigners have accused the Bank of England of backsliding on its green finance commitments and are calling on it to stop providing extensive support to high-carbon sectors as part of its Covid-19 recovery process.

Government faces backlash over 'zero-carbon-ready' homes proposal

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has today unveiled new proposals to streamline the planning process for housebuilders, in a bid to deliver homes that are "zero carbon ready", but environmental groups have warned that the shake-up to planning could neglect the natural environment.

Government urged to ramp up hydrogen spending through national strategy

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) had called on the Government to implement a Hydrogen Strategy to assist in decarbonising carbon-intensive sectors, in the same week that the National Grid announced plans to build a new hydrogen testing facility.

Analysts to help align economic recovery plans with net-zero

Many world leaders and businesses have given their verbal support for a 'green' economic recovery from Covid-19. Now, a group of analysts have begun work to develop data-driven digital tools which will help deliver on these commitments.

#SustyTalk: WBA's Vicky Sins on resilience and climate ambition post-pandemic

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with senior reporter Sarah George dialling the World Benchmarking Alliance's (WBA) climate lead Vicky Sins for a discussion on disclosure, relilience and ambition.

edie launches new handbook on ESG excellence and best practice

edie has published a new handbook outlining the key considerations and best practice advice to collecting and compiling Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data that investors are increasingly looking for, in order to spur the green recovery.

Environment Agency chief: UK has one chance to get post-Brexit, post-Covid-19 regulation right

The Environment Agency's (EA) chief executive Sir James Bevan has delivered a rousing speech to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urging policymakers to embed key environmental regulations from the EU into UK law ahead of Brexit, and to strengthen certain regulations to stimulate green growth.

How can businesses boost climate disclosure and green investment in line with changing demands?

Investors and consumers alike are demanding more information on business-related climate risks and whether corporates are spending significant sums on decarbonisation - and this trend is likely to accelerate because of Covid-19. So, what is best practice on investment and disclosure, and how should businesses implement these approaches?

Private equity investors launch Paris-aligned climate disclosure framework

A group of private equity investors have launched an international network committing to engage with corporates in reducing carbon emissions in line with the needs of the Paris Agreement.

edie's Net-Zero Live 2020 goes virtual as part of bumper month of inspirational content

edie's annual exhibition, Net-Zero Live 2020, will take place virtually over three days in November, as part of a themed month of digital content dedicated to accelerating climate action and helping business build back better.

Credit Suisse cuts fossil fuel lending as part of £250bn green finance promise

Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse has unveiled plans to provide more than £250bn in financing geared towards green bonds and the low-carbon economy over the next decade, as well as pledging to limit financing to the oil and gas sector.

London unveils £1.5bn green infrastructure package to kick-start economy post-lockdown

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the London Recovery Board have jointly launched a £1.5bn infrastructure investment package, designed to reduce the city's emissions and water footprint while kick-starting the local economy as lockdown eases.

Report: Governments collectively failing to deliver net-zero-aligned coal phase-out

Coal accounted for 40% of carbon emissions from energy use last year and this trend is unlikely to be stopped by existing commitments from national governments - including so-called 'green' Covid-19 recovery strategies.

Building back better: What role should construction and retrofit sectors play in the UK's green recovery?

EXCLUSIVE: The Treasury this month launched a £3bn package to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings while boosting employment post-pandemic. But what needs to happen now to ensure that the schemes it funds align with net-zero, and what about new buildings?

Boris Johnson unveils £2bn boost for walking and cycling infrastructure

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a £2bn package aimed at incentivising walking and cycling as the UK lockdown eases.

Boris Johnson outlines £750m green spending for heavy industry and aviation

Boris Johnson has unveiled a £350m funding pot for technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen alongside a £400m sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pledge, to be spent as part of the UK's Covid-19 recovery effort.

World's largest network of AI-enabled residential batteries doubles in size

Smart battery giant Moixa has doubled the number of residential battery storage units it operates in Japan to 20,000, making the network the largest of its kind in the world.

