Autonomous vehicle

DEFINITION: A vehicle that uses artificial intelligence, sensors and global positioning system to sense its environment and guide itself without human conduction. An autonomous vehicle is also known as a ‘driverless’ or ‘self-driving’ car.

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The report notes that technologies such as smart sensors and big data will enable EVs to integrate better with existing infrastructure and public transport, cutting traffic and improving air quality as a result

Policy gaps stifling profitability of digital revolution for clean transport

A new report from think tank The Green Alliance has warned that policy gaps and the uncertainty of Brexit is halting investment from manufacturers into the "new competitiveness frontier" of smart technology for electric vehicles (EVs), which risks pushing the UK's net-zero emissions goal out of reach.
The UK Government has just moved the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales forward to 2035. Image: OVO Energy

Northern Powergrid and OVO Energy make fresh bids to spur EV uptake

Northern Powergrid has launched a new digital tool to help business customers install electric vehicle (EV) charging points, in the same week that OVO Energy partnered with Mitsubishi to offer free EV miles to individual customers.
Boris Johnson and Mark Carney will be two of the key figures attending COP26 later this year

COP26: Boris Johnson to move diesel ban forward to 2035 and call for global net-zero transition

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the COP26 climate conference to call on other nations to follow the UK in setting a net-zero target and is also set to reveal plans to move the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars forward five years to 2035 as part of a "year of climate action".
The masterclass will continue with case studies and a webinar over the coming weeks

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: The EV masterclass with EDF Energy

Episode 79 of the Sustainable Business Covered sees edie's content editor Matt Mace sit down with episode sponsors EDF Energy to discuss electric vehicle (EV) integration as well as talking to the Wates Group about how transport will be tackled as part of its new net-zero commitment.
DPD has also developed an in-house training programme to help drivers using the EVs

DPD to add 300 electric vans to UK delivery fleet

Parcel delivery firm DPD has issued an agreement to integrate 300 Nissan electric vans into its fleet by May 2020, put the firm on track to have the largest electric vehicle (EV) delivery fleet in the UK.
The ACEA represents carmakers including Ferrari, Groupe Renault and Volkswagen 

Carmakers renew calls for low-carbon revolution as grim sales figures loom

Some of the EU's largest auto players have called once for a mass rollout of electric vehicle (EV) recharging points and refuelling stations for fuels like hydrogen, as the industry offered up more clues as to how it intends to lessen its climate impact.
The Alliance will support the electrification of transport and logistics fleets across North America 

Big names including Amazon and Ikea spearhead new corporate EV alliance

A new alliance aimed at helping businesses to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is being spearheaded by some of the world's most recognisable corporates, including Amazon, Ikea and Siemens.
The Government is aiming to spread the funding across all UK regions 

Government boosts funding for on-street EV charging

The government has doubled its funding for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers on residential streets to £10 million.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the unveiling of the buses

Electric buses to operate in Glasgow for first time in 60 years

Electric buses will run on a commercial route in Glasgow for the first time since the 1960s, after bus operator First Glasgow introduced two new vehicles to assist with the city's net-zero aspirations.
To finance a pan-European recharging infrastructure, T&E estimates €20bn will be needed over the next 11 years, or €1.8bn a year on average

Massive rise in EV charging points needed to reach EU climate goals, analysis finds

Europe needs a fifteen-fold increase in electric vehicle public charging points by 2030 to support the EU's goal of becoming "climate neutral" by mid-century, according to new research published Wednesday (8 January).
Amid a turbulent year for the UK's car industry, electric car registrations skyrocketed 

Electric car registrations surged to record levels in 2019

More electric cars were registered in the UK during 2019 than any other year to date, as diesel car registrations fell by more than one-fifth on a year-on-year basis.
Pictured: Peugeot's e-208. Image: Groupe PSA

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot merger aims to lead 'new era of sustainable mobility'

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA, the parent companies of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot, have claimed their merger will place the newly created entity at "the forefront of a new era of sustainable mobility".
Charlie founded EO Charging in 2015 and has grown the business from a small start-up to a firm present in more than 30 countries around the world.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Charlie Jardine, EO Charging

This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Charlie Jardine, founder and chief executive of EO charging.

