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 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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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).
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Severn Trent has pledged to deliver net-zero carbon emissions for its operations by 2030

Severn Trent to make entire transport fleet electric by 2030

The UK's second-biggest water company has joined the Climate Group's EV100 initiative, pledging to convert 100% of its transport fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.
The researchers do note that smaller-scale technologies won’t reach net-zero emissions by mid-Century in isolation and may have to be combined with larger-scale solutions

Prioritise Small-scale technology to deliver affordable net-zero transition, researchers claim

A new study has warned of focusing on "politically seductive" large-scale solutions such as nuclear and carbon capture and storage (CCS), noting that more granular solutions like energy storage, solar and heat pumps can be mass deployed at an affordable cost to enable a quicker net-zero transition.
The platform will enable EVs to charge when costs are at their lowest and manage renewable assets cost effectively 

UPS integrates AI software at Camden depot to optimise clean EV charging

Logistics delivery giant UPS will spearhead a new project exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can optimise how businesses charge electric vehicle (EV) fleets and integrate onsite renewables to reduce emissions and energy costs.
Some EVSE UK members will join the REA’s EV Steering Group and many will gain access to other REA industry groups, including the Solar Forum and the Energy Storage Forum

REA and UK EVSE merge to deliver unified voice on electric vehicle infrastructure

The REA has announced that members of the UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association (UK EVSE) will join its 75-strong group of companies involved in the delivery and operations of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and services in the UK.
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. 
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.

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.

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.
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.
The new points installed at Tesco sites include 7kW media chargers capable of displaying advertising and a free to use

Triodos Bank joins Tesco in funding Pod Point's EV charging rollout

Ethical finance firm Triodos Bank has joined Tesco and Volkswagen in providing funding to Pod Point to accelerate access to electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the UK, including 600 supermarket locations.
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.
An artist's impression of the facility, showing its rooftop solar array and battery storage modules. Image: Gridserve

Ground broken at UK's first rapid-charging EV forecourt

Work has begun today (10 March) on the installation of an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables in Essex, meaning the facility will open for public use this summer.
Pure EVs accounted for 2% of registrations in the UK in 2019 - but a rapid uptick is expected 

UK companies to invest £12bn in switch to electric vehicles

British companies are expected to spend more than £12bn switching their fossil fuel vehicles for clean electric versions over the next two years.
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.
Manchester set a 2038 net-zero target in 2018

Manchester City Council spells out five-year action plan to halve emissions

Manchester City Council hopes to approve a new action plan that would commit to halving the council's carbon footprint by 2025, in assistance with the city's wider ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2038.
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.
National Express has nine bus garages and 650+ coach destinations in the UK

National Express vows to deliver zero-emission bus and coach fleets

Transport operator National Express Group has pledged to transition to a "fully zero-emission" UK bus fleet by 2030 and UK coach fleet by 2035.
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.
The masterclass looked at a number of issues from financial incentives for EV transition to charging infrastructure and V2G technology

Five key considerations for businesses investing in electric vehicles

On Thursday (27 February), edie undertook a masterclass with EDF on electric vehicles (EVs) and accelerating the electrification of business fleets. Here, edie rounds up five key ways businesses can kickstart their EV journey. 

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.
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 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.
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.
Pre-pandemic, most urban areas in the UK registered illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, and the nation's overall levels exceeded World Health Organisation limits

Business for Clean Air: New initiative to help corporates tackle air pollution as lockdown lifts

Large UK businesses are now able to access a new array of tools aimed at helping them to tackle air pollution, after numerous surveys revealed that the British public are keen to see improvements in air quality maintained after lockdown.

Amazon to invest $2bn in low-carbon innovations

Amazon will invest at least $2bn (£1.6bn) in smaller firms creating technologies or services aimed at reducing carbon emissions to net-zero, the e-commerce giant announced on Tuesday (23 June).
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 -  Foreign and Commonwealth Office / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)”

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".
Pictured: An artist's impression of the proposed facility

John Lewis Partnership to build bio-methane refuelling station at UK HQ

Building on a pledge convert its 600-strong fleet of diesel delivery trucks to be powered by bio-methane by 2028, John Lewis Partnership is building a biomethane filling station at its Bracknell headquarters.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presented the €3.75bn package on Monday afternoon

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.
Ministers are seeking to enable zero-carbon transatlantic passenger flights within a generation

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.
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.
Northern Gas Network are working with Cenex, Wales and West Utilities and EIC to explore hydrogen fleets

Major UK utilities exploring hydrogen fleets

Two of the UK's largest gas distribution networks (GDNs) - Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities - are exploring the feasibility of using hydrogen to decarbonise a proportion of their road transport fleets, in the same month that Yorkshire Water converted one of its vehicles to hydrogen.
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.
Pictured: An artist's impression of the proposed Norwegian facility. Image: Norsk e-fuel

What role will hydrogen play in green Covid-19 recovery plans?

