Building and Energy Management System (BEMS)

DEFINITION: A computer-based system that controls and monitors a building's mechanical and electrical equipment such as heating, ventilation, lighting, and power systems. In offices and factories for example, a BMS can automate and take control of these operations in the most efficient way possible, saving energy.

More detail

edie Explains: Building energy management systems (BEMS)

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edie launches series of mini reports to help businesses spark an energy revolution

edie has launched a new series of summary reports developed from SPARK! - an exclusive virtual event where energy leaders explored the key challenges and opportunities of the net-zero transition.
The strategy will also aim for the company’s supply chain partners to be net-zero carbon in operation by 2040

Willmott Dixon to become zero-carbon business by 2030

Construction firm Willmott Dixon has committed that all new build and refurbishment projects it delivers from 2030 onwards will be net-zero carbon in operation, as part of a new sustainability strategy that will see the company become zero-carbon in its own operations over the next decade.

edie Explains: Energy data optimisation

What is energy data optimisation? Why should a business optimise its energy data? What are the costs and challenges of energy data optimisation? This new edie Explains guide answers everything you need to know about the topic.

Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for the public sector

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, the public sector.
The success of the transition would hinge on enabling policies and roadmaps, steered by the UK Government

UK can create 200,000 jobs through clean technology drive

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has claimed that the UK can reach 100% renewable electricity in the next 11 years, with clean technology uptake set to create 200,000 new jobs provided the Government can deliver enabling policies.
The masterclass will be available to watch on-demand for those who have registered. Image: Carbon Trust

Just two weeks left to register for edie's online energy efficiency masterclass

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) head of industry and carbon capture and storage has been confirmed as a speaker for edie's next online masterclass, taking place on 10 March.
Jessica applies learnings from her BSc in environment, economics and ecology in her energy management work

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Jessica Foster, Bensons for Beds Retail

This new 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. Up next: Bensons for Beds' group energy manager Jessica Foster.

MPs suggested that around £320m of the fund would be made available moving forward

Billions to be slashed from Green Homes Grant budget

The Government is facing criticism for a decision to pull the majority of funding for the £2bn Green Homes Grant, less than a year after it was unveiled to improve household energy efficiency and play a key role in an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Retrofitting is seen as essential to the net-zero transition, but the Government's approach has been repeatedly criticised 

Green Homes Grant: Government admits that meeting 600,000 homes target could take a decade

When the Government launched its Green Homes Grant last year, it aimed to improve energy efficiency for 600,000 homes. But a BEIS minister has admitted that just 20,000 vouchers have been issued to date.
Comedian Rachel Parris was on hand to announce the winners

Sustainability Leaders Awards 2021: Winners revealed at glittering virtual ceremony

Willmott Dixon, the Midcounties Co-operative and Virgin Media were among the big winners of edie's 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards, announced at a fun-packed virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday afternoon (3 February).
The masterclass will be available to watch on-demand for those who have registered. Image: Carbon Trust

edie's next online masterclass to focus on industrial energy efficiency

edie's next online masterclass has been confirmed for Wednesday 10 March and will explore the role that energy efficiency will play on the road to net-zero for industrial business.
Major emissions sources for EY include office energy use, business travel and the supply chain

EY targets carbon negativity for 2021

After achieving an ambition to become carbon neutral in 2020 by upping investments in carbon offsetting, EY has committed to remove and offset more carbon than it emits globally this year.
The bank doubled its corporate bond programme in response to Covid-19. Image: George Rex, CC BY SA

Bank of England's high-carbon financing a 'moral hazard', MPs warn

The Bank of England risks creating 'moral hazard' by continuing to finance high-carbon projects and companies and providing no-strings-attached financing to carbon intensives companies, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has warned.
The webinar features speakers from Costain Group, Ibstock Brick, the Natural History Museum and Carbon Clean

Now available on demand: edie's free webinar exploring onsite net-zero technologies

edie's latest webinar is now available to watch on-demand. Tune in to hear experts providing best-practice advice on investing in and integrating net-zero technologies to help assist with decarbonisation targets.
New homes will be required to have a reduced carbon footprint of 31% by 2021 compared to current levels

