DEFINITION: The reduction of an entity’s carbon footprint to less than neutral, so that the entity has a net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than adding it.
Carbon negative
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Etsy commits to net-zero emissions by 2030
Online retailer Etsy has pledged to "deepening its commitment to a sustainable future" by setting science-based targets and pledging to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

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.

ExxonMobil, LafargeHolcim and Elon Musk: The corporate giants placing their faith in CCS
Over the last couple of days, the world's largest cement manufacturer, one of the world's largest fossil fuel firms and the founder of the biggest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer have all unveiled strategic efforts to commercialise carbon capture and storage projects.

COP26 President launches challenge to deliver net-zero 'tipping points' in every sector
The UN High-Level Climate Champions and COP26 President Alok Sharma have today (28 January) unveiled a radical new roadmap to push the global economy towards net-zero emissions, targeting a range of near-term, sectoral tipping points to deliver decarbonisation.

Mastercard commits to net-zero carbon by 2050
Mastercard has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, aiming to expand the use of onsite solar technology while also decarbonising its supply chain.

Major gas grid companies team up to outline hydrogen deployment plans
Britain's five major gas grid companies have launched a major collaborative plan to create the UK's first hydrogen town by 2030 as well as creating a network of hydrogen refuelling stations for transport and helping to decarbonise industrial clusters.

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.

New report: What role can the public sector play in delivering a green recovery?
edie has this week published the latest in a new series of reports looking at how businesses from key sectors can respond to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic by focusing on a green recovery. This time, the focus is on the public sector.

Morgan Sindall targets net-zero emissions by 2030
The Morgan Sindall Group is the latest construction company to commit to reaching net-zero emissions, aiming to reach that milestone by 2030 at the latest.

Towards net-zero: Are we really the smartest of monkeys?
Setting the scene for edie's upcoming Net-Zero November month of themed content and events, sustainable business expert and commentator Mike Townsend takes a thought-provoking look at the various drivers, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for businesses on our pathway towards a net-zero carbon, circular economy.

Energy giants launch Northern Endurance Partnership to explore carbon capture opportunities
A group of businesses including BP, Shell and the National Grid have formed the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP), which is aiming to develop carbon transportation and storage infrastructure in the North Sea to assist with plans to decarbonise the UK's industrial clusters.

Global heavy industry failing to align with Paris climate goals
Only 14% of publicly listed companies in the steel, cement, aluminum, paper and mining sector are on track to meet the Paris Agreement's 2°C climate target, according to a report by the Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI), a global investor group supported by the UN. Still, some European companies offer hope, EURACTIV Germany reports.

Carlsberg closes in on carbon reduction goals
Brewing giant Carlsberg's latest sustainability report has revealed that the company has reduced carbon emissions by 39% since 2015, as it closes in on a goal to halve brewery emissions by 50% by 2022.

Avantium targets net-zero operations and shoots for fossil-free chemicals sector
Chemicals firm Avantium has vowed to become a net-zero and fully circular business by 2030, as part of a new sustainability strategy aiming to make the entire sector fossil-fuel-free by 2050.

In numbers: How prepared are UK businesses for the net-zero transition?
The UK Government's 2050 net-zero target is legally binding, meaning that businesses of all sizes and sectors must accelerate decarbonisation efforts. But two new major surveys have highlighted major challenges for the private sector. Here, edie rounds up the key findings.

Businesses pour £75m into Humber's zero-carbon industrial cluster
A host of organisations have submitted a public and private sector bid of £75m to build key infrastructure to create the world's first zero-carbon industrial cluster in the Humber region.

Electric vehicles and heat pumps set for exponential growth on road to net-zero
More than 4.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) could be on UK roads, almost 250,000 households could feature solar technology and between 450,000 to more than one million domestic electric heat pumps could be installed by 2030 in order to reach net-zero, new research has found.

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.

'A game-changing opportunity to fight climate change': WEF pushes businesses on supply chain decarbonisation
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is urging businesses to do more to tackle their supply chain emissions, which often represent the bulk of their total climate footprint, and has published new advice on how to do so.

