air quality
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German court rules cities can ban diesel cars to tackle pollution
Millions of heavily polluting vehicles could eventually disappear from roads across Germany after its top administrative court ruled that cities have the right to ban diesel motors in an effort to improve deadly air quality levels.
'Be more ambitious': MPs press Government to beef up air quality policies before lockdown lifts
The UK Government should adopt the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidelines on air pollution and step up funding and communications to help businesses and communities deliver on stricter goals to reduce particulates.
Health of 12 million Brits at risk from climate crisis
More than 12 million people living in the UK are vulnerable to the physical, mental and health impacts of the climate crisis, a new report has warned.
Oxford approves UK's first local air quality targets
Oxford City Council has approved local air pollution targets through to 2025 that are stricter than the national legal target.
Government unveils 'radical' energy efficiency standards for homes and offices
All homes and business facilities will be required to meet new energy efficiency standards that reduce energy consumption and lower bills by 2025, after the Government finally outlined responses to the Future Homes Standard.
What makes a sustainability leader? Meet circular economy innovators, P&G
With less than a month until the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winners of the Circular Economy Innovation of the Year, Procter & Gamble.
E.ON: 7 in 10 Brits want air pollution information in daily weather forecasts
A survey of more than 4,000 adults in the UK has found that almost three-quarters want information on air pollution in their local area to be included in daily weather forecasts.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Amy Blackwell, Sainsbury's
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Up next: Amy Blackwell, utilities and carbon reporting manager at Sainsbury's.
NHS sets net-zero emissions target for 2040
Despite the ongoing challenges in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, NHS England has signalled its intention to reach net-zero emissions through a plethora of new initiatives that will see 40 net-zero hospitals created alongside a £50m LED lighting upgrade.
Future Homes Task Force to ensure housebuilding is aligned to UK's net-zero target
A new cross-sector Future Homes Task Force is set to establish a multi-million-pound Delivery Hub to assist the built environment sector in improving the environmental footprint of new housebuilding.
UK could save £1.6bn and 17,000 deaths by improving air quality, report finds
Improving air quality in England in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines could deliver a £1.6bn benefit while preventing 17,000 premature deaths each year that are linked to air pollution.
Oxford unveils plans for UK's first local air pollution targets
Oxford City Council has set out plans to introduce more ambitious air quality targets than the UK's current, legally binding goals, in what it claims is a national first.
The ESG Handbook 2020: Spurring the green recovery
Green finance and ESG investing were reaching a tipping point, then the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. The virus hasn’t so much as tipped the scales towards ESG investing but rather poured most of the world’s financial system towards it.
edie Explains: The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
What are the TCFD recomendations? Why does climate disclosure matter? How do you access the financial impacts of climate change? And, what is scenario analysis? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
edie Explains: Smart Grids
What is a smart grid and why is it important? What are the potential business benefits of the smart grid transition? And how mature is the smart grid concept in the UK? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
45-Minute Masterclass: Accelerating the smart grid transition for your business
With distributed energy assets fast becoming a mainstream part of the UK power network, this live online masterclass will equip businesses with the insights and inspiration they need to decentralise, decarbonise and democratise their energy through smart grid technologies and systems.
Business for Clean Air: New initiative to help corporates tackle air pollution as lockdown lifts
Large UK businesses are now able to access a new array of tools aimed at helping them to tackle air pollution, after numerous surveys revealed that the British public are keen to see improvements in air quality maintained after lockdown.
Green recovery: Net-zero transition can create £90bn annual benefits for the UK
The UK's net-zero transition can be the perfect remedy to the economic and health crises caused by the coronavirus, according to a new WWF-commissioned report that suggests that net-zero could deliver more than £90bn in annual benefits to the UK while growing the job market.
BT launches innovation platform and UK electric fleet alliance
BT has today (1 June) launched two new platforms to help accelerate green innovation in the UK and drive the adoption of electric vehicle (EV) fleets, both of which the tech giant believes will contribute to a green post-Covid19 recovery for the UK.
World health groups call for green coronavirus recovery
A coalition of global healthcare organisations, backed by more than 40 million healthcare professionals, have coordinated a written plea to governments to deliver health-based and climate-focused economic recoveries from the coronavirus pandemic.
Lockdown sees global emissions fall by 17%
New research has suggested that daily global carbon emissions recorded in April 2020 were 17% lower compared to the same month last year, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic and forced lockdowns and postponement in production.