Government unveils 'radical' energy efficiency standards for homes and offices

All homes and business facilities will be required to meet new energy efficiency standards that reduce energy consumption and lower bills by 2025, after the Government finally outlined responses to the Future Homes Standard.
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Report: Can the built environment achieve a green recovery?

edie has today (8 January) launched a free report detailing the appetite within the built environment sector to collaborate to overcome the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and to "build back better" by championing the green recovery.
Oliver joined M&S full-time in 2017, having previously undertaken contracted work for the retailer

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Oliver Knowles, M&S Property

This new 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. Up next: M&S Property's R&D manager, Oliver Knowles.

The news comes just weeks after it was revealed that English and Scottish local authorities representing one-third of the population have committed to reaching net-zero community emissions by 2045

Councils not confident of reaching net-zero commitments

More than a third of councils in the UK are not confident that they'll be able to meet public commitments to reaching net-zero emissions, with a "black hole" of data hindering efforts on energy efficiency plans.
WHSmith will engage with suppliers to agree on a set of pathways to achieve net-zero for Scope 3 emissions by 2040

WHSmith targets net-zero emissions by 2025

Retailer WHSmith has unveiled a new five-year sustainability plan to reduce its operational emissions to zero by 2025, with the company set to engage with suppliers to help them become net-zero.
The Heat and Buildings Strategy was promised by the end of 2020 - but time is fast running out

Heat Strategy: Government urged to spend £65bn on energy-efficient homes by 2035

Representatives from more than 200 businesses, housing associations, local authorities and trade bodies are urging Ministers to ensure that the upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy mobilises enough finance to address "major" barriers to decarbonisation.
Worldwide, investment in energy efficiency worldwide is likely to be down 9% year-on-year

IEA: Energy efficiency improvements for 2020 'the weakest in a decade'

Despite nations investing in retrofitting and businesses looking to make energy savings amid lockdown restrictions, global progress on energy efficiency has slowed in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Pictured: Compere Julia Bradbury (centre) presents the Ikea team with the award

What makes a sustainability leader? Inside Ikea's Greenwich store

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 Built Environment Project of the Year, Ikea.
The latest draft text, obtained by EURACTIV, “significantly weakens the priority given to renewable hydrogen,”

Renewable or 'low-carbon'? EU countries face off over hydrogen

EU member states are fighting over which type of hydrogen to support, with two opposing camps facing off: those backing green hydrogen produced exclusively from renewable electricity, and those in favour of a broader "low-carbon" definition, which also includes nuclear power and decarbonised gases.
The 100-page report outlines the Government’s intention to “deliver an infrastructure revolution” that is tied to net-zero

National Infrastructure Strategy: Government to deliver 'revolution' tied to net-zero

The Government has launched its long-awaited National Infrastructure Strategy, detailing how transport, industry, energy and the built environment will be transformed to reach net-zero, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak using his spending review to confirm a £12bn commitment to the net-zero transition in 2021-2022.
The targets will set up the required decarbonisation rate to allow Vodafone to eliminate Scope 3 emissions completely by 2040

Vodafone sets net-zero target for 2040

Vodafone has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2040 and will eliminate emissions from its activities and energy and halve scope 3 emissions by 2030.
The Government insists this is "only the start" of a green policy rollout

Is Boris Johnson's Ten Point Plan enough to reach net-zero?

Businesses, green groups and entire sectors welcomed the far-reaching announcement from the UK Government to issue a Ten Point Plan that would put the nation on the road to net-zero, but already analysis suggests that more is required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
City Hall estimates that the £10m will support the creation of 1,000 full-time equivalent roles.

Green New Deal: London launches £10m job-creation scheme for low-carbon sectors

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has outlined plans to funnel £10m into the energy efficiency, low-carbon transport and skills sector as part of the capital's plans for a green Covid-19 recovery.
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.

SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 7; Clean and Affordable Energy

edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Bryt Energy, looks at how businesses and national policies can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 7: Clean and Affordable Energy.
Hollie has been with Aldi for around four years and plays a core role in delivering against its plastics reduction targets

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Hollie Clark, Aldi UK

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MP Bim Afolami (top left) provided the opening keynote speech from his home

Bim Afolami MP's speech and energy efficiency post-Covid-19: What happened on Day Two of Net-Zero Live 2020?

