Carbon negative

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.

Back to list of definitions

Related items

Irish businesses pledge to slash carbon emissions

A coalition of 43 big-name businesses including Tesco, Veolia and Vodafone have jointly pledged to "significantly" reduce the carbon emissions accounted for by their operations in Ireland.

Government launches £320m scheme to help decarbonise UK's heat networks

The Government has launched a £320m scheme to help accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heat technologies across the UK's public, private and domestic sectors, on the same week that further tweaks to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) were criticised.

Report: UK leading G20 in low-carbon transition

The UK is leading the rest of the G20 nations in transitioning towards a low-carbon future by decoupling emissions from economic growth, although global decarbonisation rates aren't currently strong enough to meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

Webinar available on demand: Making net-zero the new normal in the built environment

Representatives from the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Landsec and EDF Energy discussed how businesses can make 'net-zero' buildings the new normal in a recent edie webinar, which is now available to watch on demand.

Ikea to use EVs for last-mile home deliveries in five cities by 2020

Ikea has pledged to only use electric vehicles (EVs) for all its last-mile home deliveries in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Shanghai by 2020, after announcing a 2025 target of using zero-emission vehicles to make all of its last-mile deliveries worldwide last year.

One week left to register for edie's green buildings webinar

Sustainability and energy representatives from the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Landsec and EDF Energy are all set to feature in a live edie webinar focused on green buildings, taking place 27 September.

The North Face to offset all emissions from athlete expeditions

Outdoor clothing brand The North Face has committed to offset 100% of the emissions it generates by sending athletes on expeditions as its parent company strives to set a science-based target for emissions reductions.

Companies call for net-zero emissions by 2050 to help transition to low-carbon economy

Ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit on 12-14 September, Cambridge-based Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group has called for a worldwide government-mandated net zero carbon emissions target by 2050 to help speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Speaker line-up confirmed for edie's green buildings webinar

Sustainability and energy representatives from the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Landsec and EDF Energy are all set to feature in a live edie webinar focused on green buildings, taking place 27 September.

Aldi on track to be carbon-neutral by 2019

Discount supermarket chain Aldi has today (August 9) announced it is on track to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations in the UK and Ireland by the end of next year, following a string of multi-million-pound investments in renewable energy arrays and energy efficiency measures.

Why the University of London is crowdsourcing a zero-carbon target

EXCLUSIVE: The University of London is working on a full environmental strategy that will enable the campus to reach zero carbon emissions by 2036. To get there, it has called on leading universities to deliver a range of ideas and technologies as part of a "crowdsourcing" event.

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Royal Mail, Carbon Management 2018

With entries now open for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Carbon Management winners, Royal Mail.

How sustainable is the FIFA 2018 World Cup?

With the first match of the FIFA 2018 World Cup set to kick-off today (14 June), edie takes a look at whether the event lines up with the global low-carbon transition.

Scotland outpaces rest of UK in carbon reduction, halving emissions since 1990

Scotland has met its statutory annual climate change target for the third consecutive year, achieving a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions against a 1990 baseline.

On the Mission Possible sofa with E.ON's chief executive Michael Lewis

The third episode of our new sustainable business chat show sees E.ON's chief executive Michael Lewis discuss what energy innovation can do to unlock future sustainability opportunities.

Government launches £102m fund for clean energy research

The UK Government has launched a £102.5m investment programme in a bid to tackle the challenges the UK faces as the renewables revolution continues, suggesting that the nation's energy sector could soon be poised to take clean power sources mainstream.

Drax launches Europe's first bioenergy carbon capture project

Energy group Drax has announced today (21 May) that it will lead the first bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project in Europe during a trial of new technology at its north Yorkshire power station.

UK energy revolution creating a 'two-tier' economy

The UK's transition to a low-carbon economy is masking stark regional divides, according to new research, with regions such as the North of England and East Midlands being left behind.

'Fundamental' agriculture reforms needed for UK to reach carbon neutrality, says CCC

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has today (15 November) urged ministers to implement policies that will "fundamentally reform" the way in which the UK's land is used, in order to create carbon sinks and accelerate progress towards carbon neutrality.

Businesses accelerate progress towards renewables in drive for 1.5C world

Last year marked a "dramatic upsurge" in corporate demand for renewable energy, according to new research by The Climate Group, which suggests that many big-name businesses are exploring alignment with a 1.5C trajectory.