Putting young people at the heart of a greener post-Covid recovery

At the start of 2020, few of us could have predicted the changes and upheaval that we have experienced together in the first six months of this year. As we emerge tentatively from lockdown across Europe, we now face the challenge of recovery as local, national and global communities, with the many social and environmental imperatives that Covid-19 has brought to the fore.

#SustyTalk: Goldsmiths' Stu Meades on a green Covid-19 recovery for UK universities

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with senior reporter Sarah George dialling Stu Meades of Greener Edge, the brains behind Goldsmiths, University of London's roadmap for reaching net-zero by 2025.

Coronavirus: EU's recovery deal lacking climate spending accountability, green groups warn

Following four nights of negotiations, the European Union (EU) has agreed its biggest joint borrowing plan ever recorded, pledging €750bn to a coronavirus recovery package, but green groups have expressed concerns that focus and accountability on green spending have "taken a battering".

Bankers for Net-Zero: Banks sign up to steer UK green recovery

Barclays and Triodos are amongst the first five banks to sign up to a new commitment exploring how the banking sector can fund the net-zero transition to deliver a green recovery in the UK.

Defra unveils natural capital 'assessment' funding as post-Brexit green recovery shapes up

Environment Minister George Eustice has announced a new £5m Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment to protect the UK's environment as part of a new package of Environment Bill measures, on the same day that the Government unveiled a £16m sustainable farming package in South America.

English local authorities encouraged to align with SDGs in green recovery planning

The body representing 335 of the UK's 339 local authorities has launched a guide for engagement and alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which it claims should be accelerated in efforts to "build back better" post-pandemic.

Investment to decarbonise aviation must be 'supercharged' in Covid-19 recovery plans, MPs urge

"Supercharging" investment in decarbonising the UK's aviation sector would provide a "golden opportunity" in the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, a coalition of 35 cross-party MPs have told the Treasury.

City Hall eyes options for powering London's tube network with 100% renewable energy by 2030

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a market test for tube networks to be supplied with renewable electricity directly from generators, as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan's commitment to deliver a zero-carbon rail network by 2030.

#SustyTalk: Ed Cox of the West Midlands Combined Authority on the green recovery

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive interview with the West Midlands Combined Authority's director of public service reform Ed Cox.

6 in 10 UK businesses cutting environment-related investment due to coronavirus, survey shows

A survey of 200 UK-based businesses has found that 60% have either decreased their investment in sustainability initiatives as a result of Covid-19, or are planning to do so.

West Berkshire Council launches 'UK's first' resident-funded green bond

West Berkshire Council has launched a green bond that will see residents invest in the region's renewable energy sector, in what it claims is a UK first.

WEF: Invest in nature-led Covid-19 recovery to reap $10trn economic opportunity

By embedding 'net-positive' nature requirements into their Covid-19 recovery strategies, governments and businesses could collectively realise a $10trn (£7.9trn) economic opportunity and create 395 million new jobs within a decade.

G20 nations funnel $151bn of Covid-19 recovery funding into fossil fuels

Of the Covid-19 recovery funding allocated to energy companies by G20 governments, 56% has been handed to fossil fuel projects, equivalent to $151bn (£119bn).

Alok Sharma: Energy White Paper and Heat Strategy coming this Autumn

Following months of delays and amid mounting pressure from businesses and climate advisors alike, the UK Government will publish the Energy White Paper, Heat Strategy and Buildings Strategy alongside the Autumn Statement, Alok Sharma has confirmed.

#SustyTalk: ING's Leonie Schreve on financing a green Covid-19 recovery

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with ING's global head of sustainable finance Leonie Schreve, who outlines the bank's ambitions to collaborate and create a green economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

Create net-zero development bank to spur post-Brexit low-carbon transition, MPs urge

By creating a National Investment Bank with an explicit net-zero mandate, Ministers could reap the benefits of the UK's Brexit transition period, Covid-19 recovery planning and low-carbon transition simultaneously, MPs, economists and local leaders are urging.