Uber has set a time-bound target for electrification in London - but none of its other 700+ cities globally. Image: Source London

Is revoking Uber's London licence an environmentally sustainable choice?

Earlier today (25 November), Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that ride-hailing firm Uber will not be able to renew its licence in the capital. But will this move help or hinder the sustainable mobility transition?
(L-R) Presenter Chris Large, partner, Global Action Plan,Scottish Power’s Craig Bradley and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change - Scottish Power

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change Award, Scottish Power.
(L-R) Presenter Chris Large, partner, Global Action Plan,Scottish Power’s Craig Bradley and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change - Scottish Power

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change Award, Scottish Power.
The webinar is available to watch on-demand.

Top five tips to integrating electric vehicles into business fleets

Last week an electric vehicles webinar supported by Centrica Business Solutions looked at how businesses could scale up their low emissions transport programmes. Here, edie rounds-up five key takeaways presented by the expert speakers.
The webinar is now available to watch on-demand

Available to watch on demand: edie's webinar on electric vehicles

Speakers from UPS, Nottingham City Council and Centrica Business Solutions appeared on edie's webinar on Tuesday (22 October) to discuss game-changing developments to business efforts to increase the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). It is now available to watch on-demand.
In total, Morrisons is aiming to host 100 of the chargers by the end of 2019. Image: GeniePoint

Morrisons launches first round of rapid EV chargers

Morrisons has installed 50 rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its supermarket customer car parks this week.
The UK's EV market grew by a record-breaking 19% in 2018, with one EV being registered every nine minutes

Government consults on green license plates for electric vehicles

The UK Government has launched a consultation on introducing green license plates for electric vehicles (EVs) to make them easily recognisable and gain access to benefits such as cheaper parking and access to bus lanes.
The 2040 date is currently not aligned with the recommendations of the Government's own climate advisory body

Conservatives hint at plans for earlier petrol and diesel car sale ban

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said he would like the Government to "thoroughly explore" the feasibility of bringing its current 2040 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars forward.
Uber recently launched new measures to help drivers switch to electric cars

Survey: Half of passengers use Uber over environmental concerns

Around half (47%) of UK adults who regularly use Uber have claimed they do so due to their concerns around environmental issues, it has been revealed, in the same week that the ride-hailing giant's London licence was extended.
Time will be allocated for climate discussions at the Labour Party annual conference today (22 September) and tomorrow. 

Labour to commit to big increase in charging points for electric cars

Labour will build a national network of charging points for electric vehicles at a cost of £3.6bn to kickstart its planned "green industrial revolution" if elected, the party will say today (23 September).
The webinar will take place on Tuesday 22 October at 11am and will be available to watch, on demand, afterwards.

edie's next webinar: Driving transport towards net-zero with EVs

The continuing challenge around the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and achieving a 'net zero' transport future forms the basis for edie's new free webinar, which will take place on 22 October.
EDF is the long-term supplier of the car manufacturer. Image: Nissan

Nissan and EDF partner to launch V2G EV charging offer for businesses

Nissan and EDF have signed an agreement to collaboratively develop and launch a "smart" electric vehicle (EV) charging package for businesses, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capacity.
The new target builds on those already set separately by individual bus firms. Image: Arriva 

UK bus industry targets petrol and diesel phase-out

Organisations representing more than 95% of the UK's bus industry have pledged to only invest in low-emission vehicles from 2025, over concerns surrounding climate change and air pollution.
It is the first such partnership between environmental NGO T&E and the auto manufacturers

EU auto industry forms unlikely alliance with NGO on electric cars

Long-time adversaries Transport & Environment and ACEA have signed a partnership to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points, as the auto industry seeks to rebrand with a focus on digital and electric.
10 REEVs have entered UPS’s delivery fleet in Tamworth and an additional 5 in Southampton. Image: UPS

UPS unveils 400km range-extending electric vehicles

Logistics giant UPS has introduced a new collection of range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) to its fleets across Birmingham and Southampton.
Boots UK has a van fleet of around 900 vehicles that cover more than 9,500 routes a week

Boots purchases electric vans for prescription deliveries

Boots has announced it has purchased its first electric vans and will trial them in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as part of its prescription delivery service.
The next edie webinar will assess how businesses can move to electric vehicles, including the plug-in infrastructure required.