New kids on the block: How Minecraft is shaping the next generation of green workers during lockdown
With 1.5 billion children globally unable to attend school during the lockdown, companies including TEDEd, EIT InnoEnergy and the makers of gaming sensation Minecraft have rolled out engaging online content aimed at harnessing the momentum of the 2019 climate strikes.
Wrightbus unveils plans to produce 3,000 hydrogen buses for use across UK cities
The owner of Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus has unveiled a vision to put 3,000 hydrogen-powered bus into operation across key UK cities in a bid to reduce air pollution and spur job growth.
UK cities postpone clean air zone plans due to Covid-19 crisis
The introduction of pollution-busting clean air zones in cities has been postponed by the coronavirus crisis, as authorities combat the outbreak.
UPS integrates AI software at Camden depot to optimise clean EV charging
Logistics delivery giant UPS will spearhead a new project exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can optimise how businesses charge electric vehicle (EV) fleets and integrate onsite renewables to reduce emissions and energy costs.
Environmental net gain: An enduring development concept for resilient legacies
Chair of the Environmental Industries Commission's Natural Capital taskforce on why we should move towards environmental net gain.
UK Government's 'gold standard' Environment Bill reintroduced
The UK Government's long-awaited Environment Bill has finally been reintroduced to Parliament, outlining powers to stop the exports of plastic waste to developing countries, and revamped governance systems on clean air and biodiversity and two-yearly reviews to update the Bill if required.
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.
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.
London businesses turn to cargo bikes to slash Christmas logistics emissions
During the Christmas period, workplace deliveries of personal online shopping rose by nearly two-thirds (62.5%) with 77% concerned about environmental impact, according to Transport for London (TFL).
Red Bull fits air filtration technology in new company cars
International energy drinks company Red Bull has installed air filtration devices into a fleet of new cars operating in central London to protect drivers from pollution, after new research found that in-car air quality in the region can be up to four times higher recommended safety limits.
How to get the public onside in the fight against air pollution
We haven't yet got the public onside in tackling air pollution. More people now know that air pollution kills, however, while the majority of people are concerned about air pollution, less than half know what to do to protect their health and even fewer are actually doing these things.
Conservatives confirm plastic export ban and £9bn energy improvements in manifesto
The Conservatives have finally unveiled their party manifesto, which commits to ban plastic exports outside of developed countries, a multi-billion pound energy efficiency scheme for homes and a promise to "go carbon neutral by 2050 and Corbyn neutral by Christmas".
Policy gaps stifling profitability of digital revolution for clean transport
A new report from think tank The Green Alliance has warned that policy gaps and the uncertainty of Brexit is halting investment from manufacturers into the "new competitiveness frontier" of smart technology for electric vehicles (EVs), which risks pushing the UK's net-zero emissions goal out of reach.
Air cleaning project at Marylebone Station extended for another year
BNP Paribas, Chiltern Railways and advertising firm JCDecaux have agreed to expand an air-cleaning project at London's Marylebone Station for a further year, after positive first-year results.
General Election: Majority of UK public calls for net-zero target to be pushed forward
More than half of UK citizens believe the Government should push the target to reach net-zero ambitions by 2050 forward by at least 20 years, with climate policy set to be a key battleground for the upcoming general election.
Government consults on green license plates for electric vehicles
The UK Government has launched a consultation on introducing green license plates for electric vehicles (EVs) to make them easily recognisable and gain access to benefits such as cheaper parking and access to bus lanes.
Air pollution reduced by a third in London's ULEZ
As new data reveals that air pollution is increasing the number of people suffering from severe health conditions, London City Hall has revealed that the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has slashed pollution levels by a third and carbon emissions by 13%.
Little progress made in tackling air pollution in Europe, research says
Little progress has been made on tackling air quality in Europe despite public outcry in many countries and increasing awareness of the health impacts of pollution, new research shows.
You’ve got the power: Fleet managers, it’s time to go electric
How can fleet managers keep the cost of their vehicles as low as possible, ensure their operations are future-proofed and, crucially, operate in the most environmentally friendly way possible? The answer lies in electric vehicles (EVs), which can fulfill all these aims simultaneously, whilst offering a point of difference to potential employees and customers.
Deposit return schemes and biodiversity net-gain: Raft of new policies unveiled in Environment Bill
The UK Government has launched its new governance system on issues covering clean air, waste management and plastics pollution, natural capital approaches and water stewardship, in the form of the long-awaited Environment Bill.
