ESCO

DEFINITION: An energy services company (ESCO) is a commercial or non-profit business providing a broad range of energy solutions including designs and implementation of energy savings projects, retrofitting, conservation, energy infrastructure outsourcing, power generation and energy supply, and risk management.

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Total will be able to reduce the overall cost of the integration process. Image: Total

Total signs cleantech deal to produce hydrogen at refineries

French energy giant Total has signed a cooperation agreement with the Sunfire cleantech company to integrate capture waste heat and CO2 at a German refinery to create synthetic methanol and hydrogen to be used to reduce energy and transport emissions.
The unit enables waste heat from natural gas combustion to be captured and 'recycled'

Cranswick brings CHP technology online at Preston factory

Major premium food supplier Cranswick has flicked the switch on a 2MW combined heat and power (CHP) unit at its Country Foods factory in Preston, Hull.
(L-R) Presenter Joanne Wade OBE, chief executive, ACE, compere Michaela Strachan and Ibstock Brick’s Michael McGowan

Meet the sustainability leader: Energy Efficiency - Ibstock Brick

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Energy Efficiency Award, Ibstock Brick.

edie explains: ISO 50001

This updated ISO 50001 guide, produced in association with edie's supporting partner Centrica Business Solutions, provides an in-depth summary of the ISO 50001 Standard which can be used by an organisation to establish and maintain a continuous level of energy performance improvements.
The initiative is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Image: The Climate Group 

New initiative to help business minimise climate impacts of cooling

The Climate Group has launched a new initiative aimed at helping businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their cooling processes and to decarbonise their cooling systems.
Leadsom claimed the new plan would "benefit communities and households". Image: DECC flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/deccgovuk/17525221491 

Conservatives focus on nuclear and EVs in net-zero vision for 2050

The Conservative Party has unveiled its manifesto for a net-zero carbon economy, which includes commitments to plant more than one million trees and sets aside £1bn for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, but fails to match Labour's ambition in pushing the 2050 timeframe forward.
The policy framework aims to foster a "just" transition to net-zero

Green New Deal Bill launched by Lucas and Lewis

The full version of the so-called Green New Deal bill has been released by Green MP Caroline Lucas and Labour MP Clive Lewis as climate strikes continue across the UK.
edie is calling on energy managers to take the survey

Energy managers wanted to take quarterly Business Barometer survey

edie is calling on all UK-based energy managers and practitioners to take the third Business Barometer survey and identify key energy trends and opportunities from 2019 into 2020.

Energy managers cynical about Government's net-zero targets, edie's new survey reveals      

The second edie Business Barometer of energy managers, supported by Centrica Business Solutions, revealed a sector that was cynical of the Government's policy objectives - but are not concerned about Brexit.
Olivia started at Fashion Lab before joining Whitbread

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Olivia Murphy, Whitbread

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. Next up: Olivia Murphy, sustainability manager at hospitality giant Whitbread.

Coal Power Station, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

'Adaptation alone will not be enough': Climate change to shrink global GDP by 7% by 2100

A "business-as-usual" approach to climate mitigation and carbon emissions will see 7% of global GDP disappear by 2100, with the UK down's economy down 4%, according to a new report predicting that all nations will be hit by climate change impacts.
Growing energy demands were largely met using fossil fuels, the report states. Pictured: The WilPhoenix offshore oil rig in Scotland. Image: Joe deSousa

Capgemini: Meeting global climate goals 'looks unrealistic' as energy consumption grows

Global energy demand rose by 2.3% year-on-year in 2018 - a trajectory which, if sustained, will leave the world unable to meet international and national climate goals including the Paris Agreement.
Before moving to Wessex Water in 2017, Olivia worked for EcoSurety while studying part-time for her masters

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Olivia Green, Wessex Water

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. Next up: Olivia Green, sustainability coordinator at Wessex Water.

These six challenges should be the key focus for the new Prime Minister. Number 10 [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

Six huge challenges Boris Johnson must tackle, according to the green economy

With Boris Johnson winning the race to become the new Prime Minister, edie has reached out to the green economy experts to create a six-pillar wishlist that could drive the UK's climate aspiration to unprecedented heights.
Henry initially began his career in hospitality management before joining BaxterStorey's four-strong sustainability team

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Henry Cawson, BaxterStorey

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. Next up: Henry Cawson, sustainability manager at BaxterStorey.

Waitrose has worked with Wirth Research to deliver fridge products producing significant energy savings.

Waitrose posts impressive energy savings from innovative fridge tech

New in-store fridge technology has enabled Waitrose & Partners to reduce its energy use for refrigeration by more than 40%, the supermarket has claimed.
The company’s “inclusive capitalism” business model is described growing while creating positive value for all its key stakeholders, such as  “understanding the needs of low-income consumers in emerging markets” and providing relevant solutions

How 'inclusive capitalism' can create prosperity for people, planet and profits for Firmenich

EXCLUSIVE: Fragrance & flavour company Firmenich is using an "inclusive capitalism" business model to deliver benefits for profits, the planet and people in a way that is causing others to "rally" behind the concept of sustainability.
The three firms will concentrate on developing “over-the-shelf” solutions that can be shared across the industry

Cargill, Maersk Tankers and Mitsui & Co team up on 'over-the-shelf' emissions technology for shipping

Food and agribusiness Cargill has launched a collaborative partnership with shipping firm Maersk Tankers and logistics firm Mitsui & Co to trial and develop fuel-saving technologies aimed at lowering emissions in the shipping sector.

