Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

DEFINITION: A concept which encourages a company to take responsibility for its impact on environmental and social wellbeing. CSR is a broad movement which encompasses a variety of issues such as human rights, corporate governance, responsible sourcing and environmental footprints.

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As part of its ‘Make Travel Matter’ campaign, Travel Matters partnered with Climate Perks in 2019 to encourage behaviour change and promote sustainable travel

Travel Matters partners with JUMP sustainable behaviour change scheme

Travel agency Travel Matters has launched a new partnership with the sustainable behaviour change scheme JUMP, to engage with sector workers in order to respond to the climate emergency.
Carlsberg used 100% renewable energy to power its 29 breweries in Western Europe for the first time in 2018

Carlsberg slashes emissions by 30% as its closes in on zero-emission breweries

Global brewer Carlsberg has slashed carbon emissions across its group by 13% over a 12-month period, and 30% since 2015, as it pushes towards its corporate strategy to achieve zero emissions at breweries.

Best Practice in 2020: edie's Sustainable Business Manifesto

This Sustainable Business Manifesto, co-created by edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2019 and members of our Sustainability Leaders Club, lists eight principles that will push corporations to ramp up their efforts across all aspects of sustainable development in 2020, and beyond while creating value for their shareholders.
54% of chief executives do not believe that international policies are being introduced to mitigate climate change risks

Chief executives see reputational boosts in combatting climate change

Three-quarters of UK business chief executives believe that responding to the climate emergency through new business pledges and initiatives will provide a reputational advantage, with climate change climbing up the corporate agenda according to a new annual survey from PwC.
It is hoped that the recommendations report will drive a sense of accountability for the SDGs across corporates

Accounting bodies call for better disclosure on business SDG accountability

Leading accounting bodies have called for better corporate disclose on efforts to align reporting with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a new report calling on organisations to disclose negative contributions in order to deliver change.
Analysis of the 159 firms found that more than 90% had no financial incentive to focus on environmental sustainability

Boardroom blocks: Less than 10% of UK CEOs have financial bonuses to combat climate change

Only 6% of UK chief executives have financial incentives and bonuses tied to environmental strategies and performance across the business practice, a new study has found.
The two groups hope the initiative can act as a pilot for the rest of London and the UK

London Midtown businesses launch new SDG partnership

A coalition of more than 400 businesses in London's Midtown has partnered with the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD), to accelerated business contributions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ENGAGE will include an array of exclusive interviews and blogs, insight reports, podcasts and a brand-new online event

One month to go: edie's online event for CSR reporting and communications

Running from 5-8 May, edie's Engagement Week 2020 will includes exclusive interviews, podcasts, reports, webinars and in-depth feature articles - all dedicated to helping sustainability and CSR professionals drive stakeholder engagement through robust reporting and captivating communications.
Each week, edie rounds up some of the best sustainability stories across five key pillars

Barclays' net-zero target and a battery storage boon: 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.
Haverkamp claims that firms which do not see supply chains as value chains are worst-placed in both the short and long-term 

WBA: Companies with embedded sustainability best-placed to weather coronavirus storm

EXCLUSIVE: Reports of business failures to safeguard employee livelihoods or the environment amid the coronavirus pandemic are emerging at a near-hourly basis - and those best-placed to avoid the impending storm from consumers and investors are those that have already taken ambitious action.
Each week, edie rounds up some of the best sustainability stories across five key pillars

Green freebies for coronavirus heroes and California's clean energy boost: 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.
Each week, edie rounds up some of the best sustainability stories across five key pillars

Support for coronavirus-hit charities and biomethane trucks: 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.
These top tips will help readers pivot their engagement strategies and use transferrable skills for the greater good during this trying time

Six ways CSR professionals can communicate through the coronavirus outbreak

As the Covid 19 outbreak continues across the globe, CSR and sustainability professionals, like most, will be grappling with changes to their working schedule and job remit. Here, edie rounds up six pieces of best-practice advice for evolving engagement with key contacts during these uncertain times.
Each week, edie rounds up some of the best sustainability stories across five key pillars

Carlsberg's electric trucks and Abu Dhabi's plastics ban: 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.
Verde Nieto is a globally recognized figure in the sustainability field, having been trained by Al Gore at the Alliance of Climate Change

