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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Pictured: The Energy Saving Trust's Luke Redfern (second right) and compere Julia Bradbury presenting the DPD team with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet low-carbon fleet champions DPD

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our transport/fleet management initiative of the year, DPD.
A series of digital events will be hosted by the company in the run up to COP26

Envision Virgin Racing confirmed as COP26 partner for 'together for our planet' campaign

Motorsport team Envision Virgin Racing has been named as the latest company to be announced as a key partner for the COP26 climate summit, joining the "Together for Our Planet campaign" to encourage global climate action and raise awareness of the electric vehicle (EV) transition.

Six top tips for accelerating your electric fleet transition

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences integrating electric vehicles (EV) into their organisations' fleets.

Automakers are now planning to launch more EVs than petrol models in the UK market in 2021

UK EV registrations up 185% in 2020, despite impact of Covid-19

Despite new car registrations falling to their lowest in nearly 30 years in 2020, the proportion of the market accounted for by electric vehicles (EVs) grew significantly, according to new figures from the automotive industry's trade body.
Electric vehicles are seen as a key part of the transport sector's low-carbon emissions, but the metals and minerals used in their batteries aren't inherently sustainable

Jaguar Land Rover invests in blockchain for sustainable materials sourcing

Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) venture capital and mobility services arm has invested in a blockchain technology scale-up that will help it to make supply chains for battery materials more sustainable.
Image: Bensons For Beds

Just Eat, Co-Op and Bensons for Beds launch new EV schemes in time for festive deliveries

Retail giants Co-Op and Bensons for Beds, as well as takeaway delivery platform Just Eat, have launched new electric bikes and vans in time for Christmas.
Image: Gridserve/Greenhouse PR

UK's first electric vehicle forecourt opens to drivers in Essex

The UK's first "electric forecourt", featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewable generation, has opened to the public in Essex.
Image: Uber

Transport giants including Uber sign on to Amazon's 2040 net-zero vision

Transport businesses including Uber and JetBlue have signed Amazon's Climate Pledge, which is headlined by a commitment to reach net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2040.
Transport is the most-emitting sector in the UK and in many other countries

Electric vehicle revolution: Government creates Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Council

The UK Government has set up a new coalition of international ministers and car sector representatives, to support the global transition and its own ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030.
New dawn: The 10-point plan will radically change key industrial sectors in the UK in order to eliminate the nation's contribution to climate change

Boris Johnson unveils £12bn Ten Point Plan for net-zero transition

Clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), zero-carbon transport and offshore wind are all key pillars of Boris Johnson's Ten Point Plan to push the UK towards net-zero emissions, which will be backed by £12bn in Government investment and aim to create 250,000 new green jobs.
While a gigafactory would improve competitiveness for the UK's EV market, it needs to look at circularity in the long term

How would a Gigafactory contribute to the UK's green recovery?

Reports have emerged that the UK is set to unveil funds for a national battery production centre in the UK, but efforts may still be required to ensure that battery production is aligned to the circular economy.
Transport is the UK’s largest emitting sector

UK set to move petrol and diesel ban forward to 2030

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to move the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars forward to 2030, as part of a raft of new policy announcements to drive the UK towards its net-zero target.
Bentley's factory and HQ in Crewe were certified as carbon neutral last year

Beyond100: Bentley targets carbon-neutrality by 2030 and 'climate positivity' in the long-term

Luxury carmaker Bentley has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and revealed that it will stop selling petrol cars in 2026.
Jes Rutter, managing director, JRP Solutions (far left) and compere Julia Bradbury present The Climate Group with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet carbon reduction champions, the Climate Group's EV100 team

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Carbon Reduction Project of the Year, EV100, from The Climate Group.
Total is aiming to have more than 150,000 EV charge points under its operations by 2025

Total purchases London's largest charging network

Energy giant Total has acquired the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network in London, after agreeing the acquisition of more than 1,600 on-street charge points from the Bollore Group.
The company has also set up new strategic partnerships with carmakers Renault and Nissan to give drivers access to electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe

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.
The EV100 has spurred the adoption of 80,000 low-carbon vehicles