Day Two of edie's virtual Net-Zero Live on Wednesday (11 November) saw hundreds of sustainability and energy experts gathering with the shared aim of accelerating ambition and action. Here, we round up the key takeaways.
With the US accounting for 14% of global emissions, the world’s largest economy will be a key driver in striving to reach required levels of global decarbonisation

US Election 2020: What does Joe Biden's win mean for the global climate emergency?

US President-elect Joe Biden is outlining that first steps of his transition plan after beating Donald Trump in the US election. While the latter is yet to concede the results, leadership under the Democrats will deliver a very different outlook on global efforts to combat the climate crisis.

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.
Pictured: Nick Turton, external affairs director, Energy Institute (left) and compere Julia Bradbury present Michael McGowan with the award.

What makes a sustainability leader? Get to know Ibstock Brick's Michael McGowan

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 first: Our Energy Management Leader of the Year, Ibstock's Michael McGowan.
Vodafone has vowed to power its European network - spanning 11 national markets - with 100% renewable electricity by the end of July 2021

Vodafone saves £10m in energy costs over three-year period

Vodafone has worked with facilities management firm Mitie to reduce its UK carbon footprint by 25,000 tonnes over a three-year period, with improvements to building-based energy use saving the technology firm around £10m.
Ainslie Macleod, associate director, Carbon Trust (far left) and compere Julia Bradbury present Whitbread's team with the award.

What makes a sustainability leader? A closer look at Premier Inn's award-winning battery storage project

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 winners of our Energy Efficiency Project of the Year, Premier Inn.
BEIS believes its approach will create up to 130,000 jobs. Green groups are calling for long-term certainty that they will be protected

£2bn Green Homes Grant and £1bn Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme open for applications

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has officially launched £3bn of initiatives aimed at improving the energy efficiency of housing and public sector buildings.
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. 
The Government is ramping up spending on "greener" forms of housebuilding

Future Homes Task Force to ensure housebuilding is aligned to UK's net-zero target

A new cross-sector Future Homes Task Force is set to establish a multi-million-pound Delivery Hub to assist the built environment sector in improving the environmental footprint of new housebuilding.
The jobs would be created over a three-to-four-year period

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

More than 455,000 'white van' jobs could be created across the UK's property and construction sectors if the government increases funding for retrofit projects and green skills as part of its Covid-19 recovery package.
While climate tech still only accounts for 6% of the venture capital market, it’s representation has grown by more than 3750% in absolute terms since 2013

Climate technology investments growing five times faster than average market rates

Venture capital investment into climate-related technology is growing five times faster than the average rate of all other industry investments, with new analysis from PwC finding that corporate and investor demands for low-carbon innovation led to $16bn being invested in 2019.
PepsiCo currently powers facilities using a mix of renewable electricity of 18 countries, of which 9 are accounted for by 100% renewable electricity

PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally

PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.

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

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Lloyds Banking Group's head of sustainability James Wilde taking part in a virtual discussion on financing the green recovery, as well as providing an update on the bank's efforts to halve its emissions.
Heat pumps, district heat networks and off-grid properties will be key focuses of the review

Green Finance Institute assembles businesses for zero-carbon heat taskforce

The Green Finance Institute has convened representatives of dozens of businesses alongside experts from local authorities, policy and science for a new taskforce tasked with decarbonising heating systems in the UK.
The report recommends that all additional electricity generation capacity built from 2021 should be zero-carbon

Just 0.5% of global GDP needed to reach net-zero by 2050, report finds

By scaling up energy efficiency efforts and deploying renewable energy generation capacity far more rapidly, the world could "technically and economically" transition to net-zero by 2050 for the cost of less than 1% of global GDP annually through to mid-century.
The call to action comes as the EU is set to negotiate on the 2030 target, with the European Parliament's environment committee voting for a new EU-wide target of a 60% reduction by 2030

