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.

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The so-called moonshot has been supported by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents 80% of the global shipping industry

Shipping industry backs $5bn decarbonisation moonshot

The global shipping industry has given "full and unequivocal" support to a "moonshot" submitted by various national governments that would create a $5bn fund to reduce the carbon impact of the sector.
Viridor is aiming to have the technology installed and running at its Runcorn site (pictured) by 2026

Viridor targets net-negative emissions by 2045 through carbon capture technology

Waste management firm Viridor has committed to becoming a net-zero emissions business by 2040 and to then move further by reaching net-negative emissions five years later.
Since 2010, Parker has reduced its energy intensity by 42% and greenhouse gas intensity by 50%

US firm Parker aims for carbon-neutral operations by 2040

US motions and controls firm Parker has unveiled plans to reach carbon neutrality across its operations by 2040, with fresh new carbon reduction targets set to be submitted to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Lloyds of London has faced pressure to improve its climate approach for several years

Lloyd's outlines plans to increase green investments but stops short of full Paris Agreement alignment

Insurance and investment giant Lloyd's of London has published a new climate action roadmap, detailing plans to increase support for low-carbon transport, energy and industrial technologies.
It is estimated that around £30bn of investment into heat networks will be required by 2050 to meet the net-zero target

SGN and Vital Energi launch joint venture for zero-carbon heat networks

Gas distribution company SGN and UK renewable energy solutions provider Vital Energi have agreed on a new 50:50 joint venture to create an energy services company (ESCO) that will own and operate low and zero-carbon heat networks.
The carmaker is forging ahead with the development of Vision EQXX – an EV that is expected to have a range of more than 600 miles

Mercedes-Benz to go all-electric for vehicles by 2030

Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to move its entire product portfolio to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, to be supported by a £34bn investment and plans to run eight gigafactories for battery production.
edie summarises how the world can reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to BNEF

How the world can reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF has published its latest New Energy Outlook report, examining three progress pathways to reach net-zero globally by 2050. Here, edie summaries what will need to change to deliver this low-carbon trajectory.
The UK Government has faced criticism due to planned  £27.4bn roads building expansion, with legal cases on climate grounds being issued

Highways England seeks road to net-zero by 2050

Highways England has unveiled plans to reach net-zero across its operations by 2030 as part of a step to deliver net-zero travel across English roads by 2050.
The Plan covers all forms of transport, but some sectors have stronger policy commitments than others

At a glance: Everything you need to know about the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan

The UK Government has unveiled its domestic plan designed to align the transport sector with the national net-zero target. Here, edie pulls out what this means for all modes of transport moving forward.
Businesses believe the East Coast Cluster can capture, transport and store up to 27 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually by 2030

East Coast Cluster: Teesside and Humber gear up to host CCS technologies

Energy giants and businesses operating in Teesside and Humberside look set to collaborate on the deployment of carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) technology in a bid to create net-zero industrial clusters.
More than 50,000 jobs in carbon-intensive industries would also be safeguarded

UK's carbon capture and storage market could create 50,000 jobs

The UK could become an early mover in the global carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) market and create up to 50,000 jobs if new enabling policies are introduced.
Live emissions and energy data from the net-zero pilot restaurant will be used to inform a roadmap to decarbonisation across the KFC UK&I estate

KFC and Pilgrim's target net-zero by 2040

KFC UK & Ireland has announced a new commitment to reach net-zero ten years ahead of the legal deadline of 2050, in the same week that meat giant Pilgrim's announced a global net-zero target, also for 2040.
Around 135,000 jobs would be created in the North, Midlands and East England, with a further 57,000 jobs set to be created in Scotland

UK's clean energy pipeline on course to unlock 625,000 green jobs

The UK's focus on decarbonisation and clean energy looks set to unlock 625,000 jobs, equivalent to 90% of jobs lost to the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research.
Sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids PHEVs have skyrocketed by more than 100% compared to the same period last year in the UK

Vauxhall's Cheshire site to produce new electric vans as EV sales skyrocket in the UK

Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire has been earmarked to produce new electric vans, while a group of automakers gears up to collaborate on charging points for heavy-duty vehicles.
The MoU will aim to develop SAFs

Rolls-Royce and Shell agree on new partnership on sustainable aviation fuels

Rolls-Royce and Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to help build towards their respective net-zero targets by developing and scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) for the sector.
The new strategy also includes targets to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2028