10 DAYS LEFT to register for edie's business fleet electrification masterclass

Readers have 10 days left to register for edie's next masterclass webinar, focusing on how businesses can move from petrol and diesel to fully-electric vehicle (EV) fleets.
Grünheide, Brandenburg

Tesla Gigafactory halted over German forest clearance complaint

Tesla's plan to build a new Gigafactory for electric vehicle (EV) production in Germany has been temporarily halted by a court order concerning the clearance of more than 90 hectares of forest in Brandenburg.
Pictured: Pod Point’s founder and chief executive Erik Fairbairn

EDF takes over EV charging giant Pod Point

Energy giant EDF has acquired a majority stake in one of the UK's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging firms, Pod Point.
Power generation capacity may have to grow by 75% to account for additional demand

Sector coupling: Electrification of transport and buildings could slash emissions by 60%

Mass-Scale electrification of the transport, buildings and industrial sectors could enable Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% over the next 30 years, according to a new report published today by research company BloombergNEF (BNEF).
According to EU officials, the Commission is now working on preparing the ground for an ETS-extension proposal

EU starts to chart shipping's new green course

The shipping industry will soon have to pay for its environmental impact in the EU, as both the European Commission and Parliament are moving forward with plans to include vessels in the bloc's flagship carbon market. But there are choppy waters ahead.
Over the past few years, the growth in EV sales is widely believed to have outstripped the growth in charging infrastructure installations 

Government doubles funding for on-street EV charging

The Department for Transport (DfT) has today (12 August) announced that it will provide an extra £2.5m of funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on residential streets, bringing its total investment since 2017 to £5m.
The TCFD formed in 2015 and launched its recommendations in June 2017

'Climate risk is financial risk': TCFD surpasses 1,000 global supporters

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) has revealed that more than 1,000 organisations are supporting its recommendations, including corporates with a combined market cap of $12trn and investors with $138.8trn of assets under management collectively.
More than 8,000 people objected to the expansion. Image: Bristol Airport

Plan to expand Bristol airport rejected after climate protests

A scheme to expand Bristol airport has been rejected following protests that it would exacerbate the climate emergency, damage the health of local people, and harm flora and fauna.
A lack of vehicle supply from the auto industry is now the top corporate barrier to the EV transition

Lack of vehicle supply stifling corporate uptake of EVs

Corporates are spurring demand for electric vehicles (EVs) across the globe, but concerns persist about a lack of vehicles supply, according to an annual update from the group behind the EV100 initiative.
Green groups are critical of the project's approach to carbon reduction and biodiversity 

Can HS2 comply with the UK's net-zero target?

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving the green light to the £100bn HS2, edie examines whether the controversial high-speed rail project can align with the UK's net-zero emissions future.
Each of these stories highlights how businesses are working to ramp up ambitions and actions across all areas of sustainable development

Automated EVs and SC Johnson's sports stadium plastic: 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.
Lloyds is one of six firms to have signed all three of the commitments

Lloyds Banking Group commits to net-zero fleets and 100% renewable electricity

Lloyds Banking Group has today (6 February) joined all three of The Climate Group's business sustainability initiatives, committing to source 100% renewable electricity, reach net-zero fleets and improve energy productivity.
The company has faced criticism from green groups but is keen to move forward. Image: Ryanair

Ryanair: 'We're reviewing everything around environmental sustainability'

EXCLUSIVE: Amid increasing pressure from the general public, policymakers and investors, Ryanair's first director of sustainability has said the airline is reviewing its environmental targets and processes.
The scheme will cost £3m to deliver

Rapid EV charging rolled out across West Yorkshire

A network of 88 rapid charging points for electric vehicles is being installed across West Yorkshire as part of the local authority's drive to improve air quality in the region. 
A “Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road-Map” has also been released today, noting that alternative and sustainable fuels could account for one third of the UK’s demand for aviation fuel by 2050

UK aviation launches net-zero commitment for 2050, but won't cap growth

Key members of the UK aviation industry, including Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and London City Airport are among a coalition that has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the sector by 2050, to assist with the UK's overall net-zero strategy.
The firm's overarching and ongoing ambition is to “use as little fossil fuel as possible”. Image: Arriva