Tesco cuts carbon emissions 13% in a year

Tesco has revealed that it reduced its carbon emissions by 13% in 2017 against a 2016 baseline, as it strives towards a science-based target of becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2050.

One week left to register for sustainable manufacturing webinar

Sustainability and energy representatives from Mondelez International and Quorn Foods are among the speaker line-up for edie's live one-hour webinar on 22 November, which will explore the challenges and opportunities facing low-carbon, resource-efficient manufacturing.

From BMW to Harley-Davidson: The EV market accelerates again

It’s been a hectic week for the electric vehicle (EV) market, as some of the major players in the automotive sectors unveil new low-emission models. Here, edie looks at some of the most exciting announcements over the past few days.

Report: G20 nations off track to meet Paris Agreement goals, despite clean energy promises

Of the energy provided to G20 nations during the past 10 years, 82% was generated using coal, oil or gas - despite the bloc's promises to transition to clean power.

District heat networks could reduce cost of UK's low-carbon transition by £3bn

The installation of district heat networks could reduce the capital cost of the UK's heat networks by up to 40%, new research from the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has concluded.

World has no capacity to absorb new fossil fuel plants, warns IEA

The world has so many existing fossil fuel projects that it cannot afford to build any more polluting infrastructure without busting international climate change goals, the global energy watchdog has warned.

Drax facing legal action over plans for large-scale gas turbine project

Power company Drax is facing legal action over plans to open a four-turbine gas generation facility at its Selby power plant in Yorkshire, with environmental law firm ClientEarth claiming that the project breaches the Government's planning and climate change policies.

Report: Oil and gas industry failing to invest in low-carbon projects

Global oil and gas firms have collectively invested just 1.3% of their combined capital expenditure (CAPEX) into low-carbon technologies and projects since the start of 2018, new research from CDP has concluded.

WATCH: How can business harness energy innovation?

With companies increasingly moving past energy efficiency measures and exploring innovative energy technologies such as battery storage, a group of business experts recently met in Birmingham to discuss what the future of energy looks like for the UK's business community. Here, edie rounds up their key takeaways.

Former National Grid boss Steve Holliday: Britain is undergoing a chaotic energy revolution

Former National Grid boss Steve Holliday has championed the role that businesses and innovators have played in igniting a "chaotic revolution" in the energy sector, by accelerating demand for renewable energy and battery storage installations.

Nikola Motor showcases autonomous hydrogen-powered lorry for European market

Low-emission truck manufacturer, and ongoing rival to Tesla, Nikola Motor Company has unveiled a new autonomous, hydrogen-powered lorry that is set to roll out across Europe by 2023.

WATCH: BEIS director outlines vision for a zero-carbon built environment

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) Director of energy efficiency Ben Golding has outlined the "win-wins" that can be generated by businesses and public sector organisation by mobilising action towards a zero-carbon built environment by 2050.

UK renewable energy capacity surpasses fossil fuels for first time

The capacity of renewable energy has overtaken that of fossil fuels in the UK for the first time, in a milestone that experts said would have been unthinkable a few years ago.

London City Corporation to launch capital's first low-emission street

With the Mayor of London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme set to be rolled out across the capital next year, the City of London Corporation has unveiled plans to create what it claims is the city's first low-emission street.

Global economic growth threatening climate change progress, report warns

The expansion in the global economy is undermining the world's efforts to achieve the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement, a new report from global consultancy Capgemini has warned.

EDF Energy to install 1,500 V2G chargers across UK

EDF Energy will deploy up to 1,500 Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) chargers across the UK which will help businesses generate revenue from electric vehicles (EVs) through energy storage and flexibility.

Researchers: CCS key for zero-emission cement

The construction sector can cut polluting emissions up to 80% by applying efficiency measures along the whole value chain, according to new research. If combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, emissions could even be brought down to zero by 2050, they argue.

Report: Few countries have emissions targets that match their Paris Agreement pledges

Most countries signed up to the Paris Agreement, including the UK, have failed to set domestic targets that are at least as ambitious as their pledged contributions, according to a damning new report.