Western Power Distribution targets net-zero emissions by 2028

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has outlined plans to reach net-zero emissions for its operations by 2028, as part of a new environment strategy that aims to convert its commercial fleet to low-carbon vehicles in the same timeframe.
edie readers are being asked to complete the 10-minute survey by Friday 18 June

CLOSING TODAY: Take edie's net-zero carbon business survey (10 minutes)

Energy, carbon and sustainability professionals across all industries are being asked to take our 10-minute "Business Barometer" survey which tracks the decarbonisation progress of businesses across the country. This survey closes TODAY (Friday 18 June), so don't miss your chance to participate. 
The official communique covers most parts of the green agenda, but with detail lacking

G7: What was (and wasn't) agreed by world leaders to combat the climate crisis

From "green Marshall Plans" and net-zero energy sectors to a lack of clarity on green spending and transport decarbonisation, edie rounds up what was and wasn't agreed at the G7 Summit.
In 2016, the firm agreed to power its operations with 100% renewable electricity, a target that has been met

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.
The roundtable discussed the barriers and opportunities facing business

Net-zero and COP26: Achieving Mission Possible

Six months out from the COP26 summit, edie hosted an exclusive virtual roundtable discussion with a select group of sustainability leaders, exploring how businesses can accelerate the net-zero carbon transition in the run-up to the crucial climate talks.
The UK Government has confirmed that the Summit will take place between 11-13 June in Carbis Bay, Cornwall

Climate change at the G7 Summit: Everything you need to know

World leaders are meeting in Cornwall this week (11-13 June) as part of the G7 Summit. The climate crisis is a key theme for policymakers going into the event, but how much prominence will it have as the world's largest economies attempt to respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic?
Through the initiative, asset owners commit to decarbonising pension funds and investment portfolios by 2050 at the latest

ABP and National Trust sign up to net-zero investment initiative

Europe's largest pension fund, the Church of Sweden and the National Trust are among six new signatories to a global net-zero asset owner commitment to decarbonise financial portfolios in line with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

The Net-Zero Carbon Playbook

We know the net-zero carbon future we want to achieve. But how are we going to achieve it? Inspired by edie’s award-winning Mission Possible campaign, this Net-Zero Carbon Playbook inspires and empowers businesses to ramp up efforts across all areas of sustainable development to achieve net-zero.
HSBC must now publish a plan outlining its new phase-out policy

Shareholders pass vote for HSBC to phase-out global coal financing by 2040

Shareholders of HSBC have today passed a proposed management resolution that commits the bank to phase-out financing for the coal industry by 2040 worldwide, following successful campaigning from investors.
McCormick has partnered with Natural Capital Partners to offset any remaining emissions

Manufacturer McCormick's first net-zero building set for Peterborough

Multinational food ingredients manufacturer McCormick has confirmed that a new facility in Peterborough looks set to become its first net-zero carbon building.
Currently, Shell is aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by 20% by 2030

Dutch court orders Shell to strengthen carbon reduction targets

A Dutch court has ordered a groundbreaking ruling for Royal Dutch Shell to raise its commitments to carbon reduction, in what could mark the first of many legal cases against energy firms on climate grounds.
CCS is viewed as a crucial technology in reaching net-zero emissions

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.
Low Carbon Hub believes that surplus energy produced from Ray Valley Solar will create more than £10m of community benefit funding

UK’s largest community-owned solar park to come online next year

The Ray Valley Solar project in Oxford is expected to come online next autumn, after Triodos Bank confirmed lending for what is expected to be the UK’s largest community-owned solar park.
EnergyTag states that there is currently no recognised system to verify hourly clean energy consumption

Google and Microsoft among businesses backing 24/7 clean energy tracking

More than 100 global companies, including PwC, Microsoft and Google, are taking part in a new worldwide initiative aimed at verifying clean energy sourcing on an hourly basis.
The groups are also calling for nuclear to be included in national emission reduction plans

Nuclear industry warns that planned closures could derail global net-zero transition

Key groups representing the global nuclear industry have penned an open letter to world leaders warning that the proposed retirement of existing nuclear plants could derail the net-zero transition, calling for the technology to have the same access to climate finance as renewables.
BP has a net-zero emissions target set for 2050

BP shareholders reject tougher climate targets

More than one-fifth of BP shareholders supported a resolution from climate activists calling on the energy giant to set tougher emission reduction targets for its net-zero transition, but ultimately the filing was rejected.
Over a four-year period, BT also reduced the carbon intensity of its supply chain by 19%

