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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Energy industry must embrace '3D transition' to sustainable future, say former Big Six bosses
Britain's 'Bix Six' utility companies must rapidly adapt and find a new role in an energy system which is undergoing the "3D transition" of decarbonisation, digitisation and decentralisation, a new report by industry experts has concluded.
How a data centre from 2010 is helping Capgemini towards its 2020 sustainability goals
Seven years on from the opening of one of the most sustainable data centres in the world, IT consulting firm Capgemini is still using the key learnings from the low-carbon project to "accelerate" beyond its carbon reduction goals.
Green buildings focus helps Heathrow hit 2020 carbon reduction target
The installation of more than 100,000 LEDs and a rooftop solar system helped Heathrow Airport achieve a 14% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions from its buildings, enabling the business to hit a target that was set for 2020.
Sainsbury's commits to 100% LED lighting by 2020
Sainsbury's has become the first supermarket in the UK to make a commitment to switch to 100% LED lighting by 2020.
Hydrogen gas grid for Leeds moves a step closer
Plans to convert the gas grid in Leeds to run entirely on hydrogen have moved a step closer to becoming reality after Northern Gas Networks opened an office in the city dedicated to the endeavor.
In practice: Costa's new low-carbon coffee roastery
What makes Costa Coffee’s new £38m roastery in Basildon "one of the most sustainable buildings in the world"? This free case study provides an overview of all the low-carbon and resource-efficient features of the retailer's flagship sustainability project.
One month until edie Live 2017 - get your ticket now
With just one month to go until doors open for edie Live 2017 we take a look at why it is the destination event for sustainability and energy managers.
In practice: GSK funds UK's first carbon-neutral laboratory
Designed for Nottingham University and built by engineering firm AECOM, the new GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry project is a world-first, earning the highest certifications under the BREEAM and LEED standards and driving impressive savings.
Land Securities is world's first property firm to have science-based targets approved
The UK's largest listed commercial real estate company has today (2 March) announced the approval of its science-based target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.
Macquarie finalises £2.3bn Green Investment Bank deal
Australian bank Macquarie has vowed to keep the Green Investment Bank (GIB) at the forefront of the UK's low-carbon transition, after today (18 August) completing the controversial £2.3bn takeover from the British Government.
In practice: London's largest solar retrofit project
Waste management firm Bywaters has dramatically reduced its energy usage and achieved near self-sufficiency following the delivery of a 1MW solar retrofit project at its plant in East London.
Hyundai pledges to build EV model with 500km range
As new figures show that the rise of renewables have slashed the carbon impact of electric vehicles (EVs) in Britain, South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai has unveiled plans to strengthen its grip on the market with a new model that can go 500km on a single charge.
The employers’ guide to smart meters and energy efficiency awareness at work and at home
This document provides guidance and materials for running an energy efficiency awareness campaign at work, including practical advice to employees on how they can benefit from getting a smart meter and saving energy at home.
edie publishes free business guide to CHP
Organisations and professionals with an interest in deploying combined heat & power (CHP) systems to reduce emissions and save on energy costs now have access to a free 'edie explains' guide which answers all of the key questions surrounding the technology.
EU to enforce new energy efficiency rules for vacuum cleaners
New EU rules on vacuum cleaners come into force next month, as Brussels looks to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Clean energy stocks outpacing fossil fuel investments in Trump era, report finds
Global clean energy stocks have surged past investments in fossil fuels in the past year despite the political shockwaves caused by Donald Trump's US presidency, new research has found.
London's new Environment Strategy: Five key questions answered
As London Mayor Sadiq Khan puts forward a long-term vision to make the capital one of the greenest cities in the world, edie speaks with Khan's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues to discuss how City Hall aims to put its ambitious plans into practice.
In practice: Smurfit Kappa's £120m onsite sustainability drive
With one eye on a key carbon reduction goal for 2020, paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa recently undertook a multi-million-euro investment into new boiler and steam turbine systems at one of its major manufacturing facilities in Austria which will significantly reduce emissions.
Policymakers must embrace technology to deliver sustainable transport systems, says PwC
New planning models which adopt collaborative and tech-savvy approaches are required to create future sustainable and connected transport systems, according to a new report from PwC.
Mongoose Energy secures UK's biggest community energy deal
Mongoose Energy has finalised a deal to finance the UK's biggest community energy project, a 'solar plus battery' farm in Warwickshire.
London boroughs to add 1,500 electric vehicle charging points
The Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL) have allocated £4.5m to 25 London boroughs to roll-out 1,500 new charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) across the capital.