Business and investor giants urge EU to raise 2030 emissions target

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

edie has today (9 September) published a new report outlining all the key considerations, challenges and benefits to investing in energy data optimisation to assist with low-carbon strategies.
Sharma was quizzed on the UK's roads programme, green buildings grants and COP26 preparations 

Alok Sharma promises 'joined-up thinking' on net-zero policy, but examples remain scarce

Business Secretary Alok Sharma delivered rhetoric that the Government will approach the net-zero emissions commitment for 2050 through a "joined-up thinking" approach, but was unable to confirm any concrete policy announcements that would ensure fossil fuels aren't locked into the future economy.
The report specifically calls for an overhaul on how the public engages with land and air transport, while encouraging them to eat healthier diets and gain access to more technologies to reduce household emissions

Choice and information: UK citizens' assembly outlines policy and lifestyle overhauls for net-zero transition

The first UK-wide citizens' assembly on climate change, Climate Assembly UK, has issued a list of recommendations as to how travel, diets, power generation and building use can be revamped to help society transition to net-emissions by 2050.
Signify will aim to double the revenue it earns from its “circular” products and services, now targeting 32% of all sales by 2025

Signify reaches carbon neutrality globally, revamps corporate goals for 2025

Global lighting firm Signify has revealed it has reached its ambition to be carbon neutral across its operations and is now pledging to "go beyond" that original target.
At a business level, the research found that the loss of three million working days could be prevented by meeting WHO guideline

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

Improving air quality in England in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines could deliver a £1.6bn benefit while preventing 17,000 premature deaths each year that are linked to air pollution.
Backsliding on existing negotiations could see the UK weaken existing environmental policies

Is Brexit at odds with the UK's net-zero emissions target?

The Government's Brexit negotiations could set the nation up to miss its net-zero commitments, with Boris Johnson's intention to renegade on parts of the Withdrawal Agreement sparking fresh concerns about law-bound efforts to combat the ecological and climate crises.
This weekly round-up explores how businesses across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Flipkart's EV commitment and Tesco Mobile's used phone donations: 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.
Almost three-quarters of a million jobs have been lost in the UK as a result of the coronavirus pandemic

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

Companies should make Transition Agreements with existing unions to ensure that job security, training and potential redeployment are covered as part of the UK's net-zero transition.
The report also noted that the group achieved a 6.5% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of production during the reporting year from a 2015 baseline

Ibstock to pilot net-zero factory

Brick manufacturer Ibstock has announced plans to pilot at least one net-zero factory, with the company outlining its intention to set a net-zero carbon goal for its operations in the near future.
Sharma visited Instagroup in Wokingham. Image: Gov.uk

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

Business Secretary Alok Sharma has called on tradespeople across the UK to access the Government's new £2bn Green Homes Grants scheme to mobilise efforts to improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.
The whitepaper confirms that MPs will respond to the consultation on the Future Homes Standard this autumn

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

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has today unveiled new proposals to streamline the planning process for housebuilders, in a bid to deliver homes that are "zero carbon ready", but environmental groups have warned that the shake-up to planning could neglect the natural environment.
Longer-term reforms are expected to be consulted on in 2021

UK Government extends Climate Change Agreement tax breaks

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is extending its Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme for businesses by two years, following a consultation which highlighted its popularity.
Credit Suisse's previous sustainable finance mechanisms have been tailored towards the Sustainable Development Goals

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

Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse has unveiled plans to provide more than £250bn in financing geared towards green bonds and the low-carbon economy over the next decade, as well as pledging to limit financing to the oil and gas sector.
Boris Johnson has vowed to 'build, build, build' - but what must happen now to ensure that government and the construction sector are 'building back better'?

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

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

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Carbon labelling, office space and new normal leadership

Episode 89 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast delivers three exclusive interviews with sustainability leads at tech manufacturer Logitech, flexible office provider Workspace and an in-depth chat with global white goods firm Arcelik's chief executive Hakan Bulgurlu.
Other fashion brands targeting net-zero by 2050 include Zalando, Mango, Inditex, Kering and Nike

Hugo Boss to halve operational emissions within a decade

Hugo Boss has had its new emissions targets green-lit by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), including an ambition to reduce operational emissions by 51% by 2030.
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has verified the new targets

Capgemini targets net-zero operations and supply chain by 2030

IT services and consultancy firm Capgemini has pledged to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2025 and full net-zero alignment by 2030, after meeting one of its key emissions targets a decade ahead of schedule.
The series will run in Autumn 2020

Green buildings on the BBC: Is the built environment about to have its 'Blue Planet' moment?