Dixons Carphone to convert to electric and alternative fuel fleet by 2030

Dixons Carphone has signed up to the Climate Group's EV100 initiative, pledging to switch its commercial fleet to electric and alternative fuel vehicles by 2030 and to transition more than half of its medium duty vehicles.
The research finds that the projected price of battery packs are expected to fall to the $100/KWh threshold by 2024

Electric vehicle market to surpass 320 million sales by 2040

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to reach 45 million unit sales a year by 2040, growing 35 times its current size, with the globe's EV stock set to surpass 320 million, according to new research from Wood Mackenzie.
100 of Go-Ahead London's buses have been retrofitted with bi-directional charging technology

Bus garage in London now hosting 'world's largest' V2G trial

A bus garage in North London has been fitted with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and 100 buses adapted for bi-directional charging, as part of what is being described as the largest project of its kind in the world.
Image: Nissan

Nissan kick-starts V2G EV charging trials

Nissan has installed 20 electric vehicle (EV) chargers with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities at its European Technical Centre in Cranfield, as it works to develop new 'smart' mobility packages for business customers.
e-scooters were legalised in the UK in June

Ford's scooter arm targets carbon-negativity as Voi launches Cambridge pilot

Ford's micromobility arm Spin has vowed to go carbon-negative by 2025, in the same week that e-scooter giant Voi announced plans for a roll-out in Cambridgeshire.
The ‘Race Against Climate Change Live’ summit featured an array of sports stars and climate experts

Greenest team on the greenest grid: Can carbon-neutral racing energise the climate debate?

EXCLUSIVE: With Formula E team Envision Virgin Racing confirming that it has achieved carbon-neutral status, the company's managing director Sylvain Filippi believes the sport can use its platform to showcase "exciting" low-carbon solutions to inspire a broad audience.
DPD has also developed an in-house training programme to help drivers using the EVs

DPD reaches 2020 fleet electrification target ahead of schedule

Delivery giant DPD has integrated the 700th electric vehicle (EV) into its UK fleet this week, meaning that more than 10% of its UK van fleet is now pure-electric.
EV uptake in the UK is growing exponentially, but pure-electric vehicles still account for just less than 0.5% of the national stock

Shell encourages UK Government to bring petrol and diesel car sale forward

Shell's Country Chair for the UK has said that the national ban on petrol and diesel car sales could and should be moved forward to 2030, to ensure that the 2050 net-zero target is met.

Six ideas to achieve your flexible energy future on the road to net-zero

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors discussed the role that smart and flexible energy technologies and systems will play in the net-zero transition.

Some of the world's largest banks have been linked to industries that are causing mass deforestation and biodiversity loss

Banks urged to set time-bound targets to tackle deforestation

A new report has outlined how banks can take proactive steps to improve traceability and accountability of contributions to deforestation, as part of a first step to accelerating action towards a forest-restorative economy.
Sky has introduced a new Planet Test for TV production

Sky confirmed as COP26 principal media partner

Sky has been named as the principal media partner for the COP26 climate summit and has published new sustainability criteria for its TV productions.
Research found that up to £1,250 in business benefits could be gained per vehicle. Image: E.ON

Vehicle-to-Grid rollout could deliver £880m in annual savings

Innovative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) projects, whereby electric vehicles (EVs) act as a form of distributed energy storage, could deliver cost savings of up to £880m annually while reducing emissions from power networks, according to new research.
The organisations are leading on numerous pilot projects that inject zero-carbon hydrogen into an existing gas network

North of England homes to pilot hydrogen heating

More than 650 households and commercial properties in a village near Gateshead will trial the use of blended green hydrogen to be used for heating.
McDonald's UK & Ireland has announced a new ambition to host more EV chargers than any other business in the nation. Image: InstaVolt

McDonald's to install EV chargers at all UK drive-thrus

McDonald's UK & Ireland has unveiled plans to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at all restaurants with a drive-thru, as part of a partnership with InstaVolt.
The Plastics Recovery Insight and Steering Model (PRISM) will act as a single data collection point for corporates and NGOs to access data that will inform waste management decisions

IBM to launch new data platform to map plastics waste

IBM has partnered with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) on a new data platform to help track plastic waste and recovery globally.