Perfume giant Firmenich unveils approved science-based targets

Perfume company Firmenich has had a goal to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 39% approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Top European firms warned over lobbying against stronger climate policy

A group of investors worth $2trn has urged 55 major European businesses to review their relationships with organisations with lobbying practices "inconsistent" with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Scottish Government launches 'cashback' scheme to help SMEs bolster energy efficiency

The Scottish Government has partnered with Zero Waste Scotland to launch a "cashback" scheme which offers interest-free loans to small businesses that install energy efficiency measures.

World Cement Association aligns climate action strategy with 2C trajectory

Global non-profit World Cement Association (WCA) has released a climate action strategy targeting carbon emissions and waste management, in a drive to help the industry align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting the global temperature increase below 2C.

Abundance Investment targets new shareholders to accelerate green project financing

Peer-to-peer finance platform Abundance Investment looks set to accelerate demand for environmental and social projects across the UK, by increasing its number of small shareholders 10-fold.

Report: UK's EV stock grew by more than 50% last year, despite infrastructure challenges

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK rose by more than 50% between 2016-2017, with consumer demand for electrified transport outstripping the installation of charging infrastructure, a new report has found.

EDF announces low-carbon vehicle partnership with Nissan

Big six company EDF Energy has announced a partnership with Nissan to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy generation and storage solutions.

UN pledges $1bn investment to drive climate action in developing nations

Members of the UN’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) have this week approved more than $1bn of funding for 19 projects supporting climate action in developing countries.

UK mayors lobby for £1.5bn funding to tackle Britain's air pollution

A group of 16 mayors and city leaders have called on the UK Government to set aside an extra £1.5bn of investment to boost its existing Clean Air Fund, ahead of next week's Budget announcement.

Available on demand: edie's science-based targets webinar

Individuals looking to adopt and implement science-based targets for their business are encouraged to watch edie's recent on demand free webinar, which featured expert insight from the likes of BT, Capgemini and The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group.

Science-based targets: Are 2C goals ambitious enough in the wake of the IPCC report?

EXCLUSIVE: In light of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) landmark report into global warming, should businesses be encouraged to bolster their emission reduction goals to align with a 1.5C pathway?

Report: 46,000 new green jobs could be created in North of England by 2030

Around 46,000 new green economy jobs could be created in the North of England by 2030, a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has concluded.

Green GB Week: a UK policy wishlist to drive clean growth action

With the Government launching the nation's first-ever Green GB Week last week, dozens of sustainability experts met throughout the week to discuss the nation's clean growth agenda. Here, edie rounds up ten of their top green policy recommendations for the Government to place the UK on the road to a low-carbon economy.

Universities pledge to slash emissions in bid to lead UK's low-carbon transition

The Vice Chancellors of five UK universities have signed the Government's Emissions Reduction Pledge in a bid to help accelerate the nation's transition towards a net-zero carbon economy.

A blueprint for business leadership: edie launches sustainable mobility report

edie has today (22 October) launched a brand-new insight report which explores how UK businesses can take the lead on accelerating the transition to more sustainable forms of mobility.

Sustainability Leaders Awards 2019: Shortlist revealed...

After a record-breaking year of entries, the judges have convened, decisions have been made and edie is proud to unveil the well-deserved finalists for the 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards. Drum roll, please...

BEIS Committee: Ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2032, not 2040

MPs sitting on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee have urged the Government to bring its 2040 ban for new petrol and diesel car sales forward to 2032 - in light of the recent findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Green campaigners slam Gatwick's plans to use emergency runway to boost capacity

Green campaign groups have criticised Gatwick Airport's newly-announced plans to bring its emergency runway into daily use, citing concerns over climate impacts and air pollution.

PwC pledges to offset air travel emissions and source 100% renewable electricity

Professional services giant PwC has this week pledged to source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations and to offset all emissions accounted for by flights taken by employees for business purposes.

Clean Growth Fund spearheads Government's green finance commitments

As part of Green GB Week, the UK Government has announced a new £40m venture capital fund to help bring innovative clean technologies to market.

Zipcar's new London EV fleet clocks up 20,000 trips in three months

Car-sharing firm Zipcar has revealed that its customers have made more than 20,000 trips in its new London-based fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), three months after the fleet was launched.

Big-name retailers collaborate to spur uptake of clean domestic fuels

Several big-name retail brands including B&Q, Asda and Wickes have this week unveiled fresh measures to help consumers make the switch to low-carbon, smoke-free and energy-efficient home fuels.