Positive Luxury: In the 'year of nature', greenwashing and incremental improvements won't cut it

EXCLUSIVE: As businesses strive to tackle the intertwined climate and resource crises, they must place nature and biodiversity at the centre of all financial considerations in 2020, a new forecast featuring input from Paul Polman, WWF and Paul Hawken warns.
The analysis ranked corporates across four high-risk sectors, including fashion. Image: Greg Walters, CC BY 2.0

Half of corporates unable to prove they are protecting human rights , report finds

An analysis of 200 of the world's biggest corporation has found that 95 are unable to prove they are taking action to protect and improve human rights for their direct employees, supply chains and the communities they serve.
Each week, edie rounds-up five of the best sustainability stories

Derwent's net-zero target and Microsoft's 'geowell': 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.
This 80-minute episode offers up four exclusive interviews

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: An International Women's Day 2020 special

The Sustainable Business Covered podcast returns for an 82nd episode and, to mark International Women's Day (IWD) 2020, features exclusive interviews with the women leading the drive to decarbonise the built environment, achieve gender equality in engineering and eliminate ocean plastic pollution.
Ball announced that it has been sourcing 100% renewable electricity for beverage operations in the UK, EU and Serbia since the start of the year

Ball Corporation achieves ASI certification and meets 100% renewables target

Aluminium packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation has been certified to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standards for environmental, social and governance impacts, while also revealing it is powering its operations in the UK, European Union (EU) and Serbia with 100% renewable electricity.
Take a look through all of the month's most-read stories and click the links in the descriptions below to read them for yourself

Heathrow court case and Mary Robinson's net-zero speech: The top 10 sustainability stories of February 2020

With spring now on the horizon, we take a look back at a February packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum and recaps a bumper month for green policy.
The masterclass looked at a number of issues from financial incentives for EV transition to charging infrastructure and V2G technology

Five key considerations for businesses investing in electric vehicles

On Thursday (27 February), edie undertook a masterclass with EDF on electric vehicles (EVs) and accelerating the electrification of business fleets. Here, edie rounds up five key ways businesses can kickstart their EV journey. 
Amid call to boycott new clothing, many famed high street fashion retailers are grappling with losses and rethinking their business models. But online businesses? Not so much, argues senior reporter Sarah George

How online retailing is allowing fast fashion to thrive

In the first of a two-part feature, edie's senior reporter Sarah George explores how booming profits for online retailers are driving a fast fashion mindset in the UK that could undermine efforts to champion sustainability in the fashion sector, unless business and consumers find their voice.
For each place in the Class of 2020, edie received three applications, making judging extremely tight 

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: We unveil the next generation of sustainability leaders

Aspiring young sustainability, CSR and energy professionals from the likes of Unilever, Marks & Spencer and Hammerson have been unveiled as members of edie's 30 Under 30 initiative for 2020.
All MPA members have backed the new commitments

Film and TV giants are phasing out red meat, ditch plastic bottles and save energy

Netflix, Warner Bros. and Sky are among the businesses to have received praise for taking action on environmental issues such as plastics, food waste and energy efficiency.
Green campaigners are seeking to embarass the Bank by highlighting "contradictions" in its climate approach. Image: George Rex, CC BY SA

Bank of England under pressure over board member's oil links

Environmental groups have called into question the Bank of England's commitment to tackling the climate emergency while it retains one of Britain's most senior oil company executives on its governing board.
While many mining giants include SDG logos on their report, they fail to report on their negative environmental impacts, the report concludes. Image: Jacquie S/ Pixabay/ CC BY 2.0 

World's largest mining firms 'selectively reporting' on positive sustainability progress, report warns

Many of the world's largest mining companies are choosing to omit mentions of their negative environmental and social impacts from their annual report, highlighting and overstating positive impacts instead, a new report has warned.
Weihl launched the new venture on Saturday (22 February). Image: ClimateVoice

Facebook's former sustainability chief now helping staff pressure corporates on climate

Facebook's former sustainability director and Google's former clean energy czar Bill Weihl has launched a new venture aimed at helping staff at corporates press their employers for more ambitious climate action.
Of the 250 participating breweries, 150 are UK-based 

Global brewers team up to provide 100,000 people with clean water access

A group of 250 global brewers have pledged to collectively improve clean drinking water access for 100,000 people in Africa, by raising £250,000+ to invest in infrastructure.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

SSE's electric vans and Scotland's 'greenest' football team: 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.
Participants discussed the new skills sustainability professionals will need to hone over the next decade

From activist to activator: How are sustainability leaders' jobs changing in the era of climate activism?