Dieter Helm to lead cost of energy review
Professor Dieter Helm has been appointed to lead the cost of energy review promised in the Conservative manifesto and Industrial Strategy, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has announced.
In practice: Capgemini's carbon-cutting Merlin data centre
With data centres accounting for 40% of Capgemini's total emissions and 70% of energy use, IT consulting firm's decision to develop an ultra-sustainable, energy-efficient data centre has driven great results, helping to push the company beyond a carbon goal one year ahead of schedule.
Businesses must adapt sustainable finance models to prepare for innovation flood, says Interserve
Businesses must prepare for a "flood" of technological advances by adjusting the way they assess the non-financial impacts of low-carbon investments, according to construction firm Interserve's head of sustainability and group finance director Tim Haywood.
Van and taxi drivers offered pathway to electric vehicle transition
Drivers of old and polluting vans and taxis have been offered fast-track options and incentives to purchase electric vehicles (EVs), with revamps to licensing and a new £42m taxi fund set to increase compliance with the diesel vehicle phase-out.
Fossil fuel subsidies racking up trillions in health costs
Health costs related to fossil fuel use outweigh taxpayer-funded subsidies by 600%, according to a new study that insists governments should stop pumping money into dirty energy sources.
New £5 and £10 banknotes have smaller lifetime carbon impact
New £5 and £10 notes unveiled by the Bank of England earlier this month have carbon footprints 16% and 8% lower than previous paper versions, new analysis from the Carbon Trust has revealed.
UK high-pressure gas refuelling station records substantial drop in emissions
The UK's biggest gas network operator Cadent has confirmed that the UK's first high-pressure gas refuelling station has reduced the emissions of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) used by the likes of Waitrose by 84% compared to diesel equivalents.
Air Quality Plan: Diesel and petrol cars banned by 2040, £255m to tackle pollution blackspots
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today unveiled the Government's long-awaited Air Quality Plan, which includes a ban on all new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040 and a £255m fund to help councils crack down on emissions.
ETI: UK-grown biomass can support farmers and deliver carbon savings
Planting 1.4m hectares of non-food crops dedicated to the production of bioenergy can deliver "genuine" emissions savings and provide a degree of income security for UK farmers, according to new research from ETI.
Government must seize economic opportunity of low-carbon innovation, says climate adviser
EXCLUSIVE: The UK Government must invest in low-carbon innovation now or risk significantly raising the cost of meeting the fourth and fifth carbon budgets, the chief economist of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has told edie.
Interserve updates sustainability targets to account for business growth
Construction firm Interserve has set new sustainability goals for 2020 and 2025 to better reflect the "sheer scale and change" of the business, which has reduced construction waste by a quarter and carbon emissions by almost 20% since 2013.
Energy storage: UK set for new battery research centre with Government funding
Business Secretary Greg Clark has announced details of the first phase of a four-year £246m investment into battery technology as part of the Government's drive towards a low-carbon industrial strategy.
Decentralised energy will revolutionise sustainable business, claims Mongoose Energy boss
EXCLUSIVE: Businesses that invest in decentralised energy systems can enjoy the triple benefit of economic value, security of supply and "telling a good story", the new chief executive of community energy supplier Mongoose Energy has told edie.
CDP: Top mining firms risking $16bn in climate costs
The world's largest mining companies are producing up to $16bn in emissions costs in their value chain, according to a report released today (20 July) by climate change research provider CDP.
UK Power Networks outlines smart energy vision
The UK's largest electricity distributor has today (17 July) unveiled its intention to become a Distribution System Operator (DSO) as part of its vision to help deliver a smart, flexible energy system.
Shadow Energy Minister slams 'deplorable' delay of Clean Growth Plan
EXCLUSIVE: The continued delay of a long-term strategy to decarbonise the UK is a matter of "considerable shame" for the Government, according to Labour's Shadow Energy & Climate Change Minister Alan Whitehead.
JLL UK targets 100% renewables and zero waste to landfill in new 2020 targets
Real estate specialists and investment management firm JLL is chasing 100% renewable electricity and zero waste to landfill offices as part of a new corporate sustainability agenda for 2020.
Biofuels needed but some more polluting than fossil fuels, report warns
Biofuel use needs to increase to help fight climate change as liquid fuels will be needed by aircraft and ships for many decades to come, finds a new report requested by the UK government.
Consumers 'misled' on green benefits of lightweight car engines
Researchers are calling for the introduction of energy rating labelling for all motor vehicles after evidence found that green regulations are misleading customers about the environmental benefits of lightweight aluminium engines.