Financial firm Aegon commits to net-zero emissions by 2050
Financial services firm Aegon has become the latest corporate to commit to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, targeting the decarbonisation of its pension fund ranges and main operations.

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

Bruichladdich distillery explores hydrogen heating
Bruichladdich Distillery is exploring how hydrogen combustion technology can reduce reliance on fuel oil to meet the island-based facility's heating demand.

Four top tips for building a great net-zero carbon strategy
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors shared experiences developing and delivering net-zero strategies.

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.

Lenovo to deliver global rollout of customer offset scheme
Computer manufacturer Lenovo has unveiled plans to rollout a carbon offsetting scheme for customer purchases across the globe, following a trial run in the Nordics that saw 26,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide offset.

North of England homes to pilot hydrogen heating
More than 650 households and commercial properties in a village near Gateshead will trial the use of blended green hydrogen to be used for heating.

CDL secures $740m green loan for property portfolio
Real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL) has confirmed a new green revolving credit facility totalling $470m that will be used to refinance it's the Republic Plaza commercial property and future low-carbon projects.

Five EU countries object to bloc's latest hydrogen 'manifesto'
Austria, Denmark, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain have issued a joint letter calling on the EU to clearly prioritise renewable energies under an EU-led project aiming to accelerate hydrogen deployment, research and infrastructure.

Net-zero impact on UK economy to be 'relatively small', Treasury finds
The HM Treasury has published a final report in the build-up to a Net-Zero Spending Review, claiming that the transition to meeting the UK's long-term climate goals could deliver "slightly positive or slightly negative" economic growth for the UK, depending on how decisive policy action is.

Telefónica, Nestlé and Ragn-Sells commit to net-zero supply chains
Technology giant Telefónica, food manufacturer Nestlé and waste management firm Ragn-Sells are the latest businesses to sign up to a collaborative movement to reduce value chain emissions in line with the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement.

An 'undisputed urgency to act': Green economy reacts to the Energy White Paper
The Government has unveiled the long-awaited Energy White Paper today (14 December), with green groups welcoming the focus it provides to both job growth and rapid decarbonisation in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Energy White Paper: Government confirms £6.7bn warm homes package and UK ETS
The UK Government has finally released its Energy White Paper, detailing steps to deliver "overwhelmingly decarbonised power in the 2030s", with a new £6.7bn support scheme to be set up to tackle fuel poverty and a UK variant of the Emissions Trading Scheme to be introduced.

Five things you need to know about the Energy White Paper
After months of delays, the UK Government finally unveiled its Energy White Paper on Monday (14 December) detailing how an overhaul to transport, energy and infrastructure will deliver an "overwhelmingly decarbonised power in the 2030s" on the road to net-zero by 2050.

Unilever to let shareholders vote on new climate targets
Unilever has become one of the first global companies to voluntarily commit to putting new climate targets to a shareholder vote, with the company's science-based targets currently focusing on zero emissions for its operations.

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.

A 'vital step': Green economy reacts to the UK's new climate commitment
Green groups and business leaders have welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that the UK has created an updated domestic emissions target for 2030 as its contribution to the Paris Agreement, but with progress lacking against upcoming carbon budgets, many want to see more detailed action plans.

UK to slash emissions by 68% by 2030, as part of Paris Agreement NDC
The UK Government will aim to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030, as part of a domestic action plan that will deliver the nation's contribution towards the Paris Agreement and limiting global temperature increases to well below 2C and build towards net-zero by 2050.

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.

UK climbs to fifth for global renewables market outlook
The UK has leapfrogged Germany to rise to fifth in the rankings for national attractiveness of renewable energy investment and deployment opportunities.

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.

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.

LafargeHolcim links €850m to decarbonisation goals
The world's largest cement manufacturer, LafargeHolcim, has priced an €850m bond linked to the company's sustainability targets.

'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.

Tesco to co-create three UK solar farms
Tesco has confirmed a new partnership with a renewable energy investor that will facilitate the creation of three solar farms in the UK that will generate clean power equivalent to powering 44,800 homes.