Global investors call on pension funds to address climate-related risks

A group of 161 investment firms with more than €21trn in collective assets under management have called on pension fund managers to factor climate-related risks into their planning processes.

Science Based Targets initiative to support businesses with 1.5C goals in wake of IPCC report

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) will place a renewed focus on assisting businesses in setting emissions reduction goals aligned with the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement, a WWF official has revealed.

Report: Clean energy technologies could deliver half of UK emissions cuts needed by 2030

Clean energy technologies such as battery storage and solar generation could deliver more than half of the required emissions cuts set out in the UK's Clean Growth Strategy by 2030, a new report from Centrica Business Solutions has concluded.

Heathrow to waive landing fees for world's first electric aircraft

Heathrow Airport has announced that it will waive a year's worth of landing charges for the world's first electric passenger plane once it is developed, in a bid to encourage the low-carbon transition to gather pace in the aviation sector.

BT pledges to become a net-zero-carbon business by 2045

As the UK Government announces plans to discuss a potential net-zero emissions strategy, technology giant BT has pledged to become a net-zero-carbon business by 2045.

UK Government seeks advice from Committee on Climate Change on net-zero emissions goal

The UK Government has confirmed that it is seeking advice from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) on how best to bolster its carbon reduction targets and create a net-zero economy.

John Lewis and Waitrose pledge to power entire delivery fleet with bio-methane by 2028

EXCLUSIVE: The John Lewis Partnership, which operates the John Lewis and Waitrose retailers, will convert its 500-strong fleet of diesel delivery trucks to be powered by bio-methane by 2028, as part of a new commitment published on edie's Mission Possible Pledge Wall today (16 October).

Sir David King: Urgent focus needed on climate 'restoration'

The UK Government's former chief scientific advisor Sir David King has called for a $150 carbon price to be implemented globally and for the UK Government to focus on a net-zero emissions policy for 2045 to start to "repair and restore" the climate.

Hovis incorporates first all-electric trucks into delivery fleet

Bakery giant Hovis has today (11 October) introduced its first all-electric vehicles into its UK delivery fleet in a bid to reduce air pollution in urban areas.

Energy storage needs £6bn UK investment by 2030 to keep pace with renewables, research finds

More than £6bn will need to be invested in the UK's energy storage market by 2030 if the nation is to decarbonise at the rate necessary to meet legally-binding carbon targets.

'Disappointed' EU capitals agree on 35% car CO2 cuts

EU environment ministers took until nearly midnight on Tuesday (9 October) to agree on a common position for car and van CO2 emission cuts for 2030 but several member states were left "disappointed" with the final agreement.

Clorox exceeds carbon reduction target three years early

The Clorox Company has surpassed its 2020 goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20%, according to the consumer goods giant’s latest annual report.

IPCC 1.5C report: How can business drive the creation of a carbon-neutral world?

The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, and has done so by releasing a landmark report that acknowledges the severity of the challenge at hand. But how can business stop being part of the problem, and co-create the necessary solutions?

Almost two-thirds of UK businesses yet to set emissions targets, survey reveals

Almost two-thirds (61%) of companies in the UK's private sector have not yet set a specific, numerical target for reducing their emissions, a new survey from consultancy YouGov has revealed.

UK Power Networks introduces first electric vans to its London fleet

UK Power Networks (UKPN) has today (October 4) added its first fully-electric vans to its London-based fleet, in a bid to combat air pollution in the capital while reducing its carbon footprint.

The Industrial Strategy roundtable: What impact is it having on manufacturing sustainability?

Sustainability and energy managers from a range of businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and Centrica Business Solutions to discuss the impact the Government's Industrial Strategy is having on manufacturing sustainability.

European Parliament revs up CO2 car limits

MEPs voted in Strasbourg on Wednesday (3 October) in favour of a 40% CO2 reduction target for light vehicles by 2030. The target is higher than that which the Commission has proposed and tough talks with national capitals now loom large on the horizon.

Mazda pledges to electrify car portfolio by 2030

Japanese carmaker Mazda has committed to switching its entire car portfolio to be either hybrid-electric or fully-electric by 2030, after revealing that it will bring its first hybrid vehicle to the market in 2019.

Embodied carbon: Should 'net-zero' buildings require carbon-neutral construction?

