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.

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edie Explains: Building energy management systems (BEMS)

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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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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.
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.
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.
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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Tesco's EV charging milestone and an offshore wind boom: The sustainability success stories of the week

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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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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.
RBS will stop all lending cases to companies that have at least 15% of their activities linked to coal 

RBS to rebrand, plans for 'climate-positive' operations by 2025

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has unveiled plans to go beyond net-zero emissions for its operations by 2025 and to at least halve the climate impact of its financial decisions and activities by 2030, as part of the organisation's rebrand to the NatWest Group.
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).

Business Energy Barometer: April - May 2020

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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.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

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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).
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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).
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.
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.
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.
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".

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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.
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).
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.
The companies studied have all made recent commitments to combatting climate change, with some badging their new strategies as net-zero

Oil and gas giants overstating net-zero ambitions, study finds

Recent announcements from European oil and gas majors such as Total, Shell and BP to commit to net-zero aren't actually aligned to the required, science-based cuts to emissions to reach net-zero or the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement, new research has found.
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.
Unilever’s chief executive Alan Jope reflected that amidst a global pandemic it was the duty of business to repair a broken capitalism mode

Unilever's Alan Jope on repairing capitalism, Covid-19 and Sustainable Living Plans

Providing an update to Unilever's flagship Sustainable Living Plan as it enters its 10th and final year, chief executive Alan Jope reflects on the need to double down to protect the planet and society during the pandemic by "driving a new model of capitalism".

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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.

Total commits to net-zero emissions by 2050 following investor pressure

Global energy company Total is the latest in the sector to commit to net-zero emissions, setting a target for 2050 or sooner after extensive engagement with a climate action investor coalition.
To date, 8.2MW of solar PV has been installed across 43 Scottish Water sites, capable of generating 6.5GWh of renewable electricity annually

Scottish Water switches on latest solar array at Dunfermline wastewater facility

A wastewater treatment facility in Dunfermline is the latest Scottish Water facility to be fitted with onsite solar technology, as the water company progresses towards its net-zero carbon target for 2040.
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.
All homes are being designed to achieve EPC A ratings, of which only 1% of all new builds achieve

Legal & General given go-ahead for energy efficient modular homes drive

The modular housing arm of insurance giant Legal & General has been given planning permission to create more than 150 modular homes in Selby, North Yorkshire that will feature the highest EPC ratings for energy efficiency.
Yorkshire Tea worked with TIST (The International Small Group and Tree Planting Programme) to encourage smallholder tea farmers to plant fruit and nut trees around tea gardens

Yorkshire Tea achieves carbon-neutral certification for operations and products

Yorkshire Tea has announced that all its products are carbon neutral from field to shelf, following a five-year programme to reduce emissions across its supply chain and operations.
The Business Barometer is open until 24 April

Closing today: Energy managers called upon to participate in edie's Business Barometer

edie's Business Barometer takes a regular temperature-check of UK-based energy managers and practitioners, with a view to analysing current challenges, spotting industry trends and identifying future opportunities on the road to net-zero emissions. 
According to the Climate Group, businesses signed up to its EP100 initiative have collectively shaved $55m (£45m) off their energy costs

Mitie to double energy productivity through EP100 initiative

British facilities management (FM) firm Mitie has built on its net-zero emissions target set for 2025 by joining the Climate Group's EP100 initiative to double its energy productivity.
It would also quadruple energy jobs to around 42 million, expand employment in energy efficiency to 21 million and add 15 million in system flexibility

IRENA: Renewables transition to boost global economy by $98trn

With the global economy set to slump to its lowest output for more than a century, nations can spur a global economic recovery by delivering a renewables-based energy transformation that could boost cumulative global GDP gains by more than $98trn compared to a 'business-as-usual' trajectory.
More than 9,000 facilities across the UK benefit from participation in the scheme

Businesses called upon to consult on £300m energy-saving Climate Change Agreement

The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a two-month consultation on an extension to the Climate Change Agreement (CCA), a legislative mechanism that enables businesses to save up to £300m annually on energy costs.
The company is also part of a coalition of environmental consultancies that have set up a new net-zero pledge campaign

AECOM shoots for 20% reduction in emissions through approved science-based targets

Engineering and construction firm AECOM has revealed that targets to reduce operational emissions by 20% and value chain emissions by 10% by 2025 have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as aligned to the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
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 firm produces a swathe of commodities including oilseeds, corn, wheat flour and cocoa. 