'No time to waste': Boris Johnson to set out 10-point plan to boost net-zero commitment
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a global rallying call on nations to put forward raised ambitions to tackle the climate emergency as part of a year-long run-up to COP26, with the UK set to publish a 10-point plan to boost green jobs and reach net-zero imminently.

Carbon offsetting: How are businesses avoiding greenwashing on the road to net-zero?
With the net-zero movement gathering pace, ever more businesses are turning to carbon offsetting to tackle hard-to-abate emissions. But is this a credible choice, or simply a clever greenwashing tactic?

#SustyTalk: Zero-carbon energy transitions with Northern Powergrid and Oxford City Council
For Net-Zero November, edie's #SustyTalk video interview series has involved into a selection of panel discussions based on the low-carbon transition. For this episode, Tom Hayes from Zero-Carbon Oxford and Anda Baumerte from Northern Powergrid discuss the energy revolution.

Business groups call on Prime Minister to set Paris Agreement commitment by end of year
A number of green business groups have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the UK Government to set a substantial commitment to the Paris Agreement that is aligned to the nation's own net-zero target.

The Net-Zero election: Will the US continue to swim against the tide on climate change?
It is election night in the US and millions of citizens have already cast their vote on who should be the next president. The divide between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is evident, with one ready to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the other ready to embrace the net-zero transition. The result of this election will likely shape global climate negotiations moving forward.

EDF on net-zero, green spending and energy innovations
To kickstart edie's Net Zero November, headline sponsors EDF discuss why the net-zero transition is so important to them, and how businesses can use low-carbon solutions to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic.

edie launches new report detailing how the hospitality sector can achieve a green recovery
edie has launched its latest sector insight report, examining how the hospitality and leisure sector can build back better from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic by focusing on low-carbon strategies as part of a green recovery.

Scope 3 and the supply chain: How businesses are taking sustainability leadership to a new frontier
Not too long ago, sustainable leadership was defined by those 'getting their own house in order' through emissions reductions, but as the pace required to reduce emissions grows, so too does the efforts from businesses to assist the supply chain in decarbonising. Here, edie looks at some of the transformational ways businesses are engaging with suppliers.

edie explains: Science-based targets
What makes emissions targets "science-based"? How can businesses go beyond 2C alignment and strive for 1.5C? And what role do these targets play in the net-zero movement? This free edie explains guide answers all of these questions and more.

Electrolux debuts vacuum cleaner made from 100% recycled plastics
Electrolux has unveiled the first product range as part of a new "circular initiative" with Stena Recycling, a new vacuum cleaner made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastics and reused materials.

Sainsbury's invests in trucks powered by kinetic energy
As part of its net-zero commitment, Sainsbury's has purchased 1,200 lithium-ion trucks powered by kinetic energy, in a move that will save energy equivalent to powering 700 UK homes.

UK Export Finance could support 42,000 green jobs by reallocating funds from oil and gas
The UK Government's direct lending facility could support more than 40,000 jobs in the renewables sector annually by 2035, if it were to assume liabilities for renewable exports like it currently does for oil and gas, new research has found.

Businesses and green groups call for Government to set out 'negative emissions' policy framework
The National Farmers Union (NFU), Heathrow Airport and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) are amongst the organisations that have formed the Coalition for Negative Emissions, which is this week calling on the UK Government to set an "unambiguous commitment" to carbon capture and negative emissions.

Global investors kickstart 1.5C decarbonisation process for portfolios
Some of the world's largest investors accounting for $5trn in assets under management have agreed to set time-bound decarbonisation targets that will see the organisations work with companies in their portfolios to align to climate action.

BT's £55bn pension scheme commits to net-zero emissions by 2035
The UK's largest corporate pensions investment fund, BT Pension Scheme, has signalled its intention to reach net-zero emissions by 2035 on behalf of its £55bn portfolio.

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.

NHS sets net-zero emissions target for 2040
Despite the ongoing challenges in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, NHS England has signalled its intention to reach net-zero emissions through a plethora of new initiatives that will see 40 net-zero hospitals created alongside a £50m LED lighting upgrade.

