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Implementations of Green New Deals are faltering due to economic pressures, but the movement could be the just transition society needs

'Normal was a crisis': Why the Green New Deal is the perfect response for the post-Covid-19 economy

As the economy and society continue to suffer from the impacts of the coronavirus, experts are already exploring how to stimulate a financial recovery. All roads could lead to a Green New Deal, but the green economy will need a clear and concise voice to push policy towards it.
Reports suggest that concerns around food hygiene due to Covid-19 could increase plastic packaging intensity

Coronavirus and plastics: Are we headed back towards single-use?

As the global economy struggles with the pressures of Covid-19, some industry groups are using the need for more protective equipment as a means to lobby for the removal of charges and bans on single-use plastics. edie explores why that cannot be allowed to happen.
The UK Government insists it is on track to deliver crucial UN Climate Summit in November as planned

Coronavirus vs. climate change and COP26: What happens next?

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the global economy to a standstill, with some now doubting whether the crucial climate talks scheduled for COP26 will be able to go ahead. So, asks Matt Mace, what impact would delaying the summit have on international efforts to combat the climate crisis?
The Council continued its leadership in the city’s carbon reduction efforts by launching a new strategy to reduce its own emissions by 55% by 2025

Net-zero cities: Leeds's mission to be carbon neutral by 2030

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time exploring how Leeds plans to become a net-zero city by 2030.
A bin lorry of fashion waste is landfilled or burned every second globally. But brands striving to buck this trend are emerging and growing rapidly. Image: E&K

Zero-waste is the new black: How SMEs are disrupting fashion's waste crisis

In the second of a two-part feature, edie's senior reporter Sarah George spotlights the businesses working to combat fashion's growing waste problem by pioneering truly circular systems in what is widely regarded as one of the world's most linear sectors.

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.
Damage caused by the River Don in Sheffield, Yorkshire, which burst its banks in November due to flooding

Are businesses ignoring climate resilience on the net-zero journey?

From the flooding caused by Storm Dennis in the UK to the wildfires that have plagued Australia, the damage caused by climate change is becoming more tangible and frightfully frequent. But is the business response of pledging to deliver net-zero emissions enough?
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?
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?
Sky will target a 50% absolute reduction in emissions by 2030

Dissecting the challenge: How Sky is approaching its net-zero target

EXCLUSIVE: Sky is facing the daunting task of engaging with 11,000 companies and 24 million customers as part of its new commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. The group's head of responsible business Fiona Ball outlines how Sky is "dissecting" this target to manage the transformation.
The panel included representatives from the finance, environmental services, engineering, cement, food manufacturing and retail sectors. Image: Aldersgate Group

Carbon trading clarity and citizens in the spotlight: What do businesses want from COP26?

With a successor to the COP26 presidency role yet to be announced, all eyes are on Westminster for news on its plans for organising the crucial summit. But - beyond a stable delivery team - what are UK business's big asks of the conference, both in terms of organisation and execution?
Some businesses are now looking outside of their own operations to become 'carbon-negative' rather than 'net-zero'

Greenwashing 2.0? Defining what it means to be a 'net-zero' business

Net-zero emissions has been scientifically heralded as a necessity to reverse the worst impacts of climate change. But a flurry of recent business commitments to become 'carbon-negative' and 'resource-positive' raises a critical question: does achieving 'net-zero' actually constitute business leadership?
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 local authority has also confirmed plans to bolster its existing £84m climate-related funding pot with an additional £1m of operational funding and £18m of capital investment

Net-zero cities: Oxford's mission to become carbon-neutral by 2030

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Oxford and its Citizens' Climate Assembly are aiming for net-zero by 2030.
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.

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?
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.
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?
The council’s declaration noted that “taking immediate action will help to protect Nottingham people from the consequences of irreversible climate change

Net-zero cities: Nottingham's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2028

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Nottingham plans to become the UK's first carbon-neutral city by 2028.
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.

Charlie founded EO Charging in 2015 and has grown the business from a small start-up to a firm present in more than 30 countries around the world.

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Charlie Jardine, EO Charging

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: Charlie Jardine, founder and chief executive of EO charging.

The City’s Energy, Transport and Green New Deal Lead Kye Dudd discusses how Bristol is transitioning to net-zero

Net-zero cities: Bristol's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2030

Launched as part of edie's Net-Zero November campaign, this new mini-series explores how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions. We begin with a look at Bristol City Council's commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2030 - 20 years ahead of the Government's 2050 deadline.
Eleanor has provided consultancy services for business clients across a range of sectors, including construction, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and transport

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eleanor King, AECOM

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: Eleanor King, sustainability consultant at AECOM.

Tom recently celebrated one year at Sir Robert McAlpine, having previously worked across a broad range of built environment projects for Bouygues

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Tom King, Sir Robert McAlpine

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 King, sustainability manager at Sir Robert McAlpine.

Eurostar has pledged to plant a tree for every train service that it operates across its routes

From plastics to rewilding: How Eurostar is gaining a competitive edge in the era of eco-travel

EXCLUSIVE: With flight shaming placing the profitability of the aviation sector at risk, international high-speed rail service Eurostar believes a legacy of action on carbon, plastics and now rewilding will help build customer trust.
Phoebe has been with Virgin Media for more than two years and now leads its portfolio of social impact campaigns

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Phoebe Whittome, Virgin Media

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: Phoebe Whittome, sustainability manager at Virgin Media.

Williams believes the will of citizens is there to deliver a low-carbon economy in the US

Beyond Carbon: The $500m plan to create a low-carbon US, with or without Trump

EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trump may have officially kickstarted the process to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, but there is a movement of cities, states and businesses that is driving the nation towards 100% clean energy, with or without support from the federal government.
Rhea has been with NHS Property Services, where she works as one half of a two-person CSR team, for a year

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Rhea Horlock, NHS Property 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: Rhea Horlock, CSR manager at NHS Property services.