Arriva 'on-track' to meet ambitious decarbonisation goals

Public transport provider Arriva has revealed that it is "on-track" to achieve its decarbonisation ambitions across Europe, including a 2026 goal to reach zero emissions in Limburg, the Netherlands.
The SMMT claims that there are currently 80 "alternatively fuelled" car lines on sale in the UK, including 21 fully electric models 

UK's EV registrations almost triple as diesel sales tumble

Almost three times as many electric cars were registered in the UK this July than in July 2018, research from one of the nation's largest automotive trade associations has concluded.
The report concludes that getting the same amount of mobility from gasoline as from new renewables in tandem with EVs over the next 25 years would cost 6.2 to seven times more

Report: Economics of petrol and diesel in 'irreversible decline'

Oil production costs must fall to $10-20 per barrel for petrol and diesel to compete effectively against renewable power in the transport sector, a new report has claimed.
£3.7bn is equivalent to around 3% of the NHS's annual spend. Image: Francis Tyers, CC BY 3.0 

Report: Stronger green policies for transport and homes would save NHS £3.7bn each year

By implementing stronger policies around walking, cycling, electric vehicles and energy efficiency in homes, the Government could save the NHS at least £3.7bn per year.
The 11-page edie business guide helps sustainability, energy, facilities and fleet professionals understand the key considerations when switching to an electric fleet.

Switching fleets to electric vehicles: edie launches free business guide

Businesses looking to deploy electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleets now have access to a comprehensive guide providing key information required to successfully make the EV transition.

Business guide to fleet electrification

This new business guide breaks down everything there is to know about deploying electric vehicles (EVs) across your business fleet.
The local authority has also confirmed plans to bolster its existing £84m climate-related funding pot with an additional £1m of operational funding and £18m of capital investment

Net-zero cities: Oxford's mission to become carbon-neutral by 2030

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Oxford and its Citizens' Climate Assembly are aiming for net-zero by 2030.
London is one of 13 European cities which has already implemented restrictions on petrol and diesel vehicles

Bloomberg: Petrol and diesel bans reaching critical mass in European cities

Businesses with fleets across mainland Europe will have to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles within a decade or risk losing business in key cities, new research from Bloomberg has suggested.

Single-use Plastics: The Business Leadership Inspiration Sessions (16 January 2020)

The Business Leadership Inspiration Sessions: an afternoon of three live, interactive webinar presentations and discussions – all dedicated to helping businesses collaborate, innovate and actuate to eliminate single-use plastics, is available to watch on-demand.
Image: Ardfern, CC BY 3.0 

Green groups slam Government proposals to cut air passenger duty amid FlyBe rescue plans

Green groups have criticised Ministers for considering measures to cut air passenger duty on domestic return flights, accusing the government of placing short-term plans to rescue FlyBe from collapse over its long-term climate targets.
Mark Vale, UPS President, UK, Ireland and the Nordics, Andy Smith, Country Manager, UPS Ireland and Robbie Baker, Urban Eco Hub Team Leader

UPS and Trinity College Dublin partner on new urban eco package hub

Logistics giant UPS has launched a five-year partnership with the University of Dublin's Trinity College Dublin to integrate a sustainable last-mile delivery service on campus and offer internships and graduate opportunities.
The UK will be required to build 9-12GW of energy generation capacity annually to reach the net-zero target

Urgent boost to offshore wind and CCS required for UK's net-zero target, report finds

The UK will need to facilitate a four-fold increase in low-carbon energy, including expanding offshore wind capacity by up to 75GW, in order to reach its net-zero emissions commitment for 2050.
Asia remains the largest market for fuel cells, accounting for 680 MW

Decade of ascendency: New hydrogen fuel cell capacity surpassed 1GW in 2019

More than 1GW of global hydrogen fuel capacity was added in 2019, marking the first time the sector has surpassed the gigawatt milestone, with experts claiming that this could be a decade of "ascendency" for the technology.
Last month, Oxford City Council pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions within its own operations by the end of 2020