After years of grappling for boardroom buy-in, sustainability professionals have seen the momentum of the plastics and climate movements place environmental considerations firmly at the feet of C-suite. So, how will this seismic shift in the conversation re-shape the sustainability profession?
The FRC will consider how investors are addressing climate change under a new Stewardship Code, which will be issued from the beginning of 2021

Financial Reporting Council launches 'major' review of corporate climate reporting

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is set to launch a major review into the quality of how companies and auditors are reporting on climate change impacts and risks, including the pace at which the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework has been adopted.
The global palm oil industry generates more than $50bn annually, but traditional plantations have driven widespread destruction of tropical rainforests

Kellogg's revamps deforestation and palm oil policies after environmental protests

Kellogg's has pledged to source 100% physically deforestation-free certified palm oil by 2025, following campaigns by green groups and schoolchildren.
Britvic owns some of the UK's most recognisable soft drinks brands, including Robinsons and J20

Britvic signs for £400m sustainability-linked loan

Beverage manufacturing giant Britvic has signed for a £400m loan, whereby it will pay lower margins if it delivers progress against its plastics, emissions and nutrition targets.
As of September 2018, Bezos's net worth has stood around the $152bn mark. Image: Seattle City Council, CC BY 2.0

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos unveils $10bn climate fund

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, widely regarded as the richest man in modern history, has pledged to funnel $10bn (£7.7bn) of his personal fortune into a new fund aimed at tackling climate challenges.

30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report

Back in 2018, edie put out a call for ambitious young sustainability and energy professionals to join 30 Under 30 - a new, nomination- based community in which they could share ideas and further their careers. This report showcases the achievements of the inaugural 30, the Class of 2019.

The report will prove a valuable resource for all within the sustainability and energy profession, regardless of sector or seniority level

edie launches 30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report, showcasing the sustainability leaders of the future

edie has today (18 February) published its 30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report, showcasing the success stories of its inaugural class of future sustainability leaders and recapping the group's calls to business action.
Burberry has set a targeted 30% absolute reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2030. Image: Mparweo/Wikipedia

Burberry introduces carbon 'insetting' fund

Luxury fashion firm Burberry will create a "regeneration fund" to support a new portfolio of "carbon insetting projects" that aim to deliver regenerative agriculture practices across its supply chain - a move that will see its Autumn/Winter 2020 runway show at London Fashion Week become carbon-neutral.
Helena Helmersson spent more than five years in H&M’s sustainability team before taking the helm as CEO

Journey to the top: Are today's sustainability professionals tomorrow's chief executives?

H&M's appointment of Helena Helmersson as chief executive marks the first time a global corporation has appointed a former sustainability manager to lead the company. Could this be a sign that sustainability is becoming so integral to business that today's CSR professionals are tomorrow's corporate leaders?
The aim is to funnel more investment into projects working to minimise fashion's negative impacts on people and planet. 

Fresh funding for initiative to help investors support sustainable fashion

Laudes Foundation, Brenninkmeijer family's recently-launched philanthropic organisation, has backed a project working to engage investors with sustainable fashion, in a bid to scale up low-carbon, resource-efficient materials and business models across the global sector.
Pictured: LWARB chief executive Wayne Hubbard and GCOC's senior director Alison McRae

Glasgow and London-based sustainable business organisations partner ahead of COP26

Glasgow's Chamber of Commerce and London's Waste and Recycling Board have forged a partnership, in a bid to help businesses in both cities make circular economy shifts ahead of COP26 in November.
Dr Megan Morikawa (left) at Iberostar's first coral nursery. A second nursery is due to open this year.