Black cab turns green as London taxi firm undergoes EV rebrand
Black cabs in the capital are set to undergo a green makeover after the London Taxi Company announced a rebrand at the unveiling of its new electric model.
Rise of EVs could add 18GW to peak demand by 2050
The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) could add up to 18GW - or 30 per cent - to peak power demand by 2050, National Grid has predicted in its latest Future Energy Scenarios report.
Global banks worth $7trn pledge support to TCFD climate disclosure guidelines
Eleven of the world's top banks, including Barclays and Santander, have jointly committed to adopt key elements of a new international framework which seeks to improve climate transparency in the financial industry.
WRAP's sustainable clothing plan nears water and carbon targets
More than half of the UK clothing market has achieved a collective 10% reduction in carbon emissions through a collaborative involvement with WRAP's Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP), a new report has revealed.
ISO 16745: First global standard for measuring carbon footprint of buildings
A new international standard created to simplify the measuring and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing buildings will "bring a response to the expectations of all", according to industry experts.
CDP: Only 100 firms account for more than 70% of global emissions
Just 100 major companies, such as Shell, ExxonMobil and BP, have caused 71% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) since 1988, according to new research from global disclosure organisation CDP.
'Aggressive adoption' will see EVs account for majority of new cars sales by 2040
As France announces an outright ban on the sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040, new analysis from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has found that electric vehicles (EVs) will account for more than half of new car sales by the time the French ban is enforced.
In practice: Grosvenor's highly sustainable redevelopment of a heritage building
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland's building project at 119 Ebury Street, Belgravia, is the UK's first listed building to achieve BREEAM 'Outstanding', utilising a range of low-carbon technologies that significantly reduce the site's environmental footprint.
UK Coal Authority turns to solar to offset water treatment costs
A regulatory body of the UK coal industry has named the latest contractor for a four-year renewable energy framework to offset the costs of its 75 mine water treatment sites.
Industrial Strategy green paper: A step in the right direction or too little, too late?
The Government has unveiled its much-anticipated Industrial Strategy, outlining plans to transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. But does the green paper offer enough tangible evidence that we are on the best pathway to a low-carbon economy?
Aldi to install 96,000 solar panels across UK stores this year
German discount supermarket chain Aldi has today (5 July) announced it will install 96,000 solar panels across more than 50 UK stores by the end of 2017.
Canary Wharf Group reduces emissions despite portfolio expansion
Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has managed to reduce emissions by 14.4% across its estate despite increasing its portfolio in the last year, according to the British property company's latest CSR report.
'Investor-ready' green certification project rolled-out for district energy and street lighting
A green certification project aimed at standardising how building projects are measured and developed to accelerate investment opportunities has received backing from the Horizon 2020 programme to expand across Europe.
Kimberly-Clark struggles with post-consumer waste as it surpasses carbon goal
Personal care consumer product manufacturer Kimberly-Clark has surpassed a 2016 emissions goal, and is forging ahead towards a 20% reduction by 2022, as outlined in the company's latest sustainability report.
WSP aims for carbon-neutrality by 2025
Engineering consulting firm WSP has revealed plans to become carbon-neutral by 2025 as part of a wide-ranging new sustainability strategy.
UK's biomass ambition: Low-cost solution or forest full of loopholes?
A new report has outlined that using waste and biomass for gasification can help the UK meet its 2050 carbon targets at a lower cost to the economy, on the same day that research condemned a biomass standard used by Drax, E.ON and DONG as a "forest of loopholes".
edie's 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards open for entries
Entries are now open for the 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards, which recognise the incredible people, initiatives and products that are helping to deliver excellence within the green economy.
TCFD: Businesses worth $2trn back final climate disclosure recommendations
More than 100 businesses including Unilever, Barclays and HSBC, have publicly committed to support the final recommendations listed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which seeks to disclose climate information as part of mainstream financial statements.
Further delay of climate plans could derail UK's low-carbon shift, warns CCC
Ministers could derail the UK's low-carbon transition unless they deliver urgent new plans to reduce emissions across the country, the Government's independent climate advisory body has warned.
It's time for ACTION: 14 green policy priorities for the new UK Government - Part two
A decentralised energy system, more ambitious renewable energy targets and a stronger low-carbon heat and transport policy are all listed in the second part of edie's feature exploring the most critical areas of green policy that Theresa May's new Government must prioritise.
