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Inside Heathrow 2.0: One week left to register for webinar featuring Airport's chief executive
Taking place on Monday 23 April, edie's next webinar will see Heathrow Airport's chief executive and director of sustainability join representatives from Business in The Community and The Climate Group to provide a progress update on the 'Heathrow 2.0' sustainability plan.
Sir Richard Branson: Commercial low-carbon jet fuel 'within touching distance'
A decade on from Virgin Atlantic's first commercial flight using low-carbon fuel mix, the company's founder Sir Richard Branson believes that government incentives can help scale-up sustainable fuel use at a price on par with traditional aviation fuels.
Airbus, Rolls Royce and Siemens aim for electric plane lift-off by 2020
Airbus, Rolls Royce and Siemens have teamed up to develop a hybrid-electric plane which the group hopes will be ready to fly in 2020.
European Commission moves to Brexit-proof Emissions Trading System
The European Commission has agreed on a new measure to protect its Emissions Trading System (ETS) against a potential breakdown in Brexit negotiations.
New airplane biofuels plan would 'destroy rainforests', warn campaigners
A new plan to accelerate production of biofuels for passenger planes has drawn stinging criticism from environmentalists who argue that most of the world's rainforests might have to be cleared to produce the necessary crops.
Ministers give double boost for low-carbon road transport and aviation
The UK Government has provided a helping hand for low-carbon transport with separate funding announcements for cleaner buses and waste-based fuels for planes and lorries.
Circular trailblazers: Mapping the journey to a closed-loop business model
As waste and resource scarcity issues have an increasing impact on supply chains across the world, edie explores how two circular economy leaders - HP and Philips - are continuing to navigate a complex minefield of challenges in their mission to drive a global resource revolution.
Green buildings focus helps Heathrow hit 2020 carbon reduction target
The installation of more than 100,000 LEDs and a rooftop solar system helped Heathrow Airport achieve a 14% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions from its buildings, enabling the business to hit a target that was set for 2020.
Virgin Atlantic cuts aircraft emissions by 22% in 10 years
A multi-billion-dollar Boeing fleet investment, engine taxiing and weight management have together contributed to Virgin Atlantic reducing total aircraft carbon emissions by 22% since 2007, with similar footprint reductions generated for other carbon-efficiency measurements.
Heathrow expands airline league table to incentivise emissions reductions
The 50 busiest operating airlines at Heathrow Airport are being incentivised to reduce emissions and noise in their operations through a new public ranking system.
easyJet's fuel-efficient aircraft set for take-off
Budget airline easyJet is preparing for this week's launch of a new aircraft which could deliver emissions reduction and fuel efficiency savings of up to 15% compared to existing generation models.
Driving change: How can businesses increase efficiency for a greener fleet?
Whether it's the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), the use of telematics, or the strategic positioning of distribution centres, there is now a multitude of options available to businesses looking to reduce fleet emissions. But which is the best route to take? edie's George Ogleby investigates.
easyJet sets new carbon goal after emissions tumble by 31%
Airline company easyJet has set a new emissions reduction goal for 2020, after a range of fuel-saving techniques helped record a 31% reduction since 2000.
MPs criticise Government over carbon 'fantasy' for Heathrow expansion
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has criticised the UK Government for refusing to commit to air quality targets in relation to the third runway expansion, labelling the associated carbon calculations as a "fantasy".
Inside Gatwick's 'world-first' waste management plant
Gatwick's newly opened £3.8m waste processing plant takes the airport to brave new heights for sustainable aviation. Join edie on the ground for an exclusive behind-the-scenes video tour of this state-of-the-art facility, and read the full case study to find out how it works.
Breakthroughs for biofuel in aviation and transport sectors
Car manufacturer SEAT has provided insight into its innovative project that turns wastewater into a biomethane fuel capable of reducing CO2 emissions by 80% compared to traditional vehicles, while NASA has released data on the viability on using biofuels in jet engines.