Business Energy Barometer: April-May 2019

edie's brand-new Business Energy Barometer report maps out the key energy drivers, challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses, based on an in-depth survey of energy managers across the country.
edie pulls the data to provide key trends and achievements in 2018

In charts: The UK's record-breaking year for low-carbon energy generation

With the latest Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) statistics revealing that 2018 was a record-breaking year for renewables and low-carbon generation, edie dives into the data to pull out the key achievements.
DSM is setting an ambitious target to reduce indirect value chain emissions by 28% per ton of product produced by 2030

DSM emissions goals approved by Science Based Targets initiative

Science-based reduction targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been put in place by global nutrition, health and sustainable living firm Royal DSM.

Biodiversity was the big talking point from the Spring Statement

Fiddling the margins or a powerful signal? The green economy reacts to the Spring Statement

Chancellor Philip Hammond has today (13 March) unveiled new measures to champion biodiversity and drive resilience in the UK's housing stock as part of his Spring Statement, but reactions suggest the Government is still moving too slowly.
Energy Leaders Club members can choose from three topics to solve: Changing energy behaviours and driving engagement; Unlocking energy innovations; and achieving energy self-sufficiency

Co-creating energy solutions: edie to take 'Design Sprint' format for next Club event

Following in the footsteps of a series of sustainability ‘thinkathons’ at recent events, edie will be utilising a ‘Design Sprint’ process to solve business-critical energy challenges at a free event for senior energy managers next month.
A coal-fired power station in Pocerady, Czech republic. The UK is rapidly replacing such stations with gas-powered facilities by 2025

UK carbon emissions fall for record sixth year

CO2 emissions have fallen for a sixth consecutive year - the longest continuous decline since records began - according to new data provided by the Government.

In action: edie publisher's AI-assisted IT software to reduce energy

In an effort to 'walk the walk' with sustainability' and reduce carbon emissions, edie's parent company Faversham House has trialled innovative computer software to measure, manage and ultimately reduce associated energy.

edie Explains: Artificial Intelligence for sustainable business

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) right for your business? What are the technology options and how do you choose the right one? This edie explains business guide, produced in association with Ditto AI, has the answers.

Five ideas to accelerate your electric fleet transition

This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where roundtable participants shared experiences of electrification of business fleets, and discussed the steps that can be taken to accelerate adoption and maximise the benefits of the electric vehicle (EV) transition.

edie Explains: Onsite generation

Is onsite energy generation right for your business? What are the technology options and how do you choose the right one? This edie explains business guide, produced in association with Centrica Business Solutions, has the answers.
The webinar will be available to watch on demand afterwards for those who registered

One week left to register: scaling up energy efficiency for net-zero

edie's next webinar will take place on Wednesday 20 November and will focus on the role of energy efficiency, new systems and behaviour change and the part that each can play in helping to deliver a net-zero world.
The guides are free to download for those who have registered 

Net-Zero November: Read up on edie's insight guides and webinars on net-zero

As edie launches Net-Zero November, the content team is resurfacing a collection of exclusive insight reports, guides and webinars on the topic across industries such as utilities, manufacturing and the built environment that are free to download for readers.
edie will bring you exclusive interviews, webinars and reports throughout the month

Net-Zero November: edie kicks off month of themed content and events with raft of new business pledges

The edie content team has officially kicked off Net-Zero November - a month of themed content and events to inform and empower sustainability and energy professionals on the road to a net-zero carbon, with Mission Possible pledges from Liberty Steel, Hammerson and HPE leading the way.
EDF Energy analysed the energy consumption at different sites, including schools, hospitals, hotels, offices and police stations

'Simple' energy efficiency measures could deliver £45m benefit for UK businesses

New data from EDF Energy has revealed that measures such as installing energy efficient lighting and better heating management could create more than £45m in energy cost savings across 4,150 analysed sites.

45-minute masterclass: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)

This live, online masterclass offers sustainability and energy professionals a unique opportunity to experience how Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments - all in under an hour.

Take a look through all of the month's most-read news stories, and click the links below to read them for yourself

Johnson's green credentials and London Climate Action Week: Top 10 sustainability stories of July 2019

As July comes to a close, we take a look back at a month packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round up includes Boris Johnson's green credentials, what his cabinet reshuffle means for sustainable business, and Paul Polman's new venture.
Yanbu Cement (pictured) is among the group of 18 companies 

EP100: Energy-efficient businesses slash $55m off annual bills

A coalition of 18 large businesses have collectively shaved $55m (£45m) off their energy costs by implementing better efficiency measures, a new report from The Climate Group has concluded.
A group of energy managers were shown 'the elephant in the room' at the Design Sprint in Birmingham

Energy management design sprint (Part Two): Using green ju-jitsu for behaviour change

How can you increase your sphere of influence and drive engagement on energy management and reduction; from the boardroom to the 'shop floor' and outwards to consumers? The question has been asked for decades, but in the second of our two-part special feature, we reveal some new answers...
These stories exemplify how businesses and governments across the world are ramping up efforts in all areas of sustainable development

Coors' plastic-free packaging and solar-powered 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.