Cambridge University to divest £3.5bn fund from fossil fuels as part of net-zero ambition
The University of Cambridge will divest its £3.5bn endowment fund from fossil fuels by 2030, as part of a wider plan to reduce the University's emissions to net-zero by 2038.

edie launches new report on achieving a green recovery for the manufacturing sector
edie has today (29 September) published the first in a new series of reports looking at how businesses from key sectors can respond to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic by focusing on a green recovery. First up, the manufacturing sector.

Chanel links €600m sustainability bond to science-based targets
Luxury fashion and fragrance giant Chanel has issued a €600m transaction for bonds linked to the company's progress against its 1.5C science-based targets.

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.

Walmart targets zero emissions by 2040, won't rely on offsetting
US retail giant Walmart has committed to becoming a zero emissions business by 2040 by pledging to become carbon neutral across its global operations without relying on carbon offsets.

SBTi kickstarts process on global standard for science-based corporate net-zero targets
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has issued its first guidance on what will ultimately lead to the development of a new global standard to ensure that corporate net-zero carbon targets are aligned with climate science.

Climate crowdsourcing: Government urged to put digital technology at heart of net-zero strategy
A new report has called on the UK Government to secure a windfall of the emerging digital climate tech sector by embracing low-carbon innovation through policy measures - a move which could help slash emissions and add billions to the UK economy.

Morrisons to source exclusively from net-zero British farms by 2030
Morrisons has revealed an ambition to become the first UK supermarket to use only farms certified as net-zero when sourcing products and ingredients from British suppliers.

Anthesis targets three gigatons of carbon mitigation and removal by 2030
Impact investor and consulting firm Anthesis is aiming to support projects that collectively avoid, reduce and remove three billion tonnes (three gigatons) of carbon by the end of the decade.

Microsoft and Chevron partner on bioenergy and carbon capture project
Oil and gas major Chevron is collaborating with Schlumberger's New Energy arm and Microsoft to develop a major bioenergy plant with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in California.

Daimler prices €1bn green bond to help finance EV transition
Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler has priced its second major green bond at €1.02bn, with funds set to be spent on delivering its climate and electric vehicle (EV) targets.

Goldman Sachs pledges net-zero supply chain by 2030, financed emissions by 2050
Goldman Sachs' chairman and chief executive David Solomon has updated the firm's sustainable finance commitments to target net-zero financed emissions by 2050.

Sector by sector: What are the key ingredients to achieve a green recovery?
Over the past 12 months edie has collected data and spoken to leading sustainability and energy experts on how key UK sectors can achieve a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Here, edie summarises some key themes found in our detailed sector insight reports.

Molson Coors unveils bottles with 90% lower carbon footprint
The Molson Coors Beverage Company is rolling out new glass beer bottles that have reduced the carbon emissions associated with production by up to 90%.

UK Government has 'no plan' for reaching net-zero, MPs warn
Almost two years after enshrining the 2050 net-zero target in UK law, cross-party MPs have heard evidence that the Government still lacks a credible plan for delivery.

Coty partners with LanzaTech to use captured carbon in perfumes
US-based beauty giant Coty has forged a partnership with LanzaTech, whereby carbon captured using the firm's technology will be used to manufacture fragrance ingredients.

FedEx commits to carbon-neutral global operations by 2040
FedEx has pledged to transition to carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040, earmarking new finance for electric vehicles, more sustainable aircraft and carbon sequestration.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Dominic Pybus, UK Parliament
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: UK Parliament's energy manager Dominic Pybus.

Equinor to deliver world's largest at-scale hydrogen from carbon capture plant in Hull
Equinor has unveiled plans to develop the world's largest plant capable of converting natural gas to hydrogen in combination with carbon capture and storage (CCUS), as part of the zero-carbon industrial hub located in the Humber region.

SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities
edie's latest SDG Spotlight report provides a detailed progress update on how businesses are transforming operations, services and supply chains to deliver Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities across the globe.