EU sees 'strategic advantage' of biofuels in aviation
In sectors like aviation where decarbonisation options are limited, there is a strategic advantage in encouraging the use of biofuels, a European Commission official has said.
Inside Heathrow 2.0: a flight path towards true sustainability leadership
Heathrow has just unveiled a sustainability strategy that could prove a game-changer for sustainable aviation. But does it make the airport's controversial expansion worthwhile? edie editor Luke Nicholls sits down with the firm's director of sustainability and executive director of expansion to find out.
Heathrow 2.0: Airport launches sustainability super-strategy ahead of expansion
A rapid transition to 100% renewable energy, the development of a Centre of Excellence for sustainable aviation, and the carbon-neutral expansion to a third runway are among the key commitments made by Heathrow Airport in a bold new CSR strategy.
Report: Heathrow expansion will create a 'black hole' in future carbon budgets
The UK Government's lack of commentary on how it plans to mitigate the environmental impacts of the third runway expansion at Heathrow Airport could create a "black hole" in future carbon budgets, a new report has warned.
Heathrow 'surprised' as Government omits air quality regulation from plans
Heathrow Airport has today (3 February) urged the Government to ensure independent regulation of the air quality impact of the Airport's expansion, a day after ministers launched a consultation on proposals for the third runway.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye speech: 'Airport expansion a model for sustainable growth'
Heathrow Airport chief executive John Holland-Kaye took to the stage at edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum this week to announce that all of the Airport's energy usage will be generated from renewable sources within the next few months, ahead of its controversial expansion. Here's a full transcript of his speech.
On Wings of Waste: Plane fuelled by plastic waste completes trailblazing flight
British-born pilot and environmentalist Jeremy Rowsell has made history this week by flying a light aircraft across Australia using a conventional fuel blended with fuel derived from plastic waste.
Shipping and aviation set to reverse half of Europe's transport carbon savings
Almost half of the carbon savings made by Europe's land-based transport by 2030 will be effectively cancelled out by continued emissions growth in the shipping and aviation sectors, according to new research commissioned by green group Transport & Environment (T&E).
Government prepares for green transport revolution with EV and sustainable aviation frameworks
British transport is set for a significant low-carbon boost with several new Government consultations and funding schemed announced over the past few days in a bid to drive a green transport overhaul.
Alaska Airlines flies first commercial jet powered by forest biomass
Alaska Airline passengers have taken to the skies in a "world-first" commercial flight running on sustainable alternative jet fuel made from forest residuals from the Pacific Northwest.
'Climate-wrecking' Heathrow Airport expansion approved by Government
The long-anticipated expansion of London's Heathrow Airport has been approved by Government ministers - a decision that has been lambasted by green groups and environmental campaigners for its potential impact on Britain's air quality and emissions.
Global deal to curb aviation emissions 'not enough', MEPs warn
European lawmakers on Wednesday (12 October) gave a lukewarm reception to the landmark deal reached by the 191 members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to limit aviation emissions.
Global aviation climate deal agreed: 'Mission accomplished' or 'timid step' forward?
Representatives from 191 nations finally pieced together a global deal to introduce a carbon offset scheme for the aviation sector in Montreal last night (6 October), although the agreement has been acknowledged as a "timid step in the right direction" by green groups.
Is 'imperfect' ETS a better option for aviation emissions than a voluntary ICAO draft?
As nations meet today (26 September) to edge a global aviation deal closer, new analysis has suggested that the European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is still "superior" to the drafted proposal offered by the United Nation's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
From the US to the Marshall Islands: Global climate action is on the march
COP21's frantic, last-minute climate deal bookmarked a new era for global sustainability, and as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) evolve into tangible action, edie looks at six recent instances where national action is speaking louder than words.
Virgin unveils aviation 'game-changer' with alcohol-to-jet fuel
Virgin Atlantic has today (14 September) announced that an innovative partnership with carbon capture company LanzaTech has successfully produced 1,500 gallons of low-carbon, alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) fuel.