EXCLUSIVE: Amid calls for ministers to implement policies that ensure all new buildings are built to carbon-neutral standards by 2030, key construction industry stakeholders are beginning to ask whether the definition of "net-zero" should cover embodied carbon as well as operational emissions.

Kingspan sets science-based emissions targets

Building materials company Kingspan Group has set new carbon reduction commitments under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce emissions by 10% reduction by 2025.

Britvic switches to 100% renewable electricity

Britvic has announced that every UK manufacturing site will be powered by 100% renewable electricity from October 2018.

Whitbread sets science-based target to halve emissions intensity

The UK's largest hospitality company Whitbread, has pledged to halve emissions in the next seven years as part of an "industry-leading" science-based target.

Science-based targets: BT and Capgemini to discuss adoption strategies in edie's next webinar

Individuals looking to adopt and implement science-based targets for their business are encouraged to tune into a free webinar this month, featuring expert insight from the likes of BT, Capgemini and The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group.

The World Bank launches $1bn energy storage programme for developing nations

The World Bank has launched a first-of-its-kind $1bn funding programme to fast-track deployment of battery storage projects in developing countries, to 'close the gap' on efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.

UK commits to Carbon Neutrality Coalition to deliver net-zero emissions

Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that the UK will be joining 18 other countries that have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 at the earliest, while also setting aside £160m to help developing nations transition to cleaner energy systems.

Barratt smashes emissions target seven years early

The UK's largest housebuilder has hit its carbon target seven years early, having seen its operational carbon emissions fall by 21% since 2015.

New emissions tests push BMW into profit warning

German high-end carmaker BMW said Tuesday (25 September) that new stricter emissions tests for cars as well as refits to older vehicles and global trade tensions would leave revenues and profits short of its full-year forecast.

Labour commits to 2050 net-zero emissions target, Corbyn vows green jobs 'revolution'

Labour has committed itself to a net-zero target of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, as Jeremy Corbyn vows to "kickstart a green jobs revolution" in the UK.

Porsche ditches diesel as it gears up for an electric future

Porsche has announced that it will cease to offer diesel versions of any of its vehicle models, citing a falling share in diesel sales and increased demand for hybrid and all-electric modes of transport.

Report: UK manufacturers could save £540m through clean technologies

New technologies such as battery storage and solar could "inspire a new industrial revolution" and save the manufacturing sector at least £540m on its energy bills.

edie partners with BEIS to drive climate action through Green GB Week

EXCLUSIVE: edie has agreed a new partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to encourage businesses to seize the opportunities of sustainability and clean growth during Green GB Week (15-19 October 2018).

Scotland continues to beat rest of UK in reducing emissions

Scotland is outperforming the rest of the UK on reducing greenhouse gas emissions but needs fresh measures to meet its own recently introduced targets, according to parliament's climate change watchdog.

Interface unveils goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040

Modular flooring firm Interface has set a new target of becoming carbon negative by 2040, building on a 2020 ambition of having “no negative environmental impact”.

Asda installs Formula One technology to drive refrigeration energy savings

Supermarket Asda will install technology inspired by Formula One racing across stores, in a move that could reduce refrigeration energy consumption by 17% while lowering carbon emissions.

More than 100 corporates have science-based targets approved

L'Oréal and Electrolux are among the latest businesses to have their emission reduction goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Shell sets near-zero methane emissions target for 2025

Oil and gas giant Shell has made a new commitment to reduce the methane emissions intensity of its operations to below 0.2% by 2025.

Number of dirty diesels on road still growing, report shows

The number of dirty diesel vehicles pumping out toxic emissions on Europe's streets is still rising three years after the Dieselgate scandal began, according to a new report. More than seven million such cars and vans remain on UK roads alone.

UK energy managers ‘unaware’ of impacts of rising non-commodity costs

More than half of senior UK energy professionals are "unaware or unsure" of the potential impacts which rising non-commodity costs will have on their firm, according to new Government figures.

Combined heat and power (CHP): edie launches free business guide

Organisations looking to install combined heat & power (CHP) systems on their site now have access to an updated business guide which breaks down all of the key information required to implement the technology.

Global Climate Action Summit: Lack of government climate ambition balanced by non-state action

San Francisco's Global Climate Action Summit ended on 14 September with non-state actors sending a call to action to governments ahead of the crucial COP24 in December, while highlighting their pivotal role in reducing emissions and reaching climate targets.