Science and storytelling: How Iberostar is engaging staff and guests with ocean issues beyond plastics

EXCLUSIVE: In the wake of 'Blue Planet 2', hospitality and leisure companies found themselves at the sharp end of the so-called war on plastics. But now that the sector's plastic phase-out is underway, how can it use its many touch-points to drive engagement across a broader range of environmental issues?
Companies assessed have sizeable links to the world's six most at-risk supply chains, in regards to deforestation. 

Report: Half of world's largest businesses haven't pledged to end supply chain deforestation

Of the 350 corporates and 150 investor bodies with the world's highest involvement in supply chains with high deforestation risks, around half have not publicly committed to eliminate deforestation from their value chains.
Unilever re-wrote its purpose in 2010, first began labelling its brands as purpose-led in 2015 and, this year, combined its business and sustainability strategies. Image: Rachael Rothman

Purpose and profit: Unilever on how to drive benefits across the triple bottom line

Last summer, the chief executives of more than 180 corporates signed a declaration stating that the purpose of big businesses is no longer to simply generate profit for shareholders - that action must also taken to address social and environmental issues. But how can businesses without purpose "built-in" begin this transformation?
Each of these stories highlights how businesses are working to ramp up ambitions and actions across all areas of sustainable development

Automated EVs and SC Johnson's sports stadium plastic: 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.
This episode features five exclusive interviews with sustainability leaders

Sustainable Business Covered: Igniting a decade of climate action at the Leaders Forum (Part Two)

The second part of this podcast special is brought to you live from our Sustainability Leaders Forum, where edie asks leading sustainability experts from Mars, British American Tobacco, the Fairtrade Foundation, Futerra and Hilton how will business leadership be redefined during a decade of deliverance?
Our live blog will keep you up to date with all of the latest news and views from the Sustainability Leaders Forum, Awards and beyond

edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum: As it happened

This week is one of the biggest of the year in the sustainability and energy calendar, with edie hosting its Sustainability Leaders Forum and Awards, as well as the official launch of the UK-hosted COP26 climate conference. Recap the week through our live blog for all the latest from these events and beyond.

WATCH: Mary Robinson on net-zero, climate justice and being 'prisoners of hope'

Chair of The Elders and former president of Ireland Mary Robinson delivered an inspiring keynote speech to kickstart edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum, which is available to watch in-full.
Congratulations to all our deserved winners

Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020: Winners revealed at glittering ceremony in London

Barry Callebaut, Ikea, P&G and Toast Ale were among the big winners of edie's 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards, announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday evening (5 February).
edie will be back later this week with Part Two of the SLF special

Sustainable Business Covered: Igniting a decade of climate action at the Leaders Forum (Part One)

The edie podcast is brought to you live from our Sustainability Leaders Forum, as content editor Matt Mace speaks to leading sustainability experts from Interface, Diageo, WaterAid and WWF to ask, how will business leadership be redefined during a decade of deliverance?
It is the first major awards season event to tout carbon neutrality. Image: Stuart Chalmers, CC BY 2.0

Bafta delivers its first carbon-neutral ceremony

Bafta has invested in a string of initiatives to decarbonise and reduce the resource impact of its 2020 film awards ceremony, which took place in London this Sunday (2 January).
This round-up documents how businesses and policymakers are driving progress across all areas of sustainable development 

BMJ's divestment campaign and India's net-zero trains: 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.
Take a look through all of the month's most-read news stories and click the links in the descriptions below to read them for yourself

Carbon-negativity and climate chats at Davos: The sustainability stories of January 2020

With Valentine's Day and the first climate strike of the year now on the horizon, we take a look back at a January packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes the World Economic Forum in Davos and all the highlights from edie's Mission Possible Plastics Week.
Helmersson is H&M's first female CEO, and its first CEO with a background in sustainability. Image: H&M Group 

H&M appoints former sustainability manager as chief executive

Fashion giant H&M has named Helena Helmersson, who spent five years as sustainability manager, as its first female chief executive.
Porritt received a CBE in January 2000 for services to environmental protection

Jonathon Porritt announced as Guest of Honour for Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020

edie is delighted to announce that Jonathon Porritt, founder-director of Forum for the Future will appear as the official Guest of Honour at the 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards in London on Wednesday, 5 February.
In 2018, research by UKSSD found that the UK is failing to perform on 76% of the targets under the 17 Goals