The aftermath of BBC's Blue Planet 2 series sparked an unprecedented public outcry against single-use plastics, where businesses were firmly in the crosshairs. The nature document skirted around the issues of plastic waste in the ocean, but even just a fleeting lock at its impact sparked global change.
Hull and the wider Humber region are seen as pivotal in the UK's transition to net-zero

University of Hull targets carbon neutrality by 2027

The University of Hull has pledged to achieve carbon-neutral operations within seven years, and will invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation technologies to meet this ambition.
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Image: Vodafone Italy

Vodafone on track for 100% renewable electricity in Europe in 2021

Vodafone has vowed to power its European network - spanning 11 national markets - with 100% renewable electricity by the end of July 2021.
The UK’s net-zero emissions target for 2050 will require every household to replace their heating system with lower carbon alternatives

Government urged to ratchet up spending into household energy efficiency

The UK Government has been urged to implement a Home Improvement Plan to facilitate more than £5bn in annual spending to improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock to contribute to the net-zero target for 2050.
The study calls for investment to be unlocked to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes

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

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

edie has published a new top tips guide, outlining 10 clear and concise pieces of advice for businesses looking to explore smart grid technology.
The survey results come as the Treasury prepares to announce new plans on retrofitting

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

A survey of 350 UK-based energy professionals has found that 80% want the majority of the UK's Covid-19 recovery package funnelled into 'green' industries, with energy efficiency retrofits for housing cited as the most popular route to both economic recovery and net-zero.
The data centre is co-located with a wind farm. Image: Facebook Tech

Facebook to capture and donate wasted heat from Danish data centre

The installation of a "hyperscale" district heating system at Facebook's data centre in Odense, Denmark, has been completed, setting the firm up to donate 100,000MWh of energy annually.
Industry accounts for around 30% of global carbon emissions

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

The UK has joined seven other nations in calling for industrial transitions to be delivered in a way that delivers new jobs and is in alignment with ongoing efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Sunak's speech has been long-awaited, given that other nations, including Spain and Germany, have already outlined full Covid-19 recovery measures

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

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined the key details of a £3bn plan intended to create thousands of "green-collar" jobs, improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources.
Policymakers have repeatedly faced calls to make energy efficiency a larger focus within climate strategies

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

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

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What is a smart grid and why is it important? What are the potential business benefits of the smart grid transition? And how mature is the smart grid concept in the UK? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.

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.
Retrofitting would spur progress towards key emissions targets while creating jobs and cutting NHS costs, the letter argues

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

EDF, Dimplex and Kingspan are among the cohort of 100+ businesses, investors and trade bodies calling for the UK's Covid-19 recovery package to contain legally-binding measures for addressing wasted energy and carbon emissions from housing.
The commitments will be supported through the Science Based Targets initiative

L'Oréal targets carbon neutrality by 2025 under new sustainability strategy

Global cosmetic firm L'Oréal has unveiled a new sweeping set of sustainability targets, pledging to reach carbon neutrality by 2025, halve carbon emissions, use 100% renewables and ensure all plastic packaging comes from recycled or bio-based sources.
Solar panel installation, Tetra Pak site. Image: Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050

Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.
Buildings account for 40% of the EU's energy consumption and around one-third of its emissions. As such, the built environment sector will require support to align with the bloc's 2050 net-zero ambitions

Green building advocates 'underwhelmed' by EU recovery plan

When the European Commission unveiled its proposed €750bn recovery fund two weeks ago, green activists were expecting a detailed spending programme, with billions of euros allocated to clean mobility, renewables, and an upcoming EU-wide building renovation wave. Those working in the built environment space have, however, expressed disappointment.
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).
Zalando has committed to placing solar panels and low-carbon technology on all its new and existing fulfilment centres by 2023

Zalando unveils science-based targets, commits suppliers to set carbon goals

Online fashion retail platform Zalando has built on its commitment to carbon neutrality across its own operations by having targets to reduce operational carbon emissions by 80% and emissions from the production of private label products by 40% approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

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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.