World's largest food supplier targets 25% emissions cut by 2035

The world's largest food and ingredient supplier, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), has set new emissions and energy targets which it claims are aligned with the Paris Agreement's 2C trajectory.
Equinor has said it will need to become a "broad energy company" to meet its targets. Image: Equinor

Equinor leaves US oil and gas industry body due to 'lack of position' on climate policy

Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor has announced that it is leaving a US oil and gas industry association due to a "misalignment" with the company's new climate commitments and is set to influence other associations to deliver strong climate targets.
Energy professionals, like most, are currently dealing with changes to their role. These key considerations will help to navigate these changes in the coming weeks.

Coronavirus: Seven key considerations for energy professionals

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The USER projects aims to use hot water cylinders to balance grid demand

SMEs and households to benefit from energy efficiency clean technology trials

The UK Government has backed a new digital energy efficiency platform for SMEs to receive automated advice to save energy, in the same week that a smart homes project that uses AI technology on hot water systems to generate storage capacity and manage grid demand commenced.
The aim of EP100 is not only to reduce the environmental impact of partaking firms, but to encourage the embedding of energy efficiency in all business strategies. Image: Thai Union

EP100: Thai Union pledges to double energy productivity

Food production giant Thai Union has pledged to double energy productivity across the business, under The Climate Group's EP100 initiative.
Policymakers have repeatedly faced calls to make energy efficiency a larger focus within climate strategies. 

BEIS: Energy efficiency installations increased in 2019

New figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show nearly 220,000 energy efficiency measures were installed through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Green Deal framework in 2019 - a 5% year-on-year increase.
According to the New London Architecture (NLA), there are more than 750 office buildings in  central London and more than a further 210 in the pipeline

JLL: Green offices more likely to bring in rent premium, less likely to sit empty

Property giant JLL has unveiled new research charting the financial benefits of investment in sustainable office buildings, including rent premium, future risk mitigation and higher tenancy rates.
The Leeds RERF was opened in 2016 to burn up to 150,000 tonnes of landfill waste annually

Houses and businesses connect to low-carbon heating network in Leeds

Households and businesses in Leeds are set to benefit from reduced energy bills and carbon emissions after being connected to a £36m district heating network that connects to the city's Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF).
The Council continued its leadership in the city’s carbon reduction efforts by launching a new strategy to reduce its own emissions by 55% by 2025

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

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time exploring how Leeds plans to become a net-zero city by 2030.
Using 33% of revenues for energy efficiency can ensure fuel-poor households are not adversely affected by carbon taxation

Carbon tax rises 'could fund energy efficiency drive'

The government could siphon off a large chunk of the revenues from increased carbon prices to improve the energy efficiency of fuel poor households, according to a new report from the London School of Economics' Grantham Institute.
SECR will require around 12,000 large and UK-listed businesses to report new energy-related data when it enters into force next month.

New digital tool launched by Government to simplify SECR reporting

The Government agency and reporting council overseeing compliance for the upcoming Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) standards have launched a new taxonomy to submit relevant data in better aligned digital formats.
The strategies build towards the bloc's net-zero target for 2050

Everything you need to know about the EU's new Circular Economy Action Plan and Industrial Strategy

The European Commission has today (11 March) unveiled its Circular Economy Action Plan, a sweeping set of commitments aimed at ensuring that circularity and resources efficiency acts as a "prerequisite for climate neutrality" in line with the European Green Deal and Industrial Strategy.
All materials used for packaging consumed in the UK account for 1.7% of the country’s total emissions 

Lifecycle approach required: Government's plastics policies could triple UK packaging emissions

The UK Government's ban on unnecessary single-use plastics could inadvertently triple the carbon emissions associated with packaging, unless policies are introduced to prioritise an "overall need to use less material" and to improve the energy efficiency associated with material production and recycling.
The call for action is in response to projections that the UK is set to miss its fourth and fifth carbon budgets

Businesses call on Prime Minister to accelerate climate action

Business giants including Unilever, Tesco, Sky and Coca-Cola have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to develop a clear strategy that will set out a pathway to achieving the net-zero emissions target for 2050 that enables businesses to understand their role in delivering the national ambition.
Progress on the goal will be independently assessed each year

UK water sector targets renewables and efficiency improvements for net-zero 2030 goal

UK water companies will focus on self-generated renewables, energy efficiency improvements and the roll-out of low-emission vehicles as part of a new roadmap to help the water sector reach net-zero emissions by 2030.