Boris Johnson urged to improve UK's SDG performance

A business coalition spearheaded by the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD) has today (29 January) delivered a brief to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for the Government to improve progress towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Water and emissions targets were found to be particularly lacking, while efforts on climate disclosures remained low. Image: Ceres-FAIRR 

Fast food firms failing to face up to climate challenges, investment giants warn

Some of the world's biggest fast food brands including Domino's, Chipotle and Burger King are failing to take "real" action on environmental issues including climate change and water.
This document offers an easy-to-follow roadmap for climate action over the next 12 months.

edie launches Business Manifesto to help redefine sustainability leadership

edie has launched a new Sustainable Business Manifesto detailing the eight key principles corporates should adopt to redefine best-practice sustainable leadership in 2020.
For all the benefits they bring in terms of low-carbon power and transport, batteries pose significant resource and social challenges. Image: World Economic Forum 

Carmakers make joint pledge to make battery supply chains sustainable

Volvo, Audi and BMW are among the cohort of carmakers to have joined a joint initiative aimed at creating battery value chains that are environmentally and socially sustainable.
The analysis covers green bonds issued by businesses, financials, governments and government bodies

Green bond issuance soared to $185bn in 2019, report reveals

Global green bond issuance last year reached an all-time high in terms of both individual bonds issued and collective value issued, global law firm Linklaters has concluded.
The Playbook is available for all edie readers to download as a 14-page, interactive PDF

2020 Playbook: edie launches career-boosting guide for energy and sustainability professionals

edie has today (24 January) published the brand-new 2020 Playbook for Energy and Sustainability Professionals, a 10-point guide to embodying 'excellence' and furthering your professional and personal development.
Jonathan joined ISS in 2016, shortly after completing a master's in environmental management

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Jonathan Mobbs, ISS Facility Services

This 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. Next up: Jonathan Mobbs, environmental business partner at ISS Facility Services.

The Prince of Wales launched his Sustainable Markets intiative in Davos

Reshape economy to fight climate crisis, says Prince Charles

The Prince of Wales has urged business and political leaders at Davos to embrace a radical reshaping of economies and markets in order to tackle the climate crisis.
More than 3,000 business leaders, policymakers, thought leaders and celebrities are due to gather in Switzerland for the Forum this week

World Economic Forum calls on business chiefs to set net-zero targets

All business leaders and companies attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week have been asked to make public commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

BBC's bumper climate coverage and plastic-free snacks: 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.
Tom joined Asos in 2019, bringing his green learnings from almost six years at Landsec to the table

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Tom Byrne, Asos

This 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. Next up: Tom Byrne, senior sustainability manager at Asos.

Palm oil is found in the majority of supermarket goods, but has been cited as a key driver of deforestation in Asia 

Biggest food brands 'failing goals to banish palm oil deforestation'

Some of the world's biggest brands are failing in their commitments to banish deforestation from their supply chains through their use of palm oil, despite making public claims to environmental sustainability, according to two reports.
Sourcing sustainable cotton forms a key part of the new commitments. Image: Debenhams

Debenhams sets sweeping new fashion sustainability targets

Department store retailer Debenhams has set a string of new green targets for its fashion and homeware departments, in a bid to set new sustainability benchmarks for the sub-sector following a difficult financial year.
the UK is only performing well on 24% of SDG relevant targets

Business giants spearhead new UK SDG action plan

Business giants such as Nando's, Nestle, PwC have joined forces with RSPB, WWF to launch an action plan aimed at strengthening government performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by driving private sector collaboration.
Morlet has led the Foundation's work for more than eight years, giving him a birds-eye view of the circular economy conversation 

Ellen MacArthur Foundation boss: Natural Restoration 'hardest' part of circular economy shift

EXCLUSIVE: Against a backdrop of wildfires and growing climate activism, the chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has called on businesses to develop holistic action plans to combat the complex challenge of restoring natural systems.
Fink asked for businesses to provide better data and disclosure on all ESG aspects