Zalando’s online platform caters to 28 million customers in 17 markets

Zalando and Sustainable Apparel Coalition issue sustainable metrics for brands and retailers

German online fashion retailer Zalando has confirmed it will be the first retailer signed up to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) to use a new module that will make sustainability assessments mandatory for its private labels and partner brands sold on its platform.
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).
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

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Around 80% of the UK’s building stock for 2050 is already built

Government taskforce sets out tools to unlock £65bn investment into green housing

The UK Government's Green Finance Institute (GFI) has found that scaling up green retrofitting of the UK's existing housing stock would require investments of up to £65bn while supporting the economic recovery, as the Green Alliance calls for policy amendments to retrofitting in the UK.
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 Barometer results and report are free to download

Business Barometer: Energy managers focused on data and technology for low-carbon plans

EXCLUSIVE: Energy managers are hoping to focus on data optimisation and smart technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to accelerate low-carbon plans, although financials barriers do remain, according to edie's new barometer survey report, published today (20 May).
Community-owned energy projects generated 168MW of electricity in 2018, of which 21 organisations operate within Northern Powergrid’s region

Northern Powergrid unveils community engagement decarbonisation plans

The distribution network operator (DNO) for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire has unveiled a new community energy engagement strategy outlining steps to use community-based consumption and power to respond to the climate emergency.
30% of manufacturers had been focusing heavily on energy efficiency investments over the last year

Report: UK manufacturers boosting profits by focusing on energy efficiency

UK manufacturers that have taken steps to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise operations are reaping benefits, with 40% reporting increased profit margins and 30% experiencing increased competitiveness.
The strategy is focused on water stewardship, zero-waste manufacturing and powering operations and facilities with renewables

Intel targets net-positive water use and world's 'most sustainable' PC

IT manufacturer Intel has unveiled new sustainability targets for 2030, committing to achieving net-positive water use, being powered by 100% renewables and launching the "most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world".

The disclosure digest - Five steps to align sustainability with investor needs

This report is based on a session of discussions and co- creation hosted in association with edie’s 2020 Sustainability Leaders Forum. The half-day event took place on 3 February in London and saw sustainability managers from a wide range of businesses take part in collaborative roundtables. During the discussions, sustainability managers outlined key challenges and discussed the exciting new opportunities in the areas that mattered the most.

edie Explains: Net-zero carbon business

What is 'net-zero' in the context of business emissions? Which organisations are most suited to adopting net-zero carbon strategies? And, what is the impact of the coronavirus on the net-zero movement?
EU green recovery plan should “build on what you already know” such as energy efficiency and renewables 

Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned

Governments in Europe and beyond should pay "utmost attention" to avoid a "jobs versus climate" confrontation in the recovery phase from the COVID-19 crisis, said Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
LSE warns that less than 5% of global emissions that are covered under carbon pricing initiatives are priced at a level consistent with the aims of the Paris Agreement

Carbon price: Tax polluters not people to assist coronavirus recovery, report urges

Carbon pricing aligned to the needs of the Paris Agreement can raise revenue to support the coronavirus recovery in a better way than a tax on income or labour, new research by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has found.
Dunkin' has set a new goal of opening its 1,000th green restaurant by the end of 2025

Dunkin' switches to plastic-free cups and plans to double number of green restaurants

US coffeehouse Dunkin' has confirmed that it has completed the replacement of all polystyrene foam cups to paper alternatives while also committing to double the number of energy efficient restaurants it owns in the next five years.
Mitie has already switched to 100% renewable energy across its business

Mitie signs up to RE100 following EP100 and EV100 commitments

Mitie has become the first facilities management firm to sign up to all three of the Climate Group's initiatives, after committing to source 100% renewables as part of the RE100 platform and having already signed up to the EV100 and EP100 initiatives.