Optimistic but lacking action: Green groups offer mixed reaction to Environment Bill
The Environment Bill has been published today and the reaction is already in from the UK's green business community on the legislation and its impact on corporate sustainability.
London joins global cities on 'race to the top' for clean air
The mayors of 35 cities, including London, Los Angeles and Milan, have signed a new declaration to tackle the dangers of air pollution and the climate crisis by pledging to improve air quality through measures that go above and beyond existing national commitments.
Google's city emissions tool expands into Europe
Google's online emissions dataset tool to help city planners build policies to lower emissions has launched across Europe today, with Dublin, Krakow, Birmingham, and the greater metropolitan area of Manchester set to use it to assist with planning developments.
Introducing the Business Clean Air Taskforce
In campaigning, as in so many walks of life, the sum is often greater than the parts. That's why Global Action Plan is collaborating with government and business in a new initiative to step up the fight against air pollution.
Post-Brexit threats to green policy intensifying, think tank warns
UK think tank Greener UK has warned that threats to environmental regulations related to climate change, waste, air quality and natural resources are escalating due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.
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.
UK bus industry targets petrol and diesel phase-out
Organisations representing more than 95% of the UK's bus industry have pledged to only invest in low-emission vehicles from 2025, over concerns surrounding climate change and air pollution.
Veolia upcycles two end-of-life diesel vehicles with electric engines
Resource management firm Veolia is set to trial two electric Refuse Collection Vehicles (eRCV) in Westminster, after 'upcycling' old diesel vehicles that were approaching the end of their life.
City-based Clean Air Zones 'would boost UK economy by £6.5bn'
By implementing designated Clean Air Zones in which polluting vehicles are fined to travel, UK cities could collectively reap economic benefits of £6.5bn.
From flying taxis to freight drones: Government funnels £300m into future of aviation
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled a new £300m investment to develop low-carbon transport, with technologies such as flying urban taxis, electric planes and freight drones expected to be supported.
Planning application submitted for Europe's first low-carbon jet fuel plant in North East Lincolnshire
A planning application has been submitted for Europe's first commercial-scale plant to transform waste into a low-carbon jet fuel, with a site chosen in North East Lincolnshire.
Raise car fuel prices to fight air pollution, says right-wing thinktank
Vehicle fuel taxes should rise to combat the air pollution crisis in the UK, with an extra charge on diesel, according to the conservative thinktank Bright Blue.
Arriva 'on-track' to meet ambitious decarbonisation goals
Public transport provider Arriva has revealed that it is "on-track" to achieve its decarbonisation ambitions across Europe, including a 2026 goal to reach zero emissions in Limburg, the Netherlands.
‘Well’ under control
In The Salmon of Doubt, author Douglas Adams writes: "We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works." These are words that we can and should apply to our experience of technology in the workplace.
BEIS and Defra's new look: What we know about Leadsom and Villiers' views on the environment
And breathe. In what has been the biggest political reshuffle since the 1960s, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed Business Secretary at BEIS, while Theresa Villiers has become Defra's new Environment Secretary. So, how well do the pair match up with their respective briefs?
Nissan refuses government request on Qashqai emissions
Nissan's decision to ignore a government request for emissions modifications to thousands of polluting cars has been branded a scandal by environmental campaigners.
Climate leadership roundtable: Are we on the right track for a net-zero economy?
The UK Government's recent move to legislate for net-zero emissions by 2050 has been widely welcomed across the green economy - but how should businesses respond? edie recently convened a group of sustainability leaders from an array of industry sectors to discuss exactly that.
UK launches Clean Maritime Strategy to spur net-zero ambitions
The UK Government has announced a new maritime strategy, calling for all new vessels to be designed with zero-emissions capable technologies by 2025.
Bio-solar 'leaves' and electric ice cream vans: The best green innovations for Clean Air Day
To mark Clean Air Day (20 June), edie has rounded up some of the best innovations being explored by companies across the globe to help tackle the environmental and health impacts of air pollution.
Can TCFD recommendations communicate a business response to the 'climate emergency'?
Against a backdrop of Extinction Rebellion protests and declarations of a "climate emergency", businesses will need to articulate their role in combatting climate change. Could the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures' (TCFD) recommendations create the ideal framework to do so?