BlackRock's Larry Fink to CEOs: 'Purpose is the engine of long-term profitability'

BlackRock's chief executive Larry Fink has warned businesses that a "fundamental reshaping of finance" is happening at pace and that businesses need to put climate action at the heart of decision-making processes in order to remain profitable.
The plan builds on the firm's existing pledge to reach net-zero carbon by 2021 

Forster Communications targets 'climate-positivity' by 2023

Social change PR agency Forster Communications has pledged to become 'climate-positive' by 2023, reversing and mitigating more negative environmental impacts than it generates through its direct and indirect actions.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

BlackRock's climate u-turn and futuristic cities: 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 roundtable heard from experts representing organisations across the retail sector value chain

Servitisation and social media storytelling: How retailers are approaching sustainability in 2020

January is now probably just as synonymous with retail discounts as it is with New Year's resolutions. But following a year of unprecedented climate activism, how are retailers planning to increase sustainability action and embed a 'purpose-beyond-profits' approach in 2020?
Just under a quarter (23%) of respondents admitted that the organisation is primarily driven by making long-term costs savings

UK SMEs aiming to ramp up sustainability actions

Almost two-thirds of UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have signalled their intentions to improve environmental sustainability practices due to heightened consumer awareness and new legislation, according to a new survey.
Baig has been working on corporate governance and disclosures for more than 15 years

Aviva Investors: Better corporate disclosure needed to help sustainable finance go mainstream

EXCLUSIVE: Investment firms are heeding climate warnings and honing their approach to sustainability, but ultimately need more information from the businesses in their portfolios in order to drive transformational change.
Have your say on what the 'hot topics' in the UK's sustainability sphere could be in 2020

VOTE: What will be the defining sustainability issue of 2020?

With many of us heading back to the office for our first day at work in 2020 this week, edie has explored the environmental issues which could dominate sustainability conversations this year - and is giving you the chance to have your say.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

Vegan steak bakes and green football stadiums: 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.
Eilidh Joined Laing O'Rourke around the same time the company signed its contract with Tideway - the project delivering London's 'super-sewer'

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eilidh Johnston, Laing O'Rourke

This 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. Next up: Eilidh Johnston, environmental advisor at Laing O'Rourke.
Hornsea One offshore wind farm (pictured) disconnected during a lightning strike. Image: Orsted

Energy firms to pay £10.5m over August 2019's major blackout

RWE and Orsted have agreed to pay £9 million for failings leading up to last August's major power cut, while UK Power Networks (UKPN) will also pledge £1.5 million after reconnecting customers too early.
How many of the below will you take on this year?

20 New Year's resolutions for sustainability professionals in 2020 and beyond

A new decade is upon us, and as the window to reverse and alleviate the climate crisis shortens, new long-term targets can provide sustainability professionals with the motivation and drive to transform their organisations into forces of good.
Clockwise from top left: Professor James Yu, Barbara Vest, Professor Philip Jones and Rachel Kyte are among the green economy figures on this year's New Year honour list 

New Years Honours 2020: The sustainability champions on the Queen's list

The 2020 New Year Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of more than 90 figures across the UK's environmental sphere, including green business figures, policy experts and scientists working to combat climate change and marine pollution.
It may feel like sustainability has dominated pop culture in 2019, but does progress exist beyond pockets of discussions? Image: BAFTA

How has pop culture responded to the climate emergency in 2019?

From Coldplay cancelling their tour until they can find a carbon-neutral option, to James Bond producers debuting the spy's first fully electric car, all the signs point to sustainability shaping pop culture. But how deep does this impact run, and what's in store for 2020?
Organisations set to benefit from the donations include The Rivers Trust, The Carbon Literacy Project and Friends of the Earth 

Patagonia's Black Friday campaign raises $20m for environmental causes

Outdoor clothing company Patagonia's Black Friday fundraiser for environmental organisations has hit its $10m (£7.6m) target in just 17 days - meaning the firm will now donate $10m of its own to these causes.
How well do you remember some of this year's biggest green business stories?

edie's big fat sustainabiliy quiz of the year: 2019 edition

Take edie's 2019 quiz of the year to test your knowledge on some of the biggest moments in the global sustainability agenda over the past 12 months.
edie takes a look back at what has been a year of monumental environmental news 

School strikes, science-based targets and climate emergency declarations: Recapping the sustainability stories of 2019

With just one week left until Christmas, edie recaps what has been a mammoth year for sustainability stories - from the UK's net-zero target to the growing business movement towards 1.5C.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

Closed-loop offices and an Ikea double whammy: 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.
Benedict moved into his present role four months ago, after seven years at Southwald-based brewer Adnams

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Benedict Orchard, Superdry

This 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. Next up: Benedict Orchard, energy and environment manager at Superdry.