Oxford unveils proposals for city centre zero-emissions zone

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have published proposals on a zero-emission zone (ZEZ) for a city centre, which could be rolled out to a small part of the city by December this year.
Alternatives have been found for items such as cutlery and cups. Image: Hi Fly

Hi Fly goes plastic-free on all flights

Portuguese wet-lease airline Hi Fly has removed all single-use plastic items from its fleet of aircraft, after successful pilots of plastic-free flights in 2018.
The offsetting scheme will complement investments in fuel-efficient aircraft and innovative fuels. Image: P. Masclet/ master films 

British Airways begins offsetting domestic flight emissions in first step towards net-zero

British Airways has begun offsetting all emissions generated through domestic flights within the UK, at no additional cost to passengers.
Tristar's vessel was originally built in 2008 and has been retrofitted for its new purpose as an LNG transporter. Image: Tristar

Shipping giants debut LNG and hydrogen vessels

Multinational fuel giant Tristar has added a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker to its international shipping fleet for the first time, in the same week that Kawasaki Heavy Industries debuted the world's first ship capable of transporting large volumes of liquid hydrogen.
Shipping currently accounts for 2-3% of global annual emissions

Shipping fuel regulation to cut sulphur levels comes into force

Sulphur will be cut drastically from global shipping transport fuels in 2020, in a move that should reduce some forms of air pollution, and may help towards tackling the climate emergency - but which could also lead to a rise in the price of flights.
The popularity of EVs is beginning to outstrip the UK’s charging infrastructure availability

UK Power Networks launches EV smart charging market trial

Electric vehicle (EV) owners across London and the South and East of England have been invited to take part in a trial to uncover the economic, environmental and social benefits of charging vehicles during off-peak hours.
Companies representing $900bn in annual turnover and accounting for 2.8 million employees are now covered by the EV100

UK Government announced as International Ambassador for EV100 initiative

The UK Government has been named as the first government to act as an ambassador for the Climate Group's EV100 initiative to spur electric vehicle (EV) uptake, on the same day that global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca joined the initiative.
JLR's first electric vehicle, the iPace, wasn’t manufactured in the UK

JLR, VW & Ford accelerate electric vehicle development

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has secured a £500m loan guarantee from the Government at the same time Volkswagen (VW) and Ford announced a multi-billion deal on electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous vehicle infrastructure.
Vote using the function at the bottom of this piece to choose your defining moment of the 2010s

A decade in review: Vote for the defining sustainability moment of the 2010s

As the 2010s draw to a close, edie has analysed the key moments and announcements that push sustainability and climate action from a niche activity to a global necessity. Cast your vote to decide which of the seven moments was most profound.
The street currently has high levels of particulate pollution, as it is largely enclosed. Image: Google Maps

City of London Corporation outlines plans for capital's first zero-emission street

Plans to launch the first zero-emission street have been put forward by the City of London Corporation in a bid to improve air quality.
The levy would be ring-fenced and invested in technologies such as biofuel, hydrogen and batteries 

Zero-carbon ships 'on the horizon' under fuel levy plan

Shipping companies would have to pay a small levy on every tonne of fuel they use under proposals aimed at developing zero-carbon vessels within 10 years, transforming the high-carbon global shipping business.

7 tips for accelerating transition to electric fleets

Experts across energy management came together at edie’s SPARK! 2.0 event to discuss how organisations could accelerate their transition away from ICE vehicles to all-electric fleets.

The council’s declaration noted that “taking immediate action will help to protect Nottingham people from the consequences of irreversible climate change

Net-zero cities: Nottingham's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2028

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Nottingham plans to become the UK's first carbon-neutral city by 2028.
The edie team delivers four early Christmas presents in the form of interviews

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Christmas special deliveries and festive feasts

Episode 77 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees the edie editorial team return to discuss business CSR initiatives over the festive period, featuring four exclusive interviews with CSR & redistribution platform Neighbourly, e-commerce firm Tinggly and business networks Team London Bridge and the UKSSD.
The bikes aim to reduce both emissions and costs 

London businesses turn to cargo bikes to slash Christmas logistics emissions

During the Christmas period, workplace deliveries of personal online shopping rose by nearly two-thirds (62.5%) with 77% concerned about environmental impact, according to Transport for London (TFL).
100 of the new charging points will be installed before Christmas