BT cuts emissions by 14% over 12-month period

Over the last 12 months, BT Group has reduced the carbon intensity of its operations by 14%, putting the company on course to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, while broadcaster Sky has had carbon reduction targets for its net-zero ambition approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Compass Group has become a signatory of Business Ambition for 1.5°C

Food services firm Compass targets net-zero emissions by 2030

The UK's largest food services company, Compass Group UK & Ireland, will switch to 100% electric vehicles (EVs), move 40% of its food offerings to plant-based proteins and will launch a £1m carbon reduction fund in a bid to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
The initiative is voluntary for suppliers

Tesco links supplier financial support to environmental goals

Tesco is offering preferential financing rates for suppliers that address their environmental impacts, under a new voluntary programme supported by Anthesis, KPMG and Santander.
Currently, corporate commitments under the Race to Zero campaign cover more than 12% of the global economy and $9.8trn in revenue

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.
The company will also aim to tackle emissions from the supply chain, which accounts for more than 70% of Mastercard’s total carbon footprint

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.
BlackRock now manages more than $200bn in long-term sustainable strategies

BlackRock launches temperature-aligned investments funds

The world's largest investor BlackRock has unveiled two new temperature-based exchange funds aimed at helping investors align portfolios with the pathways of the Paris Agreement.
The target will become enshrined in law by the end of June 2021

Sixth Carbon Budget: UK to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed to legislate a new target to reduce national emissions by 78% by 2035, including emissions from international shipping and aviation, following the Climate Change Committee's advice on the Sixth Carbon Budget.
The companies are responsible for owning and operating the infrastructure that delivers gas to 85% of homes in Great Britain

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.
The new target will become enshrined in law by the end of June 2021

'A credible path to net-zero': Green groups react to UK's Sixth Carbon Budget

The Government will seek to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 as part of a new Sixth Carbon Budget, a decision that has been welcomed by green groups, although some are calling for more detailed action plans.
Heineken is also joining the Business Ambition for 1.5C, the Race to Zero and the RE100 programme to accelerate decarbonisation and increase clean energy uptake

Heineken targets carbon-neutral value chain by 2040

Global brewer Heineken has unveiled a new corporate strategy to become carbon-neutral across its operations by 2030 and then across its entire value chain by 2040.
The commitment will support a broader $1.5trn sustainable finance goal that is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Bank of America commits $1trn to global sustainability initiatives

The Bank of America has increased an existing $300bn sustainable business initiatives fund to attempt to mobilise $1trn by 2030 for initiatives that will support the net-zero transition.
Charlotte led Vivobarefoot through the B Corp certification process

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Charlotte Pumford, Vivobarefoot

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: Charlotte Pumford, Vivobarefoot's sustainability manager.

Horizon Organic is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality before going beyond that milestone by removing or preventing additional carbon emissions

Danone-owned dairy giant unveils lifetime carbon emissions for its products

Horizon Organic, the largest USDA certified organic dairy brand in the world, has publicly disclosed the summary of life cycle assessments (LCA) for its whole milk half gallons, in a bid to outline areas of improvement as it strives to become "carbon positive" by 2025.
Green groups claim the decision is against efforts to champion climate action in the build up to COP26

'Outrageous hypocrisy': Government condemned over £16bn oil and gas sector 'bailout'

Green groups have expressed their anger at the Government's new £16bn sector deal that pledges to align the oil and gas sector with the national net-zero target, while also ending financing for overseas fossil fuel projects, with many frustrated by a refusal to end oil and gas licensing.
The Government believes the funding will cut more than 70,000 tonnes of carbon annually

Government commits £560m to decarbonise housing

The Government has issued £500m from the Green Homes Grant and £62m from a Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to improve the energy efficiency of 50,000 UK households.
Unite Students will launch detailed plans to reach net-zero later this year  

Unite Students set net-zero carbon goal for 2030

Real estate investment company Unite Students, which provides students with accommodation across the UK, has set a new sustainability commitment to reach net-zero carbon across its operations and construction by 2030.
ShareAction’s research states that car manufacturers can align with new vehicle standards by setting a carbon reduction target of 25% by 2025 and 65% by 2030

'Asleep at the wheel': European carmakers risking fines over vehicle emissions

Europe's five largest carmakers are at risk of being "displaced by competitors" by failing to align phase-outs of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles with accelerating regulation emerging on the continent.
Green groups have largely welcomed the new strategy, but want more details

'Another vital step to net-zero': Green economy reacts to the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy

The UK Government has unveiled a new Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy that will spur rapid decarbonisation across industry, the public sector, construction and manufacturing. But do green groups believe the strategy will put the nation on course for net-zero by 2050?
The Government expects the strategy to deliver at least three megatons of captured carbon from industry by 2030

Government unveils new Industrial Strategy to spur decarbonisation and create green jobs

The UK Government has today (17 March) revamped the Industrial Strategy to align manufacturing and construction efforts to the national net-zero target, with more than £1bn to funnelled into industry, schools and hospitals.
Money needs to be re-aligned in order to stimulate this demand

IRENA: Existing solutions can spur progress to net-zero

Global power sourced from renewables is set to treble by 2050, with wind, solar and hydrogen all required to account for 90% of all decarbonisation solutions to push the global economy towards the 1.5C pathway, a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has found.
The banks warn that a piecemeal, short-term approach would hinder the amount of finance that is funnelled into retrofitting efforts

Retrofit revolution can cut emissions and deliver £7.5bn energy savings for UK

Retrofitting the UK's building stock with low-carbon solutions could reduce national energy costs by £7.5bn a year, create more than 150,000 jobs over a 10-year period and cut carbon emissions by 20%, MPs have been told.
The report is free to download for edie users

What does sustainable business leadership look like in 2021? edie publishes results of flagship survey

edie has today published a comprehensive report breaking down exactly what 'business leadership' looks like as the UK strives to build back from the coronavirus pandemic through a green recovery focused on low-carbon ambitions and a just transition.
The report is free to access for edie users

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.
Last year, Morgan Sindall was among the construction firms to jointly declare a climate emergency

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.
Of the 111 companies in global heavy industry surveyed, only 16 are well on track to aligning strategies with the Paris Agreement

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.
The company recorded a 12% reduction in relative carbon emissions from its breweries in 2019

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.
Image: Avantium

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.
Pictured: Representatives for Levy UK & I and the Scottish Events Campus at the site in Glasgow. Image: Levy 

No air-freighted food on the menu for COP26, in bid to cut emissions

The catering company for the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow, which is set to host COP26 in November, has announced plans for a total ban on air-freighted produce in the UK.
Image: Kingspan

Kingspan Group and Royal DSM get seal of approval for science-based climate commitments

Building materials manufacturer Kingspan has pledged to cut operational emissions by 90% this decade, while Royal DSM has pledged a 50% cut within the same timeframe, under newly-approved science-based climate targets.
Image: Stonegate group

UK's largest pub company and WSH join Zero Carbon Forum

The UK's largest pub company Stonegate Group and hospitality giant Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) have joined the Zero Carbon Forum initiative, which is developing a roadmap to net-zero for the industry.
Since 2000, the world’s coal-fired power capacity has doubled, with growth in China and other Asian nations accounting for the bulk of the expansion

Finance giants 'drawing up plans to accelerate coal plant closures in Asia'

Financial firms including Prudential, BlackRock Real Assets, HSBC and Citi have reportedly signaled their support for a new proposal from the Asian Development Bank, designed to accelerate the transition away from coal-fired electricity.
The charity argues that land-based carbon removal methods could cause food prices to grow by 80% by 2050, pushing even more people into cases of hunger

Nations and businesses 'hiding behind net-zero smokescreen', Oxfam warns

Governments and corporates are relying too much on 'unproven and unrealistic' carbon removal and offsetting schemes in order to reach net-zero targets, with a new report from Oxfam warning that a land area five times the size of India would be required to create new forests for these measures.
The statistics cover contracted or tendered technologies such as renewables, storage and aggregator solutions

UK smashes annual grid flexibility record seven months into 2021

New statistics have revealed that 2021 has already broken a "network flexibility" record, with contracted smart energy solutions and grid flexibility up 45% compared to annual levels from 2020.

Orkney's tidal turbine and Ferrero's paper packaging: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
The company will work with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to validate efforts to reach net-zero emissions

ArcelorMittal eyes $10bn investment to reduce emissions by 2030

Steel manufacturing giant ArcelorMittal has announced plans to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030 as part of a wider net-zero ambition for 2050, with the new target set to be back by a $10bn investment into low-carbon and circular solutions.
According to the group, enabling policies could help unlock private sector investment of more than £50bn in infrastructure and EV fleets over the next five years

UK's largest fleet operators to switch to electric vehicles by 2030

Some of the UK's largest commercial fleet operators, including Royal Mail, BT and Tesco, have committed to converting their fleets to British-built electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 at the latest, if the Government can overcome barriers related to grids and charging infrastructure.
WGS claims that, across the entire production lifecycle, the biogas reduces carbon emissions by more than 95%