Gatwick to build world's first airport energy-from-waste facility
Gatwick will become the first airport in the world to generate energy from Category 1 waste, when it launches an onsite processing plant in November.
MEPs shocked by 'secretive' ICAO plan to cut aviation emissions
A six-year delay, exemptions for poor nations, and a gradual phase-in system for participating countries are all being considered as part of talks to curb aviation pollution at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), MEPs discovered at a hearing in Parliament today (1 September).
Aviation industry urged to ramp up commitment to combat climate change
The aviation industry must prepare for the impacts of climate change by utilising clean technology and policy tools to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, the International Civil Aviation Organisation has claimed.
Sadiq Khan's pollution pledges called into question with City Airport expansion approval
The approval of planning permission for a £344m expansion of London City Airport has been described by green groups as a "terrible" and "reckless" decision for the capital, with Mayor Sadiq Khan accused of backtracking on his pollution policies.
Solar Impulse 2 completes record-breaking round-the-world trip
A solar-powered plane, equipped with 17,248 solar cells, completed the final leg of its record-breaking circumnavigation journey around the world last night (25 July).
European Commission set to establish post-2020 transport efficiency standards
Plans outlined in a leaked draft document from the European Commission (EC) to introduce efficiency standards for new cars, vans and trucks by the mid-2020s has been lauded as a "step in the right direction" by Transport & Environment (T&E).
Aviation industry preparing for 'eleventh hour' deal on emission trading
An agreement on curbing emissions from international flights will be reached at the ICAO general assembly this autumn, according to industry sources, while biofuels continue to struggle to emerge as a long-term solution for greening the sector.
Meet Maxwell, the electric plane from NASA set to shake-up the aviation industry
US space agency NASA has unveiled a new experimental aircraft that harnesses 14 electric motors along uniquely-designed wings to replace traditional gas-fuelled piston engines, in an attempt to sever the aviation sector's dependence on fossil fuels.
G7 nations commit to ending 'inefficient' fossil fuel subsidies by 2025
Plans to drive a low-carbon transition as part of the recent Paris Agreement have been given a timely boost, after the G7 nations agreed a landmark deal to end the majority of fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.
Air quality takes centre stage in Gatwick and Heathrow's expansion battle
Gatwick Airport has claimed it is the "only" airport that can deliver the economic benefits of expansion without "dramatic and unacceptable" impacts on air quality, after the Transport Committee continued to back the third runway development plans at Heathrow.
Solar Impulse 2 to return to the skies
The longest non-stop solo aeroplane flight in aviation history is set to resume flying after entering "Mission Mode" for the next leg of its adventure from Hawaii to North America.
Airbus and Boeing thrust sustainable aviation into spotlight
Aircraft manufacturer Airbus is teaming up with Siemens to introduce a range of hybrid passenger planes, while rival Boeing has partnered with NASA to reduce emissions through lighter wing designs.
How Thomas Cook is flying high with data management to drive sustainability
EXCLUSIVE: The story of sustainability at Thomas Cook is a 'complicated' one. Faced with regressing economic resources dedicated to energy management, a once bustling team of sustainability experts has been streamlined in a bid to deliver a more holistic approach and create a 'truly transparent' company.
On wings of waste: Plane fuelled by recycled plastic wins Attenborough's approval
A plan to fly across America in a plane powered by recycled plastic has been welcomed by legendary broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough as a "sign of hope in a very depressing world".
Green technology could mitigate environmental impacts of Heathrow expansion
Technological advancements will mitigate the environmental impacts, such as noise and air pollution, of the controversial third runway developed at Heathrow, a new report from the Independent Transport Commission (ITC) has found.
Global initiative introduces first proposal to reduce airplane pollution
International Civil Aviation Organisation plan of 4% fuel reduction of new aircraft starting in 2028 not enough to halt emissions, environmental groups say
Easyjet's hybrid 'plane of the future' set for takeoff
The UK's largest airline has unveiled plans to develop a hybrid plane featuring a hydrogen fuel cell which could save around 50,000 tonnes of fuel a year.