UK's rapid EV charging stock 'to double by 2024'

Electric vehicle (EV) charging network firm Engenie has unveiled fresh plans for expansion, which it claims will enable it to double the number of rapid chargers in the UK by 2024.
EVs could add up 30% to peak power demand by 2050, unless they are used to deliver flexibility

National Grid: Electric cars could form battery hubs to store renewable energy

A fleet of 35 million electric vehicles could help the UK reach its net-zero carbon target by forming large battery hubs to store renewable energy, according to the country's energy system operator.
The energy company’s EV Everywhere platform enables drives to choose from a free charger or a two-year fixed energy plan to procure 100% green energy

OVO Energy and Mitsubishi forge net-zero transport partnership

OVO Energy and Mitsubishi Motors have announced a new UK partnership to help accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector in order to assist with the legally enshrined net-zero target for 2050.
Dubai Airport is the world's busiest international airport, with 90 million passengers annually

Food-to-go giants support Dubai Airport's ban on single-use plastics

A string of big-name food-to-go brands including McDonalds, Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger have unveiled plastic-free offerings to be piloted at Dubai Airport next month, as part of the airport's commitment to eliminate single-use plastics.
Sales of pure EVs are up - but wide-scale adoption is slow and some plug-in vehicle registrations have declined in 2019.

Government injects £37m into innovative EV charging projects

Plans have been outlined by the government to invest £37m into twelve projects to drive forward growth in ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).
The benchmark measures progress against the Paris Agreement's 2C trajectory 

Car giants 'driving with the brakes on' towards climate goals, report warns

The world's 25 largest car manufacturers are collectively failing to act in line with the Paris Agreement in terms of both electrifying their portfolios and strengthening climate governance, new analysis from CDO and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) has warned.
The commitments collectively account for more than 21,000 vehicles. Image: SSE

SSE, Centrica, Mitie commit to total fleet electrification

'Big Six' energy firms SSE and Centrica, as well as facilities services giant Mitie, have today (8 July) unveiled fresh commitments to electrify the entirety of their respective fleets.
Demand for 90TWh of renewable electricity annually is enough to power 11 million US households

Businesses with science-based targets on course to slash emissions by one-third

Businesses that have committed to aligning their emissions reduction strategies with the aims of the Paris Agreement will spur more than $18bn in climate-mitigation investment and up to 90TWh of annual renewable electricity generation.
BNEF's analysis covers battery packs from the vehicle size (pictured) to utility-scale arrays. Image: Akio Kon/Bloomberg

BNEF: Battery prices have plummeted 87% since 2010

The global market for battery energy storage - from car-sized units to utility-scale arrays - has grown rapidly in 2019 amid falling costs, new research from Bloomberg NEF (BNEF) has found.
Progress was found to be slower in aviation than in shipping or carmaking.

Report: One in three transport companies aligning with Paris Agreement as investor pressure mounts

A survey of 57 of the world's largest transport companies, including airlines and carmakers, has found that more than one in three (35%) have set emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement.
(L-R): Amelia Womack, Alan Simpson, Leslie Hook, Kwasi Kwarteng, Lord Fox and BT's head of environmental sustainability Gabrielle Giner

General election: How UK parties are addressing 9 key net-zero challenges

Ahead of Channel 4's leaders debate on climate change, representatives from the UK's four largest parties met in London to set out their plans for net-zero. Here, edie rounds up the key takeaways.

edie's General Election 2019 green policy manifesto matrix

edie has launched a policy manifesto matrix, outlining all the key commitments – and some notable omissions – that the Conservatives, Labour, Green Party and Liberal Democrats have issued.