Glenfiddich to power delivery trucks with onsite biogas fuelling stations

Scotch whisky brand Glenfiddich has introduced fuelling stations at a distillery in Scotland to enable parts of its fleet to run on biogas made from the residues of its own distilling process.
The Government’s overarching ambition on EV charging is to ensure that drivers are never more than 30 miles away from a rapid charging point

'Postcode lottery' of charging access and costs undermining UK's EV revolution plans, MPs warn

The UK's 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales is not yet being supported by adequate plans for improving access to electric vehicle (EV) charging or for improving electricity networks, MPs are warning.
The proposed plan would use the Siemens Mobility ‘eHighway’ technology, which has been trialled on small road systems in Germany and Sweden

UK Government exploring feasibility of 'electric highways' for zero-emission trucks

The Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded a share of £20m to a consortium of businesses that will explore how long-range trucks can be electrified using overhead wires on motorways across the country, to assist with the UK's net-zero emissions target.
The integration of renewables has contributed to a 22.7% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions against a 2018 baseline

Sky powered by 100% renewables globally

Broadcaster Sky is now powered by 100% renewable electricity across its entire operations, meeting a commitment to the RE100 initiative and building towards its net-zero target for 2030.
We summarise the key facts and stats from the new surveys

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.
The dairy sector accounts for around 3% of annual global emissions - a similar proportion to aviation

Dairy giants and UN to jointly plot global course to net-zero by 2050

A swathe of businesses, research hubs and other organisations within the livestock and dairy sectors are supporting a new UN-backed initiative plotting a course to net-zero emissions.
Dixons Carphone operates 14 brands across eight countries, including Currys PC World here in the UK

Dixons Carphone and Dassault Systèmes unveil new science-based climate targets

Technology retailer Dixons Carphone and software giant Dassault Systèmes have had updated climate targets approved in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5C trajectory by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Campaigners claimed that policymakers had only considered the environmental impact of five of the Scheme's 50+ projects

Climate impact of UK's £27.4bn roads plan 'not a matter for the courts', judge rules

The High Court has ruled that the Government did not need to assess the climate impact of its second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2), after green campaigners argued that the £27.4bn package is not aligned with the 2050 net-zero commitment.
Businesses have been tasked with aligning to the ambitions of Race to Zero

New environmental roadmap developed for homebuilders

UK homebuilders have backed a new Government-led plan to ensure that new builds are zero-carbon ready by 2025 as well as improving biodiversity and reducing waste.
Scottish Widows research found that 56% of defined benefit (DB) pension savers would consider investing their pension funds in clean, fossil fuel-free energy

Scottish Widows 'reboots' £250m environment fund to screen against fossil fuels

Scottish Widows has launched a 'rebooted' Environmental Fund that will give six million customers the chance to invest in "great green" British businesses, while screening against exposure to fossil fuels.
Under current regulations, passenger planes can use blends of up to 50% SAF - but, because the market is so small, most airlines are recording far smaller proportions 

UK Government mulls sustainable aviation fuel mandate as £15m pledged for waste-to-jet-fuel plants

After the publication of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan earlier this month, the UK Government has begun consulting on introducing sustainability requirements for jet fuel producers from 2025.
FTSE 250 firm Cranswick had already announced a vision to become a net-zero business by 2040 

Cranswick to halve emissions by 2030 under new 1.5C science-based targets

Cranswick has achieved verification from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for new climate targets that will require the firm to halve emissions by the end of the decade.
Image: UK Power Networks

Vodafone trials 'UK's first' smart electricity substation on road to net-zero

Telecommunications giant Vodafone has partnered with UK Power Networks to trial 'smart' methods of delivering energy flexibility at electricity substations, designed to improve efficiency and cut emissions.
Reaching the EU’s 2030 climate goal will require a significant build-up in the production of renewable electricity, which is needed to feed the electrolysers generating green hydrogen

EU's green hydrogen plans hailed as 'true game-changer' by industry

The European Commission boosted regulatory support for green hydrogen in its proposed overhaul of climate legislation published last week, with the renewable hydrogen coalition calling it "a true game changer" for the nascent EU industry.
Shell wants to install 800 charging points across the Waitrose estate by 2025

Waitrose teams with Shell to install EV charge points across UK stores

Waitrose has announced it is working with Shell to install 800 electric vehicle (EV) charging points in up to 100 stores across the UK by 2025.
Anglian Water will also develop an offsetting strategy for residual emissions by planting 50 hectares of woodland on its sites