45-Minute Masterclass: Accelerating the smart grid transition for your business

With distributed energy assets fast becoming a mainstream part of the UK power network, this live online masterclass will equip businesses with the insights and inspiration they need to decentralise, decarbonise and democratise their energy through smart grid technologies and systems.
Of the 62 companies analysed, only 23% have plans in place that align with the 2C pathway by 2030

Shipping, aviation and carmakers failing to align with Paris Agreement

The majority of the worlds largest automotive, shipping and aviation companies are failing to deliver emissions reduction plans in line with a pathway to keep global warming to 2°C - let alone 1.5C - new research has found.

SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 12; Responsible Production and Consumption

edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Rio, looks at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Whitbread's food waste fight and offshore wind boosts: 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.
Despite a contraction in car sales globally last year and further downturns on the horizon, EV sales are likely to remain steady in 2020, the IEA believes 

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.
Cobalt is classed as a conflict material and a shortage is predicted within the near future

Tesla targets cobalt-free batteries in bid to minimise environmental impact

Carmaker Tesla has unveiled an ambition to use cobalt-free batteries in all of its electric vehicles (EVs), in a drive to minimise the environmental and social impact of its supply chains and boost the longevity and recyclability of its technology.
Image: InstaVolt

KFC to install electric vehicle chargers at hundreds of UK restaurants

KFC has announced plans to install rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers at up to 450 of its restaurants in the UK and Ireland.

edie Explains: Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage

What is carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)? What are the different types of CCUS technology? How can businesses benefit from CCUS? And what are the costs associated with CCUS? This new edie Explains guide answers all of these key questions and more.

#SustyTalk: Polestar's Fredrika Klarén on EVs and lifetime emissions

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Polestar's head of sustainability Fredrika Klarén discussing the net-zero transport transition.
The MPs are calling for the Government to level up areas of the North through green measures

MPs set out vision for net-zero Northern Powerhouse

Conservative MPs representing the North of England believe that the Government's Ten Point Plan and the net-zero target can contribute to a levelling up agenda that would create thousands of green jobs in the North.
Sky’s commitment will see its entire fleet of 5,000 vehicles transition to zero emissions by 2030

Sky invests in 151 electric vans as part of net-zero ambition

Sky is integrating more than 150 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vans (PHEVs) into its UK fleet, as part of its bid to become a net-zero business by 2030.
A UK Task Force will be set up, comprising of other departments, that will help push the strategy forward

Japan Tobacco International commits to net-zero by 2030

Japan Tobacco International (JTI UK) has committed to reaching net-zero emissions in the next decade by procuring 100% renewable energy, transitioning its UK fleet to electric vehicles (EV) and diverting waste from landfill.

Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for retail

edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, retail.
Almost half of the companies assessed scored a ‘zero’ on emissions targets

Report: Carmakers including Tesla and Honda 'driving in the slow lane' towards climate goals

Two-thirds of the world's largest carmakers have not set electric vehicle (EV) and emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement's less ambitious trajectory - and the auto sector is failing to deliver on human rights commitments, as well.
Eshcon director Anya Ledwith (left) and compere Julia Bradbury (right) present the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet water management champions The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Water Management Project of the Year award, The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF UK.
The plates will first be applied to new zero-emission vehicles this autumn. Image: DfT

Green number plates for electric vehicles set for UK rollout

The UK Government will press forward with plans to fit electric vehicles (EVs) with special green number plates this autumn, following successful trials.
The £12bn plan will support up to 250,000 green jobs, with the Government aiming to secure three times as much investment from the private sector by 2030

'An ambitious plan for a green industrial revolution': Reaction to Boris Johnson's Ten Point net-zero plan

Green groups have welcomed a new Ten Point Llan from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and build towards the net-zero emissions target, but the lack of a clear roadmap is dampening an otherwise monumental green policy moment.
Global Action Plan's Chris Large (left) and compere Julia Bradbury presenting the Barry Callebaut team with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet employee engagement champions Barry Callebaut

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our employee engagement initiative of the year, Barry Callebaut.
Between 2011 and 2019, gross operational emissions in the sector have fallen by almost 45%

Renewables and restoration: Water sector outlines net-zero routemap for 2030

The UK's major water companies will unveil a Routemap detailing how solar installations, electric vehicles and biomethane production will enable the sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

Plant-based pet food and Quatar's green neighbourhood: 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.
More than £60m of specialist manufacturing equipment is in the final stages of commissioning