The edie team delivers four early Christmas presents in the form of interviews

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Christmas special deliveries and festive feasts

Episode 77 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees the edie editorial team return to discuss business CSR initiatives over the festive period, featuring four exclusive interviews with CSR & redistribution platform Neighbourly, e-commerce firm Tinggly and business networks Team London Bridge and the UKSSD.
WWF UK boss Tanya Steele and Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis. Image: Andrew Parsons

Tesco to help customers visualise the environmental impact of their shopping

As part of its collaboration with WWF, Tesco has produced a new metric which enables customers to track the environmental impact of some of its most popular products.
edie spoke to ITV's senior manager of Social Purpose Julia Giannini. Image: ITV

More than TV: Can ITV place climate change at the core of its business purpose?

EXCLUSIVE: Following 18 months of radical internal transformation, edie asks how media company ITV is ready to revitalise years of strong CSR work to make environmental stewardship, health and wellbeing and societal change the core purpose of its business model.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

VW's supermarket EV chargers and Levi's upcycled bags: 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 summit will run until 13 December, with edie bringing you all the latest news and views from Madrid on a regular basis 

Greta's arrival and carbon offsetting clashes: What happened on days 2 & 3 of COP25?

COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - is now well underway in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the second and third days of the event.
The Global Goals were launched in 2015 and have received the support of more than 10,000 companies to date.

Survey: UK businesses poised to deliver on the SDGs

Three-quarters of British firms believe they have a role to play in furthering national and international progress against the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a new survey has found.
The summit will run until 13 December, with edie bringing you all the latest news and views from Madrid on a regular basis 

Carbon pricing and 'the climate point of no return': What's happened at COP25 so far?

Monday (2 December) marked the start of COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the first day of the event.
Pictured: The Industrie Center in Obernberg, Germany - one of M&S's 23 viscose suppliers. Image: Fritz Geller-Grimm. CC-BY-3.0 SHARE ALIKE  

M&S launches digital viscose map to boost fashion supply chain transparency

Retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a digital map highlighting all textile suppliers through which it sources man-man cellulosic fibres (MMCF) including viscose.
Take a look through all of the month's most-read news stories and click the links in the descriptions below to read them for yourself

Election debates and net-zero campaigns: The top 10 sustainability stories of November 2019

With COP25 and Christmas now on the horizon, we take a look back at a November packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from edie's Net Zero November campaign and the build-up to the UK general election.

Green Friday: The retailers championing sustainability over spending for Black Friday 2019

Today (29 November) is Black Friday, the biggest sales event of the year. But with consumers increasingly prioritising purpose over profit and climate change climbing the ranking of public priorities, some retailers are taking note and using the occasion to champion resource efficiency, social sustainability and environmental conservation.
Ikea is aiming to generate more renewable power than it consumes in operations by 2020, and to cover all of its supply chains by 2030. Image: Inter Ikea Group

Ikea to invest £171m in nature and clean power under 'climate positive' pledge

Ikea has today (27 November) unveiled a new €200m (£171m) investment package aimed at helping the retailer deliver on its commitment to become 'climate-positive' by 2030.
Pictured: The Manhattan Finance District. Image: Paulm27/ Wikimedia Commons 

Report: World's largest asset managers failing to champion global climate goals

Some of the world's biggest asset management firms, including the likes of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, are collectively failing to drive alignment with the Paris Agreement in their business models and policy lobbying.
The new targets came into effect late last week. Image: BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas vows to end coal financing by 2040

Corporate bank BNP Paribas has pledged to stop all funding for thermal coal globally by 2040, with an interim target of 2030 for EU Member States.