Government urged to spend £5bn to unlock £100bn green recovery

A group of businesses, mayors and political leaders have called on the Conservative government to spend £5bn to deliver on its promised manifesto pledges in order to unlock £100bn in capital investment on energy efficiency and create more than 300,000 green jobs.

Report: Governments are bowing to fossil fuel lobbying in Covid-19 recovery planning

Almost two-thirds of the interventions which fossil fuel lobbyists made in policymaking between March and June were successful, new analysis has revealed.

Government threatened with legal action over coronavirus recovery package

The UK Government is facing another court challenge over climate-wrecking policy decisions, with UK-based Plan B threatening legal action over the recent coronavirus recovery package, calling it a "new deal for polluters".

Protect one-third of world's oceans and land to deliver $500bn economic boost, scientists urge

Protecting 30% of oceans and land globally would reap economic benefits five times greater than the initial costs of conservation and restoration, a major new scientific report has concluded.

'An encouraging start': Reaction as Treasury unveils £3bn boost for green economy

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has delivered his Summer Economic Update to Parliament, including a £3bn package to stimulate the UK's green economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has broadly been welcomed by key individuals and organisations.

Survey: Energy professionals believe retrofitting is key to a green Covid-19 recovery

A survey of 350 UK-based energy professionals has found that 80% want the majority of the UK's Covid-19 recovery package funnelled into 'green' industries, with energy efficiency retrofits for housing cited as the most popular route to both economic recovery and net-zero.

UK among nations calling for low-carbon industrial transition to spur job growth

The UK has joined seven other nations in calling for industrial transitions to be delivered in a way that delivers new jobs and is in alignment with ongoing efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

Green Recovery: Treasury unveils £3bn package spotlighting energy efficiency and reskilling

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined the key details of a £3bn plan intended to create thousands of "green-collar" jobs, improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources.

Brits believe a non-green Covid-19 recovery would be bad for the economy, cross-party survey reveals

A survey of more than 2,000 UK voters, in which all major political preferences were accounted for, has revealed that the majority of Brits want a "green" recovery from Covid-19, in which measures designed to boost the economy also serve to reduce pollution and emissions.

CCC: UK's net-zero transition could be easier than first thought

The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) chair, co-chair and chief analyst believe that the UK's transition to net-zero could be accelerated, rather than hampered, by the Covid-19 crisis.

Pension funds covering £3trn pressured on fossil fuel investments and net-zero alignment

Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis has launched a new campaign pressuring UK pension funds to halve the emissions of their portfolios by 2030 and bring them to net-zero by 2050.

edie launches brand new Sustainable Investment Digital Conference for September

edie is launching its first bespoke sustainability conference focused on green finance, with experts from ING, BlackRock and BNP Paribas set to discuss investment and the green recovery at the Sustainable Investment Digital Conference on 7-8 September 2020.

IPPR and REA: Up to 1.6 million new jobs could be created though green Covid-19 recovery

A green recovery package prioritising jobs in energy efficiency and public transport could create 1.6 million new jobs in the UK, new IPPR research has concluded.

'A false start': Green groups express disappointment in Boris Johnson's 'New Deal' recovery package

Key members of the UK's green economy have been offering their thoughts on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Covid-19 recovery package, the fundamentals of which have now been unveiled. The general feeling is one of dismay, following months of campaigning.

Boris Johnson's New Deal for Britain yet to align with green recovery calls

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a multi-billion-pound "New Deal for Britain" that prioritises jobs and infrastructure growth to respond to the economic crash caused by Covid-19, but following months of calls for a "green recovery," the environment is largely absent from the plan.

Policy wishlist: What does the UK's green economy want from the coronavirus recovery package?

After weeks of speculation, Boris Johnson is set to outline the fundamentals of the UK's Covid-19 recovery plan on Tuesday (30 June). Here, we round up nine of the specific measures which green economy experts are urging for inclusion.

'Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity': Business giants vow to build back better post-Covid-19

More than 200 business leaders will tune into a virtual meeting today (29 June), in which they will outline their plans to deliver a green coronavirus recovery and make last-minute recommendations on key policies which would help them align with net-zero.

MPs to probe whether Covid-19 recovery package is truly 'green'

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry into the environmental and social implications of the UK Government's Covid-19 recovery package, just one day before the plan's key aspects are due to be unveiled by Boris Johnson.

Deep retrofits, community energy and net-zero stress tests: Green Alliance publishes Covid-19 recovery recommendations

Green Alliance has issued a string of policy recommendations for creating a "green and resilient" Covid-19 recovery package, which, if enacted in full, could close the £14.1bn annual investment gap between current levels of finance and those needed to meet net-zero by 2050.

UK's Covid-19 recovery package must mandate building retrofits, 100 businesses tell Ministers

EDF, Dimplex and Kingspan are among the cohort of 100+ businesses, investors and trade bodies calling for the UK's Covid-19 recovery package to contain legally-binding measures for addressing wasted energy and carbon emissions from housing.

Report: Most oil majors' net-zero strategies are greenwash, with US firms faring the worst

Despite a major trend towards strengthening climate commitments in recent months, oil and gas majors are broadly failing to take responsibility for their entire emissions footprint, with some on track to deliver just a 3% cut in absolute emissions by 2050.

'We're still walking when we should run': Green economy leaders urge Ministers to implement latest CCC recommendations

Key organisations and individuals from across the UK's green economy have backed the Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) latest progress report to Parliament, urging Ministers to seize the "once-in-a-lifetime" chance to create a green Covid-19 recovery.

CCC: Covid-19 recovery a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to spur net-zero transition

Producing a Covid-19 recovery plan which is fully aligned with the UK's 2050 net-zero climate target is "absolutely necessary and entirely possible" with strong coordination across Whitehall, Ministers have been told by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

SDGs: Just 39% of businesses think they are taking enough action, UN survey finds

A survey of more than 600 business representatives by the UN found that just 39% believe their employer has targets that are sufficiently ambitious to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline.

IPPR: UK 'acutely vulnerable' to environmental breakdown

UK policymakers have 'historically disregarded' the economic, social and environmental risks posed by the degradation of nature, meaning more ambition and action is now desperately needed to mitigate further damage and adapt to changes which are already baked-in.

EU recovery fund leaves €1.6trn investment gap towards climate targets, experts say

Calculations by experts show that the EU's planned economic rescue package, worth €750bn, is nowhere near enough to achieve the bloc's climate targets. Even in the best-case scenario, only one-third of the costs would be covered.

IEA: Electric vehicle sales will continue to rise despite Covid-19 crisis

While the overall passenger car market is set to contract by 15% this year, electric vehicle (EV) sales to both individual motorists and businesses are likely to remain steady, new International Energy Agency (IEA) analysis states.

Climate Assembly: 79% of Brits want Covid-19 recovery package tied to net-zero

A survey of the members of the UK's Climate Assembly, who were chosen to resemble the national population in terms of both social demographics and views on environmental issues, found that almost eight in ten want net-zero alignment embedded in all facets of the upcoming Covid-19 recovery package.

25,000 jobs could be created through nature investment, charities tell Treasury

By providing funding for 330 "shovel-ready" nature restoration projects, the UK Government could create 10,000 jobs in the short-term and a further 15,000 in the long-term, while putting itself on track to meet key climate, biodiversity, tree planting and wellbeing targets.

Tesla's generation licence granted and Amazon's climate pledge grows: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

IEA unveils major new green Covid-19 recovery roadmap

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has set out a string of policy recommendations green Covid-19 recovery packages, which, if followed in full, could slash annual energy-related emissions by billions of tonnes, while creating jobs, improving air pollution and boosting GDP.