Energy giants back calls to cut financial support for polluting powerplants
A coalition of thirteen energy industry firms, including Siemens, Shell and Total, have launched a new joint initiative to limit the amount of state aid subsidies that are sent to highly-polluting fossil fuel plants across the European Union (EU).
UPS focuses on renewables and alternative fuels to deliver new science-based target
Delivery firm UPS has today (27 June) unveiled a new science-based target to reduce carbon emissions by 12% by 2025, alongside goals to source a quarter of its electricity needs from renewables and a scale-up of its alternative fuels programme.
Virgin Atlantic cuts aircraft emissions by 22% in 10 years
A multi-billion-dollar Boeing fleet investment, engine taxiing and weight management have together contributed to Virgin Atlantic reducing total aircraft carbon emissions by 22% since 2007, with similar footprint reductions generated for other carbon-efficiency measurements.
IBM slashes emissions by 38% in just over a decade
Tech giant IBM has slashed its energy consumption by more than one-third since 2005, the company has revealed.
Royal Mail delivers carbon reduction goal four years early
The UK's largest delivery company Royal Mail, has surpassed a 20% carbon reduction target four years early, and will strive to maintain carbon intensity levels over the next few years as business demands evolve.
UK on track to miss carbon emissions target due to stalled energy policy
The UK's ambitious target of slashing carbon emissions by more than half within 13 years is at risk because of government dithering on energy policy, industry professionals have warned.
Coca-Cola European Partners cuts carbon with £39m automation investment
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has announced a £39m automation investment which the bottling company claims will save 3,867 tonnes of CO2 a year.
BEIS to invest £35m in heat innovation projects
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is to invest £35m in two heat innovation projects centred around smart systems and hydrogen gas as alternatives to conventional gas-grid connected domestic heating.
Exxon, BP and Shell back carbon tax proposal to curb emissions
Oil giants ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Total are among a group of large corporations supporting a plan to tax carbon dioxide emissions in order to address climate change.
ESOS: Government begins issuing non-compliance fines as Phase 2 begins
With the second phase of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) now underway, the Environment Agency has revealed that hundreds of organisations will be hit with large fines for failing to comply with Phase 1 of the mandatory scheme.
Ofgem condemned for slashing subsidies for small-scale energy generation
Energy regulator Ofgem has faced accusations of "hammering" the financial viability of low-carbon projects, after it confirmed subsidies made to small-scale electricity generators will fall by up to 93%.
It's time for ACTION: 14 green policy priorities for the new UK Government - Part one
From environmental plans and air quality proposals through to energy efficiency schemes and low-carbon industrial strategies, edie has identified the most critical areas of green policy that Theresa May's new Government must prioritise to ensure the UK bears the fruits of a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.
Queen's Speech: Government reiterates support for Paris Agreement and low-carbon Industrial Strategy
The Queen's Speech has outlined the Government's commitment to maintain global climate change leadership, alongside proposals to ensure the electric vehicle (EV) market begins to thrive over the upcoming years.
Storage 'not fundamentally needed' for future power grid, scientists say
The emergence of household batteries, along with small-scale solar photovoltaic and plug-in electric cars, is tipped to transform electricity storage, according to a new state-of-the-art report by European science academies. But experts claim storage is not actually fundamentally needed.
No technical barriers for large-scale, low-cost UK CCS deployment, report finds
The UK has "more than enough" potential Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites to meet legally binding 2050 carbon targets in a cost-effective manner, which could save up to £2bn annually throughout the 2020s.
Unilever achieves carbon-neutrality at 5 UK sites following green gas deal
Just over a year on from announcing its pioneering pledge to become a carbon-positive business by 2030, Unilever has signed a contract to use biomethane to power five of its sites across the UK and Ireland.
Report: Britons willing to pay £1bn to tackle air pollution
Coinciding with the UK's first ever National Clean Air Day (15 June), new research has shown that the general public want to ringfence £1bn a year to tackle air pollution.
Sustainable manufacturing roundtable: Turning challenges into opportunities
Sustainability and energy management experts from some of the world's biggest businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and British Gas, to explore the role of the manufacturing sector in shaping the future of energy.
Global carbon emissions flat for third straight year, BP study shows
Global carbon emissions remained flat for the third consecutive year, according to a BP study, which shows the fuel mix shifting away from coal towards low-carbon sources and energy efficiency.
Bridging the gap: How Capgemini's new CSR head has gained valuable insight into boardroom buy-in
EXCLUSIVE: Global IT consultancy Capgemini has appointed its former chief financial officer, Christine Hodgson, as its head of group corporate social responsibility. edie took the opportunity to sit down with the new promotee to discuss the key challenge of securing funding for sustainability projects.