HS2 to create 127-hectare biodiversity hotspot to assist carbon reduction efforts
The HS2 project team has announced plans to create more than 120 hectares of new carbon-sequestering grassland, woodland and wetland habitats that will reuse soil and chalk from tunnel excavations.

Report: Strong net-zero policy could help UK attract £350bn of investment by 2050
The low-carbon energy transition in the UK could lead to the development of £350bn of investible assets by 2050 - but only if businesses and policymakers do more to support key sectors.

Budget 2021: Businesses and charities make last-minute calls for green funding to Rishi Sunak
With the 2021 Budget being announced on Wednesday (3 March), Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing mounting pressure over the Green Homes Grant, National Nature Service and other green policy decisions.

'Tech Zero taskforce': UK tech firms to inform Government's net-zero approach
Fast-growing UK tech firms including Bulb, Starling Bank and Olio have formed a new taskforce that will inform the government's green policymaking and garner industry support ahead of COP26.

Aviva Investors targets net-zero by 2040
Aviva has pledged to reach net-zero across its operations, supply chain and financing activities by 2040, in what it claims is the most ambitious net-zero pledge from a large, UK-based financial services firm.

The Net Zero Business Podcast: Inside Ella's Kitchen's climate action plans
In response to the accelerated pace at which businesses are examining and setting net-zero targets to help alleviate the climate crisis, edie has launched a spin-off of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast. Up next, we speak to Ella's Kitchen chief executive Mark Cuddigan.

BlackRock Investment Institute: Tackling climate change will provide a financial boost, not a net cost
BlackRock's insights arm is forecasting that the net-zero transition could create a cumulative output gain of almost 25% by 2040, if delivered in an "orderly" fashion.

600 business giants form new network on climate resilience and adaptation
Businesses with combined annual revenues of more than $3trn, spanning a range of the global economy's biggest sectors, have formed a new network aimed at helping the private sector work with cities and governments to build climate resilience.

UK introduces new mandate on sustainable petrol blends
The UK Government will mandate the introduction and use of a new blend of petrol containing up to 10% sustainable bioethanol from September this year.

Greggs targets carbon neutrality and improved diversity through new sustainability pledges
Food retailer Greggs has unveiled a new set of sustainability commitments that will see it become a carbon-neutral business, use 100% renewable energy, reduce packaging waste by a quarter and improve workforce diversity.

Businesses urged to harness 'nature-based solutions' to combat climate emergency
Businesses have been called upon to trial and pilot 'nature-based solutions' (NBS) in helping them reduce environmental impacts while helping the surrounding areas improve resiliency against a range of climate risks.

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.

Hydrogen: Is UK policy and industry at a tipping point?
Recent weeks have seen influential bodies urging the Government to publish the Hydrogen Strategy sooner rather than later. In tandem, announcements have been made about hydrogen-powered homes and vehicles. So, is the UK's hydrogen revolution about to begin?

As Trinity College Cambridge divests, UK council pensions still hold £10bn in fossil fuels
Freedom of information requests by environmental campaigners have revealed that UK local government pensions held almost £10bn in fossil fuel companies last year, despite the trend towards climate emergency declarations.

Green skills gap 'could derail net-zero', major UK construction firms tell Government
Representatives from more than a dozen major construction organisations have urged the Government to do more to close the existing green skills gap and to improve the skills pipeline, lest it risk missing its 2050 net-zero target.

BrewDog announces B Corp certification
Scottish craft brewer BrewDog is the latest company to achieve B Corp certification, highlighting the company's dedication to becoming a force for good and focusing on carbon offsetting and reduction.

British Gas targets fully electric fleet by 2025
British Gas has placed what it claims is the largest order of electric vehicles (EVs) by a UK business to date, after bringing its target for full fleet electrification forward to 2025.

Food and drink businesses meet carbon reduction goals five years early
The UK's food and drinks sector has collectively slashed carbon emissions by 55% since 1990, surpassing a target set for 2025.

Carlsberg's recycled bottles and Lidl's EV chargers: 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.