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.
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.
London City Corporation launches capital's low-emission parking tariff
The City of London Corporation has announced that it will launch what it claims is the capital's first "environmentally-friendly" parking tariff, offering discounted parking rates for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid drivers in a bid to incentivise sustainable travel.
Theresa May confirms UK will publish an Environment Bill
Theresa May has announced that the Government will introduce a new Environmental Bill that incorporates measures on air quality among a range of issues.
London Mayor to create Europe's largest electric bus fleet
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has ordered 68 fully-electric double-decker buses in a bid to create the largest fleet of its kind in Europe.
'Bold action’ required: UK mayors unite in calls for 2030 diesel and petrol phase-out
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has teamed up with the mayors of Manchester, Liverpool and the West Midlands to urge ministers to bring forward their 2040 ban on new diesel and petrol car sales by a decade.
Report: Switching to EVs could save £325m in health costs
If every new car in 2019 were electric it would help save more than £325m in health costs in the first year, according to new analysis which found that the health impact costs of diesel cars are far higher than petrol or electric counterparts.
Diesel is not dead: BMW sees 'clean' diesel in its vehicle portfolio
EXCLUSIVE: BMW Group UK's i and iPerformance national corporate sales manager, Hannah Bishop, has claimed that the car manufacturer continues to see clean diesel as an important part of its vehicle mix, despite the Government's commitment to phasing out the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040.
UK's new air pollution strategy 'hugely disappointing', says Labour
A new clean air strategy published by the UK government has been criticised as "hugely disappointing" by the Labour party. Other groups said it did little to tackle the dirty diesel vehicles that are the main source of toxic air in urban areas.
Clean Air Day 2018: Our opportunity to address air pollution
What will you do for Clean Air Day 2018? 21 June is just one month away and the opportunity for sustainability professionals to bring the issue of air pollution to the attention of our workplaces is on the horizon.
UK taken to Europe's highest court over air pollution
The UK and five other nations have been referred to Europe's highest court for failing to tackle illegal levels of air pollution.
Mayor Sadiq Khan unveils goals to make London world's 'greenest city'
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced plans to make the capital the "greenest" city in the world by 2050, with a series of targets put in place to improve air quality, boost renewables investments and halve food waste.
Marks & Spencer trials liquid nitrogen deliveries to slash emissions
British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) will trial a zero emissions liquid-nitrogen refrigeration truck for its chilled grocery deliveries, with a view to a nationwide rollout.
Air pollution inequality widens between rich and poor, linked to 7 million deaths annually
Pollution inequality between the world's rich and poor is widening, according to the latest global data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which shows that 7 million people - mostly in developing nations - die every year from airborne contaminants.
Renewables could help UK shipping ports reduce 'neglected' pollution source, says report
A switch to 100% renewable electricity for ships berthing at UK ports could reduce emissions, improve local air quality and save the UK up to £483m in health-related costs, according to a new report.
Intelligent highways and underground bins: the best green innovations of the week
A number of eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations have emerged that could help businesses and nations deliver on resource efficiency, low-carbon transitions and combat climate change. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.
Paving the way to a better built environment
Construction businesses lie at the juncture of some of the world's most pressing environmental and societal challenges. Here, the UK Green Building Council's chief executive Julie Hirigoyen charts the progress being made across the industry in the key areas of climate change, resource use, nature and biodiversity, health & wellbeing and socio-economic impact.
UK Government launches £220m Clean Air Fund
The UK Government has unveiled a £220m fund to improve air quality across the most polluted areas in the country, alongside a £40m support scheme for local authorities to combat air pollution.
The Crown Estate deploys London's first air purifying CityTree
An outdoor "living wall" with an air purifying capability of 275 natural tress that can reduce harmful pollutants by up to 30% had been launched by The Crown Estate near Piccadilly Circus.
MPs demand change over Government's 'box-ticking' air quality plan
An unprecedented new report complied by four MP committees has accused the Government of viewing air quality as a "box-ticking exercise" and has called for a new Clean Air Act to be introduced.
edie Explains: LED lighting
This brand new edie Explains guide breaks down everything there is to know about deploying LED lighting for your business.