Numerous CEOs appeared during the summit

Messages from the board: CEOs outline the skills needed by the leaders of tomorrow

At the One Young World Summit in London last week, chief executives and board members from global companies including Unilever, Virgin and BP took to the stage to send powerful messages for what the leaders of tomorrow need to embrace today to drive sustainable business.
Ashley's first role in the field was an energy internship at the UK Government's now-abolished Department of Energy and Climate Change

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Ashley O'Neill, Hilton

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: Ashley O'Neill, senior energy and compliance manager at Hilton.

Senior sustainability and CSR professionals from a range of sectors convened for the roundtable discussion

Sustainability 2.0 roundtable: What's stopping businesses from investing in green innovations?

In an era of unparalleled technological advancements - and with the UK's net-zero target looming - businesses of all sizes can reap rewards from investing in scalable technologies with positive social and environmental impacts. So, what's stopping UK plc identifying and investing in green innovations?
Kathryn has been at Taylors of Harrogate since 2013, where she's gradually added more sustainability related responsibilities to her role

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Kathryn Patchett, Taylors of Harrogate

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: Kathryn Patchett, product sustainability specialist at Taylors of Harrogate.

Carlsberg, Coca-Cola, Absolut and L'Oreal are charting a course to a waste-free world

Paper Bottle Community: Is this the beginning of the end for the single-use plastic bottle?

EXCLUSIVE: Following the launch of Carlsberg's paper bottle prototypes, edie explores how Coca-Cola, The Absolut Company and L'Oréal are joining the brewer to scale-up paper-based solutions that replace or rival single-use plastic bottles.
After beginning his sustainability career in a UK-focused role, Ross's responsibilities have become increasingly global over the past two years

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Ross Houghton, Atalian Servest

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: Ross Houghton, CSR manager at global facilities management (FM) firm Atalian Servest.

Senior energy professionals from a range of sectors convened for the roundtable discussion

Flexible energy roundtable: Bridging the net-zero carbon policy gaps

Academic research often cites flexible energy technologies such as battery storage and electric vehicles (EVs) as key components of the low-carbon economies of the future. But with policies supporting the UK Government's 2050 net-zero goal still in their infancy, what must now be done to support their widespread adoption?
Katie is one of a six-person sustainability team and spearheads innocent's human rights work and sustainability communications

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Katie Leggett, innocent Drinks

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: Katie Leggett, innocent Drinks' sustainability manager.
The majority of e-waste generated globally is unaccounted for, seeping into regions such as Agbogbloshie slums of Ghana (pictured)

E-waste: Can businesses solve the world's fastest-growing domestic waste stream?

edie reporter Sarah George places the world's fastest-growing domestic waste stream, e-waste, under the microscope, and investigates how businesses are tackling the global phenomenon.

Matt has been overseeing circular economy initiatives at Dixons Carphone for three years

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Matt Manning, Dixons Carphone

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: Matt Manning, compliance & recycling operations manager at Dixons Carphone.
The UK is currently off-track to meet the EU's waste from households recycling target of 50% by 2020.

Recycle Week 2019: The state of UK household recycling in 8 charts

This week is Recycle Week 2019 - an event hosted by WRAP, with the aim making the circular economy "the new norm" for UK Government, businesses and residents. Here, edie sets the scene by charting national recycling statistics.
Ankita has been heading up Harrods' CR work for almost two years

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Ankita Patel, Harrods

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: Ankita Patel, corporate responsibility manager at Harrods.
(L-R) Presenter Ishan Perera, director IT, Ravana Garden, Heathrow team and compere Michaela Stracha

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Business of the Year - Heathrow Airport

With entries for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020 closing on Friday 27 September, this feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Last but by no means least: The winner of our Business of the Year award, Heathrow Airport.
(L-R) Presenter Rob Holdway, director, Giraffe Innovation, Yellow Octopus Fashion’s Jack Ostrowski and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Circular Economy Innovation - Yellow Octopus Fashion

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 Circular Economy Innovation Award, Yellow Octopus Fashion.
Luke began working in healthcare nine months ago, bringing his experience in sustainable transport, retail and education to the NHS

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Luke Landers, University Hospitals Birmingham

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: Luke Landers, energy and sustainability manager at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust.
(L-R) Presenter Trewin Restorick, chief executive, Hubbub, MerchantCantos’ Ian Roe and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Reporting and Communications - PepsiCo and MerchantCantos

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 Reporting and Communications award - PepsiCo and MerchantCantos.
(L-R) Presenter Sarah George, reporter, edie, Charlie Jardine and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Rising Star, Charlie Jardine

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 Rising Sustainability Star award, Charlie Jardine.

After beginning her sustainability career in the food-to-go sector, Iona stepped into the world of Motorsports last year

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Iona Neilson, Formula E

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: Iona Neilson, sustainability executive at Formula E.
(L-R) Presenter Mike Pitts, interim challenge director, Innovate UK, Mitsubishi Electric’s Marc Overson and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Low-carbon Product Innovation, Mitsubishi Electric

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 Low-carbon Product Innovation award, Mitsubishi Electric.
(L-R) Landsec team, presenter Paul Toyne, sustainability development expert and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Landsec, The Built Environment

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 Mission Possible: The Built Environment award, Landsec.
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.

(L-R) Tideway team, Philip Sellwood, chief executive, Energy Saving Trust (middle back) and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Tideway, Mobility

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 Mission Possible: Mobility award, Tideway.
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