£130m battery development centre gears up in Coventry

A new multi-million-pound industrialisation centre to test recyclable and innovative battery systems is ready to become operational in Coventry.
The first step of the plan was announced a month ago today

BT and Royal Mail tell Boris Johnson to bring back his ten-point green recovery plan

The UK's four biggest fleet operators - BT, Royal Mail, Centrica and DPD - are calling for Boris Johnson to announce the remainder of his ten-point green recovery plan, including new policy support for electric vehicles (EVs).
Pictured: Compere Julia Bradbury and edie's insight editor James Evison (left) present the Kaluza team with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet cleantech innovators Kaluza

With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Technological Innovation award: Kaluza.
The electric trucks have so far covered more than 8,600km in delivery routes

Oatly slashes emissions with all-electric truck fleet

Vegan food brand Oatly has reduced transport-related emissions across key delivery routes in Sweden by almost 90%, after switching to an all-electric fleet of trucks provided by technology company Einride.
EDF, headline sponsors for Net-Zero November, discuss approaches to net-zero and unlocking finance during this tumultuous period 

EDF on net-zero, green spending and energy innovations

To kickstart edie's Net Zero November, headline sponsors EDF discuss why the net-zero transition is so important to them, and how businesses can use low-carbon solutions to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Plan provides a discount for Tesla owners but it open to all EV drivers. Image: Octopus Energy

Tesla launches UK-based virtual power plant project

Tesla has opened its Energy Plan to UK residents with electric vehicles (EVs), encouraging them to install domestic solar generation and batteries to provide flexible energy services to the grid.
On average, each of the 50 banks was linked $52bn in finance that is causing biodiversity loss risk

Banks and agribusiness linked to biodiversity loss

Some of the world's largest banks have been linked to industries that are causing mass deforestation and biodiversity loss, with some in the finance sector providing loans and underwriting worth more than $2.6trn to climate-wrecking initiatives.

Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for hospitality and leisure

edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, hospitality and leisure.

In Action: How Centrica is leading the net-zero carbon transition

Energy services and solutions company Centrica recently announced a new commitment to become a “net-zero” organisation by 2050. This edie In Action case study charts the progress that the firm is now making towards its net- zero goal.
Since 2010, UPS has offset more than 60 million parcels a year for customers

UPS offers month-long carbon offset incentive for deliveries

Logistics firm UPS will offer the option to pay towards the offset of carbon emissions of shipped parcel deliveries throughout the month of June, to mark World Environment Day this Friday (5 June).
Lime has until October 2022 to develop its targets and have them verified in line with 1.5C

Net-zero by 2030: Lime becomes first micro-mobility firm to pledge to science-based targets

E-scooter and e-bike giant Lime has set a 2030 net-zero target and said it will develop science-based emissions reductions targets in the coming months.
Left to right: Council co-leaders Douglas Lumsden and Jenny Laing; Wrightbus' executive chair Jo Bamford and First Aberdeen's operations director David Phillips

World's first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus hits Scottish streets

Real-world trials of the world's first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus have officially begun in Aberdeen - five years after the city unveiled a hydrogen production and bus refuelling facility.
After pledging to install EV chargers at 600 supermarket, Tesco has joined the EV100 and committed to electrifying its fleet of 5,500 vehicles by 2030

Tesco and Dixons Carphone join business calls for 2030 petrol and diesel car ban

Retailers Tesco and Dixons Carphone and energy majors SSE and E.ON have joined a coalition of 27 corporates calling on Boris Johnson to move the UK's ban on new petrol and diesel car sales forward to 2030.
All three webinar and masterclass sessions are available to watch on-demand for those who have registered

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. 

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: A Blueprint for Business Leadership

With less than 10 years to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), action is still not happening at the speed or scale required - despite a groundswell of ambition and action from organisations of all sectors and sizes. This report offers an end-to-end overview of exactly how businesses can advance global progress towards achieving all 17 of the Global Goals.