Onsite renewables and EVs: Anglian Water outlines net-zero routemap for 2030

Anglian Water has published a detailed routemap outlining how onsite renewables, electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen and biogas production will deliver its ambition to reach net-zero by 2030.
The report features a host of recommendations to capture the benefits of CCUS in the UK

UK urged to level-up regions through CCUS supply chains

The trade body for the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) industry in the UK has noted that a successful rollout of the technology could create a thriving supply chain in the UK which would deliver job growth, provided enabling policies are introduced.
One scenario suggests more than 3,000% growth in electric vehicles and a 2,500% rise in domestic heat pumps by 2030

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.
By 2035, the CLC will have reduced construction product emissions by 66% from 2018 levels

Construction Leadership Council plots path to net-zero

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC), which is co-chaired by Minister for Business and Industry, Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Anne-Marie Trevelyan, has outlined plans to help the sector reach net-zero emissions as part of the wider national target.
Pictured: An artist's impression of the planned site in Sandwell. Image: Pivot Power/ Greenhouse PR

100MW battery 'energy superhub' set for the West Midlands

Two new grid-scale battery energy storage projects are set to be installed in Coventry and Sandwell, with a combined capacity of 100MW.
Currently, Shell is aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by 20% by 2030

Shell to appeal court ruling compelling it to set more ambitious climate targets

Royal Dutch Shell has confirmed plans to appeal a court ruling ordering the energy major to set stronger targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
National Grid has outlined a string of net-zero scenarios, but concerns have been raised about its ability to advise impartially 

National Grid could lose electricity system operator role under new BEIS and Ofgem plans

The UK Government and energy regulator Ofgem have outlined their initial views on replacing National Grid with a new independent system operator for electricity and gas, as part of a string of policy updates designed to accelerate the low-carbon transition.
Pictured: Panellists at the initiative's launch event at The Culpeper, Shoreditch, one of the 36 pilot locations. Image: Net-Zero Now

Net-zero pubs and bars scheme to help UK sector accelerate climate action amid Covid-19 recovery

A new industry protocol and certification standard has been launched to help the UK's bars and pubs reach net-zero before the national legal deadline of 2050.
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

'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.
The webinar features speakers from Costain Group, Ibstock Brick, the Natural History Museum and Carbon Clean

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

edie's latest webinar is now available to watch on-demand. Tune in to hear experts providing best-practice advice on investing in and integrating net-zero technologies to help assist with decarbonisation targets.
Image: Prysmian Group

Prysmian Group eyes net-zero emissions between 2035 and 2040

The world's largest supplier of cables to the energy and telecoms sectors, Prysmian Group, has pledged to reach net-zero for its global operations between 2035 and 2040, and a net-zero global value chain by 2050.

El Salvador's first wind farm and seagrass-restoring gin: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
The CCC estimates that UK councils will be able to influence one-third of the emissions generated in their local areas through partnerships and place-shaping

'Serious weaknesses' in UK Government's plans for engaging local councils on net-zero, report warns

Local councils are finding it hard to engage with the UK Government on issues relating to the net-zero transition, including target-setting and securing funding, the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed.
Earlier this year, Royal Mail announced plans to add an additional 3,000 low-emission delivery vans to its fleet

Royal Mail to switch all company cars to EVs by 2030

Royal Mail has announced that all of its company cars will be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, with salary sacrifice schemes and mileage reimbursement packages set to be adjusted to only account for low-carbon forms of transport.
The UK's pensions sector covers some £3trn of investment and while large schemes are required to measure and disclose climate risks, net-zero transition plans are not yet mandatory

Net-zero investment portfolios promised by 14 major UK pension funds

The chairs of corporate pension funds including Tesco, Unilever, BT and Pennon are among the signatories of a new commitment to halve portfolio emissions by 2030 and bring them to net-zero by 2050.
The green recovery package will enable the sector to tackle an array of environmental issues

Water sector unveils £2.7bn green recovery framework

The water sector has unveiled a new green recovery framework that will funnel £2.7bn into initiatives that reduce flood risk, improve water quality and cut emissions on the road to net-zero.
More than 600 companies globally have committed to 1.5C targets

SBTi to increase minimum target-setting requirements to 1.5C

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is updating its strategic approach to increase the minimum ambition for corporate climate action from "well below 2C" to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as envisioned by the Paris Agreement.