SSE outlines £7bn green recovery package, sets science-based climate targets

Energy major SSE will spend more than £7bn on clean energy initiatives over the next five years, in a bid to spur a green UK recovery from Covid-19 and to meet its new, stronger climate targets.

Survey: Corporates maintaining long-term sustainability plans despite Covid-19 crisis

The vast majority of sustainability professionals do not believe their employer will backtrack on long-term sustainability plans, in spite of the challenges posted by the Covid-19 pandemic, a new survey from The Climate Group has concluded.

Charities to Boris Johnson: Pandemic response will determine whether UK meets climate goals

More than 50 UK charities are putting pressure on the government to develop a "truly green" Covid-19, lest the nation miss its 2050 net-zero goal and play host to widening social inequalities.

UK's offshore oil and gas industry vows to halve operational emissions by 2030

The industry body for offshore oil and gas in the UK has published plans for halving emissions from production and exploration within a decade, but green groups say there must also be stronger accountability for indirect emissions.

Spain underpins car sector bailout with green goals

The Spanish government unveiled on Monday (15 June) a €3.75bn aid package for the domestic auto industry, which includes a scrappage scheme with green strings, a bigger focus on electric charging points and funding for hydrogen power.

Protecting our planet in the 'new normal' world

Ahead of edie's new smart grids content series with E.ON, the utility company's chief executive Michael Lewis notes that we cannot lose sight of our long-term commitment to protecting our planet while overcoming the coronavirus pandemic.

Commit to nature restoration in your green Covid-19 recovery plans, businesses urged

Businesses including Danone and Unilever have pledged to work with governments to reverse nature loss as part of their Covid-19 recovery plans, following a call to action from NGOs and trade bodies.

Jet Zero Council: Government unveils new collaborative initiative to decarbonise aviation

The UK Government is developing a 'Jet Zero Council' - a coalition of Ministers, businesses, trade bodies and environmental groups who will collaboratively work to align the aviation sector with the 2050 net-zero target.

Pandora's recycled jewellery and net-zero tech: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

#SustyTalk: BT's Gabrielle Giner on COP26 and sustainability networking in the 'new normal'

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with BT's head of sustainability policy Gabrielle Giner discussing how climate momentum can continue in the run-up to a delayed COP26.

'Happy Birthday, you haven’t aged a day’: One year on from the UK’s net-zero announcement

It's been one year since the UK's historic net-zero announcement, and the movement is being kept afloat by the corporate sector in a year the has seen policy blindsided by a global pandemic and slowed to a frustrating pace by Brexit.

Green building advocates 'underwhelmed' by EU recovery plan

When the European Commission unveiled its proposed €750bn recovery fund two weeks ago, green activists were expecting a detailed spending programme, with billions of euros allocated to clean mobility, renewables, and an upcoming EU-wide building renovation wave. Those working in the built environment space have, however, expressed disappointment.

Carbon pricing, climate disclosure and COP26: Businesses outline key asks for Covid-19 recovery policy

The Aldersgate Group - an alliance of dozens of business and civil society leaders - has published a new briefing outlining key policy changes and low-carbon investments it believes should be made to ensure the UK's recovery from Covid-19 produces a greener, more inclusive and resilient economy.

Corporate clean energy sourcing must form part of green Covid-19 recovery, dozens of businesses tell policymakers

Mars, Nestle, and IKEA owner Ingka Group are among a coalition of more than 50 major businesses calling on EU leaders to build the business sourcing of renewables into the bloc's Covid-19 stimulus package, hailed globally as "green".

Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050

Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.

Luton Airport to become 'most sustainable airport' by 2040

London Luton Airport has revealed an intention to become the UK's "most sustainable airport" by 2040, claiming that a planned expansion can be delivered in line with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

Embed the SDGs into Covid-19 recovery plans, leaders urge Boris Johnson

More than 100 leaders from across the UK's business and public sectors have called on Boris Johnson to ensure that the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are placed at the heart of the UK's Covid-19 recovery planning, in a bid to couple the economic reboot with social as well as environmental progress.