Plans for major hydrogen facilities in Norway and the Isle of Wight have been unveiled this week, as business giants, banks and green campaigners call on world leaders to include hydrogen investment in their Covid-19 recovery plans.
The Airport claims it has been working since the recent Heathrow court ruling to examine how the expansion can be deliver in line with the Paris Agreement

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.
When savings from transport and material type are accounted for, Signify estimates that around 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions will be avoided annually. Image: Signify

Signify commits to plastic-free packaging by 2021

Lighting systems firm Signify has committed to becoming plastic-free for all consumer packaging by 2021, in a move that is also expected to reduce emissions for the business.
R&D spend to will be used to develop more efficient solutions to combatting climate change

Rolls-Royce commits to net-zero carbon operations by 2030

Manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has announced an intention to become a net-zero carbon business by 2030, alongside a wider ambition to enable sectors it sells to in becoming net-zero by 2050.
The businesses have committed to spurring the uptake of renewables and EVs while improving energy efficiency 

Businesses commit to renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency on World Environment Day

To mark World Environment Day (5 June), a host of major companies from across the globe have announced new commitments on climate action, by signing up to the Climate Group's leadership initiatives on renewables (RE100), electric vehicles (EV100) and smart energy use (EP100).
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 report warns that the UK’s “generally robust historic resilience” may be challenged by future pandemics or other hidden factors

National Infrastructure Commission calls for climate resiliency planning and stress tests

The UK Government has been urged to set "clear resilience standards" that enables energy and water networks, transport, essential services and all infrastructure sectors to stress test and plan against hidden climate challenges on the horizon.
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.
Glasgow was announced as the host city for COP26

Reports: COP26 to be delayed until November 2021

Reports have emerged that the UK Government has put forward the first two weeks of November 2021 as new proposed dates for the crucial COP26 climate conference, citing concerns over the state of international travel safety due to the coronavirus.
The partners hope the project can be replicated internationally

Copenhagen Airport spearheads green hydrogen project for transport fuel

Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital.
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.
The UK could become a world leader for green hydrogen, as it could become cost competitive much faster, due to enabling policies and low-cost and highly abundant renewable

Report: Renewables to account for three-quarters of UK's power demand by 2050

The UK could source 76% of its power demand from renewables by 2050, according to a new report from RenewableUK which claims that the nation's net-zero target will spur rapid demand for green hydrogen while attracting more than £50bn to an already world-leading offshore wind sector.
The fund is seeking additional private sector investment

Government launches £40m Clean Growth Fund to assist with net-zero vision

The UK Government has unveiled a £40m Clean Growth Fund to support start-up companies in the fields of low-carbon power, waste, transport and buildings, with hopes that funding could rise to £100m by 2021.

Business Energy Barometer: April - May 2020

edie's Business Barometer for 2020 sets out the key challenges and opportunities for energy leaders and managers going into a decade of climate action.

CDP has found that the average company’s supply chain emissions are estimated to be around five-and-a-half times greater than those generated by their direct operations

Number of companies requesting supplier environment data jumps by a quarter

The number of companies calling on their supplier to disclose environmental data to CDP has increased by 24% in a year, with more than 150 organisations now taking proactive steps to gain more understanding of the environmental impacts of their supply chains.
The empty streets of Paris as a result of the lockdown, which is only starting to be lifted in the country

Lockdown sees global emissions fall by 17%

New research has suggested that daily global carbon emissions recorded in April 2020 were 17% lower compared to the same month last year, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic and forced lockdowns and postponement in production.
All three sessions will be available to watch on-demand for those who have registered

Today at 1pm: edie's Net-Zero Carbon online event

Former UK Energy Minister Lord Greg Barker, sustainability professionals from UPS and Skanska and the chief executives of green trade associations have all been confirmed to appear on edie's Net-Zero Carbon online event today (20 May).
Over the next 18 months, the working group will focus its efforts on identifying and exploring priorities for action to lay the foundations for net-zero in the UK

Carbon scorecards and working groups: Engineers gear up to support UK's net-zero ambition

The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) has outlined the steps that the engineering sector can take to assist with the UK-wide decarbonisation to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, while WSP has led an economy-wide call for strengthened net-zero policies.
Centrica will also oversee a new sustainability programme focused on low-carbon technologies that will enable Lotus to mitigate the environmental impacts across its operations

Centrica and Lotus partner up on electric vehicle energy storage

Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, has announced a new strategic partnership with auto manufacturer Lotus to give electric vehicle (EV) owners more viability to store electricity and reduce household emissions.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

Wooden turbines and Schneider Electric's net-zero homes: 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.
The report is free to download

Mission Possible: edie launches new sustainable business report for the retail sector

edie has published a new Mission Possible report today (12 May) outlining the key drives, challenges and opportunities facing sustainable businesses in the UK retail sector.
One key recommendation is the inclusion of “climate conditionalities” into stimulus packages that enable different-sized corporates to recovery through sustainable actions

Business leaders call for recovery packages to be tied to net-zero corporate targets

The chief executives from 40 global organisations including BP, Heathrow Airport, Shell and HSBC, have called on governments to focus economic recovery packages in ways that enable sectors and businesses to transition to low-carbon and resilient models of operation.
The study found that green projects create more jobs, deliver higher short-term returns per pound spent by the government, and lead to increased long-term cost savings

Green stimulus can repair global economy and climate, study says

Green economy recovery packages for the coronavirus crisis will repair the global economy and put the world on track to tackle climate breakdown, but time is running out to implement the changes needed, new analysis has shown.
Signatories of the alliance say they are committed to supporting post-pandemic “stimulus transformation plans” through climate action

Financiers join EU 'green recovery alliance'

More than 50 CEOs from the banking and insurance sector - including household names such as BNP Paribas, AXA, Allianz, and Santander - have joined the "green recovery alliance" in the European Parliament.
The masterclass is still available to watch on-demand

Five steps to building a resilient carbon strategy in a post-pandemic world

During edie's recent online masterclass, sustainability and energy specialists from Centrica and its Business Solutions arm discussed steps to building corporate carbon strategies while exploring how attitudes towards decarbonisation will change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The project has secured planning permission for more than 80 sites across the nation to date. Image: Gridserve

Hitachi pours millions into Gridserve's electric forecourts project

Hitachi Capital UK has announced a multi-million-pound investment to support Gridserve's ambitious project to develop more than one hundred electric forecourts across the UK to spur the low-carbon transition.
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.