The thinktank is calling for new measures to reach net-zero at the current 2050 deadline without spiralling costs or harming UK competitiveness

Net-zero by 2025 'practically impossible' due to spiralling costs, report finds

Moving the UK's net-zero emission target forward 25 years is "practically impossible", according to new thinktank research which found that setting a net-zero target for 2025 would cost £200bn each year at a minimum - more than the NHS's annual budget.
Concerns over charging infrastructure have repeatedly been cited as a barrier to EV uptake in the UK

UK 'lags behind' mainland Europe on EV infrastructure

The UK "lags behind" other European countries on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, research from consultancy firm Delta-EE has concluded.
Pictured: The two vehicles used to make the delivery, outside AB InBev's St Louis brewery

AB InBev completes its first zero-emission beer delivery

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has announced the completion of its first zero-emission beer delivery, 18 months after placing an order for 800 hydrogen-electric semi-trucks.
The City’s Energy, Transport and Green New Deal Lead Kye Dudd discusses how Bristol is transitioning to net-zero

Net-zero cities: Bristol's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2030

Launched as part of edie's Net-Zero November campaign, this new mini-series explores how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions. We begin with a look at Bristol City Council's commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2030 - 20 years ahead of the Government's 2050 deadline.
To date, only one other automaker - Groupe Renault - has had its science-based targets approved by the SBTi

General Motors unveils science-based carbon reduction targets

General Motors (GM) has had its carbon reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), making it one a select few carmakers to have aligned with the Paris Agreement.
More commitments are expected across the course of the week

JD Sports joins RE100 as business pledges roll in for London Climate Action week

Four firms including JD Sport, The City of London Corporation, Apcoa Parking, and Intu, have joined The Climate Group's initiatives on renewable energy and electric transport - the RE100 and EV100.
Key hurdles cited were a lack of finance, lack of resources, and confusion over which issues to prioritise 

Businesses 'struggling to turn sustainability ambitions into action', surveys reveal

A survey of more than 9,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors has found that 96% want to improve their environmental and social practices - but that most are struggling to deliver this change due to a lack of funding or resources.

Webinar: Energy Efficiency 2.0: Scaling up energy reduction strategies in a net-zero world

For some time, energy efficiency has been seen as one of the long term ‘quick wins’ of sustainability strategies and target meeting – but it is often overlooked for more technological solutions which can be expensive, resource intensive and difficult to put in place.

The HGVs taking part in the trial ranged from 12 to 44 tonnes. Image: Cenex

Government-backed trial of biomethane trucks slashes emissions for Asda

The coalition of businesses leading a UK-wide trial of biomethane fuels for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), including Asda and Kuehne + Nagel, has revealed that the scheme mitigated the emission of 1,400 tonnes of CO2e over a two-year period.
Tom recently celebrated one year at Sir Robert McAlpine, having previously worked across a broad range of built environment projects for Bouygues

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Tom King, Sir Robert McAlpine

This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Tom King, sustainability manager at Sir Robert McAlpine.

Eurostar has pledged to plant a tree for every train service that it operates across its routes

From plastics to rewilding: How Eurostar is gaining a competitive edge in the era of eco-travel

EXCLUSIVE: With flight shaming placing the profitability of the aviation sector at risk, international high-speed rail service Eurostar believes a legacy of action on carbon, plastics and now rewilding will help build customer trust.
Details on how F1 plans to meet its 2030 target are detailed in its first sustainability strategy. Image: F1

Formula 1 targets net-zero by 2030

Formula 1 (F1) has today (12 November) set a 2030 net-zero target that covers the on-track activity of its cars and the series' wider operations.
One of Arriva's electric bus models 

Arriva inks telematics deal to slash bus emissions

European passenger transport company Arriva will install TomTom telematics systems in up to 15,000 buses, in a move that could reduce carbon emissions by 72,000 tonnes each year.
The site will have dedicated zones for both private and fleet vehicles

Planning application sent for first electric forecourt in Braintree

Planning applications have been submitted to build an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables In Braintree, the first of more than 100 planned sites by green technology firm Gridserve.
The average lithium-ion EV battery has a lifespan of 15-20 years. Image: Akio Kon/Bloomberg

EV batteries could be 'huge waste mountain of the future', researchers warn

The development and industrialisation of recycling technologies for end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries is currently being outpaced by a boom of EV uptake, paving the way for a "huge waste management problem" in decades to come.
CNG Fuels supplies to high-profile companies, most notably the John Lewis Partnership

HGVs to be fuelled by 'carbon-negative' manure from 2021

Renewable fuel provider CNG Fuels has announced plans to become the UK's first supplier of carbon-neutral fuel for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), offering a range of hydrogen, battery-electric technologies and low-carbon biogas from manure.