Pictured: The third ZEROe concept. Image: Airbus

Airbus unveils plans to debut zero-emission hydrogen planes by 2035

Aerospace manufacturing giant Airbus has revealed three futuristic concept designs for zero-emission aircraft with hydrogen as the primary power source, claiming that they could operate commercial flights by 2035.
The research found that 42 million tonnes of CO2 would be removed from the atmosphere by switching to EVs

Switching all UK cars to electric vehicles would slash emissions by 12%, researchers claim

Switching all cars on UK roads to available electric vehicles (EVs) like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3 would cut the nation's emissions by almost 12%, new research from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has found.
 For larger stations, up to 12 rapid charge points could be installed

2,500 by 2030: Government unveils rapid charging vision for England's roads

The Government has unveiled plans to roll out 6,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points across A-roads and motorways by 2035, in order to spur the adoption of zero-carbon transport.
Amazon will look to engage other Climate Pledge signatories in the investment programme moving forward

Carbon capture and EVs: Amazon unveils first beneficiaries of $2bn climate fund

Amazon has announced the first beneficiaries of its $2bn Climate Pledge Fund, with organisations developing carbon removal technologies, nature-based carbon markets and electric vehicle (EV) innovations set to benefit.
This weekly round-up explores how businesses across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

The AA's EV service and OXO's planetary sales donation: 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.
EVBox will provide online training to Seven Trent’s installation partners on how to use the charge points

Severn Trent rolls out 350 electric vehicle charging point at UK facilities

The UK's second-biggest water company, Severn Trent, is installing more than 350 electric vehicle (EV) charge points across its sites, as part of its commitment to covert 100% of its transport fleet to electric by 2030.
Several of oneworld's member airlines already had standalone net-zero commitments, including British Airways' parent firm IAG

13 major airlines commit to joint 2050 net-zero vision

British Airways, Qantas and American Airlines are among the 13 major airlines to have signed a new joint commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Charging infrastructure and technical advice and assistance will also be provided by ABB, Tesla and the AA

Retailers sign up to co-locate on UK's first electric forecourt

A host of retailers including WHSmith, Costa Coffee, Booths and Gourmade have enrolled into a new partnership with the UK's first electric forecourt, which is due to open near Braintree, Essex, this November.
Sky recently unveiled a new commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 

Football broadcast on Sky Sports to be certified to highest sustainability standards

Sky Sports has confirmed that all Premier League and English Football League matches broadcast across its sports channels will be certified to sustainable production levels.

The Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020

Updated in September 2020, the Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook provides expert advice on engaging key stakeholders with your sustainability strategy; along with fresh insights to shape, deliver and share a compelling sustainability report.
More than 1,200 eSprinters will be provided, with an additional 600 eVitos – a smaller zero-emission electric van – also incorporated into the fleet

Mercedes-Benz targets zero-carbon emissions by 2040, provides 1,800 EVs to Amazon

Mercedes-Benz has joined Amazon's Climate Pledge, setting an aim to become a zero-carbon business by 2040, on the same day the company confirmed it would provide more than 1,800 electric vehicles (EVs) to the e-commerce giant's Delivery Service Partners.
The move comes as Defra is developing new national air quality targets under the Environment Bill

Oxford unveils plans for UK's first local air pollution targets

Oxford City Council has set out plans to introduce more ambitious air quality targets than the UK's current, legally binding goals, in what it claims is a national first.
Road transport accounted for one-fifth of the UK's emissions in 2019

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.
The VIGIL consortium consists of Aston University, ByteSnap Design, Grid Edge and Nortech Management

Government-funded Vehicle-to-Grid project completes grid balancing trials

A Government-funded Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) project has successfully participated in a trial aimed at providing real-time control of when and how electric vehicles (EVs) are charged and discharged to help balance the grid.
The calls to action are designed by a select group of MPs, but the One Nation group says they support its broader stance on environmental policy

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.
Clayhill solar farm generates enough energy annually to power 2,500 homes. Image: Anesco 

Gridserve buys UK's first subsidy-free solar farm to power EV forecourts

Gridserve has purchased the UK's first subsidy-free solar farm from developer Anesco as it works to bring more than 100 "electric forecourts" online across the nation.
Oxford City Council has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions within its own operations by the end of 2020

Oxford City Council adds electric vehicles to fleet as part of net-zero journey

Oxford City Council has had its first batch of electric vehicles (EVs) issued as both the council and the city gear up to deliver an "energy superhub" as part of a net-zero emissions trajectory.