Scotland eyes 90% emissions reduction target
The Scottish Government has proposed to increase its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to 90% below 1990 levels by 2050, the climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham has announced.
Energy industry launches low-carbon innovation platform
A group of utilities giants including Centrica, DONG Energy and SSE have teamed up to launch a new innovation platform which aims to solve the barriers to a low-cost, low-carbon energy system.
Carlsberg targets zero-emission breweries under industry-leading sustainability strategy
EXCLUSIVE: Carlsberg has launched a new "industry-leading" sustainability strategy that aims to push beyond the company's own group strategy and exceed science-based recommendations by eliminating carbon emissions and halving water usage at breweries by 2030.
Interface unveils 'carbon-negative' carpet tile prototype
Using innovative plant-derived materials, global flooring manufacturer Interface has unveiled a first-of-its-kind carpet tile with a negative carbon footprint.
Electric cars accelerate past 2 million mark globally
The number of electric cars in the world accelerated past the two million barrier last year, as prices fell and manufacturers launched new models.
Driving change: How can businesses increase efficiency for a greener fleet?
Whether it's the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), the use of telematics, or the strategic positioning of distribution centres, there is now a multitude of options available to businesses looking to reduce fleet emissions. But which is the best route to take? edie's George Ogleby investigates.
Paul Polman: Businesses must champion sustainability in era of 'short-sighted' politics
Unilever's chief executive Paul Polman has called on the business community to deliver the low-carbon transition during a period of "short-sighted" politics, while business leaders from McDonald's, SC Johnson and C&A have advised that consumer trust must be at the heart of action.
BT's carbon-combative products and services generate £5.3bn in revenue
BT's consumer operations and products that contribute to carbon savings now represent 22% of the company's annual revenue and are worth £5.3bn.
UPS unveils Dublin 'eco package hub' to reduce delivery van journeys
An "urban eco package hub" has been launched by package delivery firm UPS that will limit the amount of delivery vehicles operating in the city centre to ease congestion and pollution concerns.
UK set for first hybrid battery flywheel system
Europe's largest flywheel battery system will be installed at a research facility in the Midlands to provide frequency response services to the UK grid.
Every building must be 'net-zero' carbon by 2050, says WorldGBC
The construction sector needs a "dramatic" shift towards a zero-carbon built environment to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, according to new research from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC).
'Weak' Tories have broken environmental promises, says Lib Dem peer
EXCLUSIVE: The Conservative Party's environmental policy record since the 2015 General Election will be remembered as a period of broken promises, the Liberal Democrats' Deputy Leader in the House of Lords has told edie.
The great green policy survey: Last chance to tell us the issues that matter most
The countdown to the General Election is on and tension is beginning to mount among the green business community as to which political party to vote for. Take edie's short survey to tell us which areas of energy and environment policy you want the next UK Government to prioritise.
Greener UK debate: Parties trade blows over environmental ambitions ahead of election
Environmental representatives from the UK's major political parties clashed last night (30 May) over international climate change leadership and other key green policy issues at a General Election hustings event in London.
World's first liquid nitrogen hybrid bus makes breakthrough
The world's first hybrid bus to run on both liquid nitrogen and diesel has moved one step closer to being rolled out across the streets of the UK after completing a series of rigorous trials.
Power sector urged to adopt world's first investment-grade carbon pricing mechanism
Financial heavyweights including Bank of America, Barclays and Hermes Investment Management have teamed-up to introduce the world's first investment-grade carbon pricing system for the power sector, aimed at aligning company operations with a 2°C pathway.
Battery storage: A 'next level' opportunity for energy management?
There's no "one size fits all" approach to energy storage, but businesses that can use the technology alongside energy reduction schemes and onsite renewables can take their energy management to the "next level".
PwC decouples emissions from business growth with 28% carbon reduction over 10 years
EXCLUSIVE: PwC's head of corporate sustainability has stressed the importance of setting ambitious environmental targets and engaging with other company departments after revealing that the professional services firm has exceeded a 10-year carbon reduction goal.
London EV drivers rewarded with car parking discount
Plug-in vehicle drivers in the capital are set to be rewarded by a new parking tariff scheme at a central London car park which discounts parking for low-emission cars.
edie Live 2017: Last chance to register as doors open on Tuesday
The countdown is on and edie Live 2017 opens its doors at 9.30am on Tuesday 23 May - and there's still time to register for your free two-day pass to the show.