Energy resilience roundtable: Paving the path to a clean energy future
Energy management experts from some of the world's biggest manufacturers and retailers recently came together for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and Centrica Business Solutions to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities when it comes to building energy resilience.
False emissions ratings cost UK more than £2bn a year - report
False emissions ratings for cars based on lab tests have cost the UK more than £2bn a year in lost tax revenue, according to the Green party.
Moss-covered recycled tyre combats air pollution on the go
One of the world's largest tyre companies has unveiled a new prototype for a recycled tyre that uses moss to clean the air as it drives, while also generating electricity to power added sensors and processing units.
Opening the road to electrification is not as simple as the flick of a switch
Energy companies, the auto industry and businesses need to advance together, supported by government.
ClientEarth wins third legal battle against Government's 'shambolic' air quality policies
The High Court has once again ruled that the UK Government's efforts to combat toxic air pollution are unlawful, marking the third time that environmental law firm ClientEarth have won a court case against ministers.
8 global sustainability trends to watch out for in 2018
Over the past 12 months, challenges around addressing sustainability issues have featured consistently in global headlines. Despite mixed political messages about our transition to a low-carbon future, the private sector has continued to drive sustainability up the business agenda; from Science Based Targets (SBTs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to increased investor scrutiny over non-financial reporting.
How business can play a part in the new Northern Forest
The Government has announced £5.7 million to kick start the planting of 50 million trees across the North of England through an ambitious new plan by the Woodland Trust and Community Forests. The project is set to deliver huge benefits, and businesses and large organisations will have a vital role to play.
London reaches legal air pollution limit just one month into the new year
Air pollution in London has reached the legal limit for the whole of 2018 less than a month into the year, prompting calls for the Government to "get a grip and show they're serious about protecting health".
Plastics: We're at war with the symptoms, not the cause
Theresa May's call to eliminate all "avoidable" plastic waste within the next 25 years is a step in the right direction, but also follows a growing trend that ignores the remedies needed in the value chain of the UK's resource efficiency ambitions.
Figures indicate London's air quality woes are easing
For the first time since modern records began, London has entered the third week of January without breaching legal limits for toxic NO2 air pollution.
London City Corporation rolls out electric cargo bike service
Following a successful pilot during the Christmas period, businesses operating within certain Congestion Charge zones will be given access to a cargo bike delivery scheme aimed at curbing toxic air pollution in London.
Test bed: Deutsche Post DHL's emissions-neutral electric vehicle
In 2017, Deutsche Post DHL Group set a goal to make its entire logistics fleet zero emissions by 2050. The company is now testing technology to create the world's first ever "emissions-neutral" vehicle fleet.
Electric van trials helped deliver Christmas presents to Londoners
Electric vans helped deliver an average of 80,000 parcels a week across London during the Christmas period, as the city's Mayor Sadiq Khan continues to combat rising air pollution in the capital.
2017 green policy review: A year of progress and pleasant surprises
What a difference a year makes. Let us briefly cast our minds back to the halcyon days of January 2017 - who would have thought that a widely-ridiculed Jeremy Corbyn would soon become favourite to be the next PM; that a divorced mixed-raced American actress would be about to enter the Royal Family, or that a vastly experienced England cricket team would succumb to a humiliating Ashes defeat Down Under before the Boxing Day test?
Heathrow to install rapid charge points for electric black cabs
Heathrow Airport has revealed that it is actively collaborating with Transport for London to install seven rapid charging points for electric taxis by the end of this month, with the airport also announcing the delivery of its 50th electric vehicle (EV).
The hot topic: Where does heating fit into a low-carbon electricity network?
The decarbonisation of the UK's electricity network is set to have significant implications for how low carbon heat is delivered to the buildings of the future. These changes will likely influence new policy from the Greater London Authority, as well as national guidance, regulations and calculation methodologies. The way that London responds to delivering low carbon heat needs to evolve over the coming months and years.
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