Race to Zero: What's set to be included in the UK's green Covid-19 recovery package?

The UK Government's landmark global campaign for mobilising net-zero support ahead of the postponed COP26 summit - 'Race to Zero' - was launched late last week. But what decarbonisation activities are the likes of Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and Alok Sharma backing for inclusion in national recovery planning?

Investors worth €11trn call for European green recovery from Covid-19 pandemic

More than 100 investors have written to European business and finance leaders, calling on them to ensure the delivering of the bloc-wide Green Deal and deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Race to Zero: COP26 campaign launched to push nations towards net-zero targets

To mark World Environment Day, the UK Government has launched its "Race to Zero" global campaign to mobilise support for the net-zero transition across businesses, cities and nations, with new data finding that 53% of global GDP is covered by a net-zero ambition in some form.

UK businesses urged to 'redesign' relationship with nature

A new survey of UK businesses from Business in the Community (BITC) has found that less than one third have developed science-based, net-zero or carbon-restorative targets, with less than one in 10 listing the health of nature as a material issue for their business.

Green recovery: Net-zero transition can create £90bn annual benefits for the UK

The UK's net-zero transition can be the perfect remedy to the economic and health crises caused by the coronavirus, according to a new WWF-commissioned report that suggests that net-zero could deliver more than £90bn in annual benefits to the UK while growing the job market.

UK business giants call for national green recovery tied to net-zero

More than 200 UK businesses and investors, including Sky, Lloyds Bank and Asda, have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver a green recovery plan from the coronavirus pandemic that builds a stronger and more inclusive economy.

Boris Johnson confirms new COP26 date, urges nations to focus on green recoveries

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated a desire for the UK to deliver a "sustainable" recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in a way that brings together key international nations to reach the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

John Elkington on Green Swans, Covid-19 and green market shifts

In a viewpoint written exclusively for edie's Mission Possible 2020 report, Volans' chairman and chief pollinator John Elkington discusses a new "age of miracles" whereby the once impossible belief that sustainability could dictate market actions now becomes the core lever of an economic recovery.

'Use it or lose it': Pandemic recovery a decisive moment for climate action

A new report from global analyst firm McKinsey has found that recovery packages from the coronavirus pandemic will be decisive in putting the world on course to meeting the Paris Agreement, calling for low-carbon technologies and solutions to be prioritised.

Coronavirus: EU's €750bn recovery fund to funnel investments towards climate action

The European Union's proposed €750bn fund to help the bloc recover from the coronavirus crisis will have green strings attached, with 25% of all funding set aside for climate action, the European Commission has said.

MPs call for Just Transition Fund to spur green recovery towards net-zero

A commission of cross-party MPs has added to the calls for the UK to prioritise and deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, claiming that £30bn should be spent on a climate-focused recovery that also establishes a £5bn national Just Transition Fund.

World health groups call for green coronavirus recovery

A coalition of global healthcare organisations, backed by more than 40 million healthcare professionals, have coordinated a written plea to governments to deliver health-based and climate-focused economic recoveries from the coronavirus pandemic.

Europe's draft 'green recovery' plan leaked

The European Commission's promised green recovery plan will focus on building renovation, renewables and hydrogen as well as clean mobility and the circular economy, according to a leaked working document obtained by EURACTIV.

Achieving a green recovery: edie launches flagship Mission Possible 2020 report

edie has this week published its flagship Mission Possible 2020 report which focuses on how businesses can lead a green recovery from Covid-19, featuring contributions from the likes of John Elkington and Christiana Figueres along with senior representatives from Carlsberg, WorldGBC and the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Jonathon Porritt: Corporate advocacy must be cornerstone of coronavirus recovery

EXCLUSIVE: Business leaders must use the Covid-19 recovery process as an opportunity to promote the benefits of deep decarbonisation, and to rebuild an economy based on strong social and environmental values, Forum for the Future’s founder-director Jonathon Porritt has told edie.