Corbyn launches bid to declare a national climate emergency
Labour will this week force a vote in parliament to declare a national environmental and climate change emergency as confidential documents show the government has spent only a fraction of a £100m fund allocated in 2015 to support clean air projects.
Navigating the ULEZ as a small London business
Zipcar UK's general manager Jonathan Hampson on how London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will require a huge behavioural shift among businesses that taps into economic growth and the ongoing climate strikes.
'You did not act in time': Greta Thunberg's full speech to MPs
Read the full text of the speech Greta Thunberg gave to MPs at the Houses of Parliament, originally hosted by the Guardian.
Report: Failure to implement clean air laws cost EU €24bn in 2018
By failing to meet targets and regulations set out in EU environmental laws, Member States collectively cost the bloc's economy almost €55bn last year, a new report from the European Commission's Directorate General for the Environment has found.
Everything you need to know about London's ULEZ
The world's first Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been introduced across central London today (8 April), in a bid to reduce air pollution levels and carbon emissions from transport across the capital. Here, edie rounds up what, precisely, the Zone entails, and the impact it will have on business.
Fresh £25m round of clean bus funding for local authorities
New funding from Government has been offered to 14 local authorities as part of the Clean Bus Technology Fund.
NASA-certified showers and AI-enabled bins: The best green innovations of the week
Each week, many eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations emerge that could help businesses and nations accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. And each week, edie rounds-up six of the best.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: ZEDpods, World Water Day and the 12 goals of Exeter
Episode 59 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees Matt, Sarah and newcomer James Evison deliver interviews discussing World Water Day, low-carbon buildings and a 12-step plan to improve health and sustainability in the city of Exeter.
How to produce an engaging sustainability report: Seven steps to success
Sustainability reporting has evolved from a niche practice to a mainstream aspect of corporate governance. The modern sustainability report is a vital tool to ENGAGE with shareholders, employees, stakeholders and, increasingly, consumers.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone given green light by Government
Plans for a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Birmingham have received Government approval following the submission of its full business case last month.
Public Health England: Cities should be 'redesigned' in fight against air pollution
Public Health England (PHE) has urged the UK Government to introduce more ambitious policies aimed at reducing air pollution and minimising its health impacts in cities, including a "redesign" of key urban areas and a ban on drivers idling outside school gates.
Liftshare to deliver one billion saved car miles by 2020
Ride-sharing firm Liftshare is on course to save one billion miles of car transport on UK roads by March 2020, the firm claims.
London pollution alert issued as regional air quality deemed 'unsafe'
Following several days of high local transport emissions coupled with light winds bringing particulate pollution to the UK from mainland Europe, a high air pollution alert has been issued for London.
London Mayor launches £23m van scrappage fund
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has opened a £23m scrappage fund to help charities and small businesses switch older, polluting vans for cleaner vehicles.
Clean Air Summit: London Mayor doubles scrappage fund for polluting vehicles
London Mayor Sadiq Khan will today (14 February) announce a new £25m fund that will double the cash available to help business owners and London residents to scrap older, polluting vehicles, one the same day that city leaders call on Government to establish a £1.5bn clean vehicle upgrade programme.
Pollutant-trapping pavements and electric rickshaws: The best green innovations to tackle air quality
To coincide with the UK's Clean Air Summit, edie has rounded up some of the ground-breaking innovations being explored by companies across the globe as we look to tackle the dangers of air pollution.
Uber set to launch 15p eco-charge for London journeys
Ride-hailing firm Uber is launching its 15p per-mile "eco-charge" for all journeys taken within London, in the same week that Sadiq Khan has unveiled the world's largest air quality network in the capital.
New air pollution plans improve on EU rules, Government claims
The Government has set out new plans on air pollution that ministers say go beyond existing EU rules, with a pledge to improve air quality nationwide to the standards the World Health Organization (WH0) recommends.
Report: London Mayor's air quality measures set to benefit poorest the most
Sadiq Khan's measures to tackle London's air quality crisis will "substantially" improve the health of people living in the capital's most deprived areas, new research has found.
The innovative transport solutions making cities more liveable
Our cities are facing unprecedented challenges. Urban populations are growing at a staggering rate and it is estimated that by 2050, 68% of the world's population will be living in cities. Such urbanisation puts pressure on every part of a city's status quo, and no transport is no exception - so how can we continue to move people around cities without worsening existing chronic congestion and air quality issues?