The ESG Handbook 2020: Spurring the green recovery

Green finance and ESG investing were reaching a tipping point, then the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. The virus hasn’t so much as tipped the scales towards ESG investing but rather poured most of the world’s financial system towards it.
KLM has been investing in biofuel since 2011 but biofuel accounted for less than 0.2% of its total fuel consumption last year. Image: KLM

KLM's biofuel advertisements were greenwashing, regulator rules

Dutch airline KLM has been ordered to change one of its advertising campaigns after it was found to have over-emphasised the firm's use of biofuel.
An artist's rendering of the planned gigafactory. Image: Northvolt

EU invests €350m in first domestic battery gigafactory

The European Investment Bank issued a €350 million loan on Thursday (30 July) to a Swedish company that hopes to corner a significant share of the global battery market by building the "greenest" power packs available.
Pictured: An artist's impression of the larger of the two new van designs

John Lewis and Waitrose ramp up electric van ambitions as online orders boom

Retail giant John Lewis Partnership has built on a pledge to phase-out petrol and diesel vehicles from the entirety of its fleet within a decade with a sizeable electric van order.
The DfT wants cycling to be the "natural first choice" for short-distance journeys

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.
The ESO said last year that the grid would be ready for net-zero by 2025

National Grid: UK's electricity system could go carbon-negative from 2033

The operating firm for National Grid is predicting that the UK's electricity grid could capture, offset or absorb more carbon than it emits by as early as 2033, if efforts to scale up renewable energy generation and carbon capture technologies are accelerated.
Apple has committed to sharing its approach and progress towards carbon neutrality through a roadmap that will be shared with other companies

Apple targets net-zero emissions across operations, value chain and products

Apple has announced major plans to become net-zero emissions across its business, supply chains and products by 2030, pledging to reduce emissions by 75% and develop carbon removal solutions for the remaining 25%.
SAF is an emerging solution which accounted for less than 0.5% of global aviation fuel consumption in 2018

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.
The Shanghai plant has now surpassed production capacity before the shutdown, with the plant now able to produce around 3,000 vehicles a week

Tesla to unveil 400-mile range Model 3 as production ramps up in China

Tesla has placed a new electric vehicle (EV) onto the Chinese market with a driving range of more than 400 miles, with the firm's Shanghai facilities now manufacturing more vehicles than before the shutdown caused in the country by the coronavirus.
TfL is London’s single largest consumer of electricity, sourcing as much power as is needed for 12% of the capital's homes

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.
Amazon Air currently operates more than 50 aircraft. Image: Amazon

Amazon starts sourcing bio-jet fuel in drive to slash air cargo emissions

Amazon's air cargo arm has signed a deal to source six million gallons of bio-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as the e-commerce giant works towards its 2040 net-zero target.
Centrica recently announced a new commitment to becoming a net-zero organisation by 2050. Image: Centrica

British Gas orders 1,000 all-electric vans

British Gas has ordered 1,000 new all-electric vans from Vauxhall, in a move that will assist the gas company's parent firm Centrica on its commitment to have an entirely electric fleet by 2030.
Image: VW

VW to remove petrol and diesel vehicle manufacturing lines from key factory

Volkswagen (VW) is set to remove production lines for all internal combustion engine vehicles from one of its key factories this year, replacing them with electric vehicle (EV) production capacity.
The new tax criteria will also spur demand for plug-in hybrids

Company car tax rates for electric vehicles slashed to spur market uptake

New UK regulations that came into force this week will ensure that any businesses purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) will not pay any benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax, as the UK Government attempts to incentivise the market for EVs.
This round-up highlights innovative technical solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges

'Green Swan' observatories and Europe's biggest electric plane: The best green innovations of the month

Every month, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best from June 2020.
innocent's sustainability cheerleader Katie Leggett talks edie through the report

'Good all round': Exploring Innocent Drinks' first sustainability report

EXCLUSIVE: Innocent drinks has launched its first "good all round" report, the company's innovative take on the traditional sustainability report outlining progress against its carbon-neutral, circular economy and staff engagement ambitions.
The changes will be a balm to airlines, whose profits have tumbled in recent months, but a disappointment to many green groups

CORSIA: UN agrees to airlines' Covid-19 pleas on offsetting scheme

The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has agreed to change some facets its global carbon offsetting scheme, after airlines requested more leeway to weather the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.