Flexible Futures: The Smart Business Blueprint

This edie insight report maps out a blueprint for smart, sustainable business in 2020, helping energy and sustainability professionals get ahead of the curve to deliver a flexible energy future.
(L-R): Awards compere Michaela Strachan, the Energy Institute's head of events and training Laura Viscione (presenting) and James Tiernan

Meet edie's Energy Management Leader 2019: James Tiernan, Unite Students

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Unite Students' group energy & environment manager James Tiernan, our Energy Management Leader of 2019.
The two companies join Braemar Energy Ventures, Centrica, and Siemens in investing into LO3 Energy

Shell invests in peer-to-peer energy trading blockchain platform

The venture fund arm of oil and gas giant Shell has invested in a US-based company that uses blockchain to enable peer-to-peer energy sharing and trading over networks.
Chris Gaylard of Network Rail presented his team's thinking at the design sprint in Birmingham

Energy management design sprint (Part One): How to unlock innovation in your business

In the first of a special two-part feature, edie reveals the results of two full-day workshops which applied principles of 'design thinking' to the role of the energy manager. Here, we summarise our first workshop, which explored how this group can harness energy innovations.
The report is free to download 

edie launches guide on updates to ISO 50001

Organisations looking to understand the new 2018 updates to ISO 50001 now have access to a crucial new edie Explains guide, which breaks down everything you need to know about compliance with the international standard.
The panel discuss the findings of edie's Business Energy Barometer at edie Live 2019

Onsite solutions and behaviour nudges: How to take an energy strategy to the next level

There are no shortcuts to success and you need to be opportunistic in your sustainability opportunities, according to a panel of energy leaders at edie Live.
The new quarterly Business Energy Barometer has been developed to spark new ideas and actions among the forward-thinking energy specialists within edie's Energy Leaders Club

Energy managers reveal biggest challenges and priorities in edie's new 'Business Barometer' report

EXCLUSIVE: The biggest challenge facing energy managers right now is behaviour change, whilst energy efficiency technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) hold the biggest opportunity for businesses looking to drive down emissions – according to new survey results published today (22 May) by edie.
There's still time to register for a FREE pass to attend Day Two

Insight, inspiration and innovation continue into final day of edie Live 2019

Members of the UK's sustainability and energy management communities have descended upon the NEC in their thousands, with sessions at full capacity throughout the first day of edie Live 2019 and the action now set continue into the second and final day (22 May).

Mission Possible: The 2019 report

This exclusive edie report showcases world-leading and potentially game-changing examples of sustainability in action across the Mission Possible campaign's five pillars: Energy, Resources, Mobility, The Built Environment and Business Leadership.
The new quarterly Business Barometer has been designed primarily for members of edie's Energy Leaders Club – the free members club for in-house energy managers and practitioners

Closing at 5pm: Energy managers called upon to take edie's 'Business Barometer' survey

edie is calling on all UK-based energy managers and practitioners to take a new industry survey which will help to inform an exclusive 'Business Barometer' being developed to identify key energy trends and opportunities.
During the first year of Tesco's Energy Matters scheme, more than 20,000 bakery and hot counter staff were trained

Tesco: Behaviour change will 'always have a place' in energy efficiency

As the fruits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution continue to re-shape how business operates, many companies are now turning to digital technologies for all of their energy reduction schemes. But for Tesco, behaviour change will always be a "key" piece of the energy management puzzle.
The podcast outlines the aims of RenewableUK's Switch List campaign

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Switch Lists, International Women's Day and energy management excellence

The edie podcast returns to uncover what energy management excellence looks like with both E.ON and our Energy Leaders Club members, before discussing International Women's Day with RenewableUK's Emma Pinchbeck and domestic sustainability with One Home's Angela Terry.
Honda says movement towards electrification has

Honda to only sell electric vehicles in Europe by 2025

Japanese car manufacturer Honda has launched ambitious plans to only sell vehicles using electric powertrains in Europe within six years, which will be complemented by new energy management partnerships.
VW is creating a portfolio of power tariffs, charging stations and stationary and mobile storage solutions to increase the appetite for its EV models

VW enters energy supply market with new charging and renewable energy firm

German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) has announced the creation of a new company within the group that will focus on charging solutions and renewable energy offerings.
Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Murray, LowCVP; Nick Turton, The Energy Institute; Susanne Baker, TechUK; Caroline Bragg, the ADE; Nina Skorupska, The REA; and Luke Nicholls, edie (chairing). 

First steps: What must businesses focus on now to deliver a net-zero UK by 2050?

According to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the UK's delivery against its 2050 net-zero target will require "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society" - but where, exactly, should the business response start?