VOTE: Which sustainability issue will have its 'plastics moment' in 2019?
New years are always a time of reflection, introspection and planning - for sustainability professionals and the general public alike. With this in mind, edie has explored the environmental and social issues which could have their own "plastics moment" in 2019.
London Mayor unveils van scrappage scheme for small businesses
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has today (18 December) unveiled plans for a new £23m van scrappage scheme, aimed at helping small business owners switch from old diesel vehicles to low-carbon alternatives.
10 ideas to drive forward your energy behaviour change strategy
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where roundable participants shared experiences of staff engagement and behaviour change initiatives and techniques, while also exploring practical steps that businesses can implement to overcome barriers and foster the desired behaviours amongst staff.
London Mayor launches five new low-emission bus zones across capital
Sadiq Khan has unveiled five new Low Emission Bus Zones (LEBZs) across London, in a drive to tackle the city's air pollution problem.
MPs call for ‘watchdog with teeth' to oversee environmental standards post-Brexit
MPs have called on the Government to strengthen the commitments made in its 25-year Environment Plan in order to prepare for the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario, claiming that the UK is currently at risk of losing one-third of green legislation if no agreement with the EU is agreed.
London City Corporation to launch capital's first low-emission street
With the Mayor of London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme set to be rolled out across the capital next year, the City of London Corporation has unveiled plans to create what it claims is the city's first low-emission street.
Royal College of Physicians achieves Carbon Trust Standard certification
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been recognised for recording a 30% reduction in its carbon footprint over a three-year period by becoming the first royal college to receive the Carbon Trust Standard certification.
Air-cleaning technology fitted at Marylebone Station
BNP Paribas, Chiltern Railways and advertising firm JCDecaux have teamed up with Danish startup Airlabs to showcase cutting-edge air filter technology at London's Marylebone Station today (31 October).
The EV industry viewpoint: Charging towards the future
With air quality and climate change dominating headlines and public opinion, the UK is charging ahead into a future of electric motoring.
UK mayors lobby for £1.5bn funding to tackle Britain's air pollution
A group of 16 mayors and city leaders have called on the UK Government to set aside an extra £1.5bn of investment to boost its existing Clean Air Fund, ahead of next week's Budget announcement.
Green campaigners slam Gatwick's plans to use emergency runway to boost capacity
Green campaign groups have criticised Gatwick Airport's newly-announced plans to bring its emergency runway into daily use, citing concerns over climate impacts and air pollution.
Number of dirty diesels on road still growing, report shows
The number of dirty diesel vehicles pumping out toxic emissions on Europe's streets is still rising three years after the Dieselgate scandal began, according to a new report. More than seven million such cars and vans remain on UK roads alone.
The Climate Coach: Transport
It will take you twenty minutes to get there - depending on traffic. Not an unusual statement wherever you live. People design cities and communities and yet often it is people that seem to be least considered as most of the space for movement is taken up by cars, vans and lorries. Pedestrians are pushed to the side and cyclists must brave traffic with a risk for their lives.
Google launches new online data tool to help cities lower emissions
Google has launched a new online tool to help city planners build policies to lower emissions by targeting projects in the built environment, transport and clean energy sectors.
DVSA begins national crackdown on lorry emissions cheat devices
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiners will begin routinely checking the lorries they stop at the roadside for emissions gaming devices in a bid to combat air pollution.
UK mayors call for Theresa May to deliver 'tough and urgent' action on air pollution
The leaders of 17 UK cities including London, Greater Manchester and Liverpool have made a joint call for Prime Minister Theresa May to take "tough and urgent action" to reduce the nation's air pollution levels.
World Water Week: Valuing our natural environment
We all 'appreciate' a babbling brook and beautiful rivers and oceans, but what is the value of our natural environment? World Water Week provides us all with the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of water stewardship, which is not only about doing the right thing, it's also about generating real business benefits as a result.
Machine makers are leading the way to low-carbon
With regulators and markets increasingly demanding the decarbonisation of high-emitting sectors, we are on the verge of a low-carbon industrial revolution. However, to get over the line the products and services supplied to these sectors need to transform.
Innovation required to spur cargo shipping sector towards 2050 emission reduction targets
Despite recent progress towards decarbonisation by the world's leading maritime shipping companies, the sector is in need of innovation to spur it towards the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) 2050 target of halving CO2 emissions from 2008 levels.