Sustainability stats: This week in numbers
While New Year's resolutions to give up alcohol or head to the gym are strained or even broken, this week saw the continued commitment to building a sustainable future - even if some sectors are struggling to shed those stubborn carbon footprints.
NGOs slam 'gas guzzling' Airbus over fuel efficiency 'betrayal'
Aviation giant Airbus has been accused of undermining fuel efficiency standards for new aircraft by a group of 17 European NGOs which claims that Airbus is prioritising profit over planet.
Donald Trump hit with aviation emissions fine for UK flights
US Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has been fined for the carbon pollution caused by part of his aircraft real estate, joining the Bahrain royal family and Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox America in breaching EU emissions trading schemes.
NASA cleantech offers emissions windfall for aviation industry
NASA has claimed that America's aviation industry could reduce pollutant emissions by 75% - saving $250bn in the process - by incorporating refined green technologies that the Agency has developed over the past six years.
US demands 1.5 degree warming limit in COP21 deal
The United States was officially unveiled on Wednesday (9 December) as the most influential new member of the 'High Ambition Coalition' and immediately threw its weight behind a future 1.5 degree global warming limit in the international climate change agreement negotiations, in Paris.
British Airways ranked as least efficient major transatlantic airline
British Airway has ranked last in a new analysis of the fuel efficiency of the 20 largest airlines that fly transatlantic routes.
Manchester Airports Group reports rapid descent of carbon emissions
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has seen the total carbon emissions from all of its airports fall by 16% over the past year, according to its latest CSR report.
UN unveils 20-page negotiating text for Paris
The United Nations (UN) has today (5 October) released a streamlined version of the negotiating text that will be used at the COP21 Paris Climate Conference in December.
Airlines call on governments to 'complement' climate action
Twenty-eight chief executives and aviation association leaders have penned an open letter to global governments urging them to commit to a joint approach to help deliver emissions reductions across the sector.
TUI plans to 'step lightly' with aviation emissions
The world's largest travel and tourism business has embarked upon an ambitious new sustainability strategy with a particular focus on next-generation fuel development to slash airline emissions.
Luton Airport flying high with energy management standard
Luton airport has joined only a handful of airports in the world to be accredited with the internationally-recognised Energy Management Standard ISO50001.
Aviation & maritime emissions will rocket without clear targets, report warns
Global carbon emissions from the world's aviation and maritime sectors could rise 250% by 2050 without tangible targets from governments to reduce carbon rates, a report has warned.
Sustainability stats: This week in numbers
This week saw a clutter of stories from all over the sustainability spectrum with consequences both grand and small.
Aeroplane efficiency more than a decade behind schedule
Despite a 45% reduction in average aircraft fuel burn in the last 40 years, the aviation industry is still around 12 years behind efficiency targets set by the UN's aviation body.
Solar-powered plane grounded until 2016
The Solar Impulse 2 round-the-world flight has been halted following serious damage to the plane's batteries during the Pacific leg of its journey.
Almost all London boroughs failed EU air pollution limit for toxic NO2 gas
All but two of London's boroughs are exceeding EU limits for a toxic gas linked to respiratory problems, ministers have admitted.
New Climate Economy: 10 ways to generate low-carbon economic growth
Low-carbon economic growth can become the new normal and limit the impact of climate change, according to a new report released today (7 July).
Solar plane glides past world record in 80-hour solo flight
The solar plane Solar Impulse 2 has broken the world records for distance and duration of solar aviation, flying continuously for more than 80 hours and travelling 6000 km across the Pacific.
Environmental case for new Heathrow runway has 'Airbus-sized holes'
The Airport Commission's recommendation to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport has been labelled a "hugely damaging decision" and a "backward step on climate change" by green groups.
Virgin Atlantic decouples profitability from carbon
Virgin Atlantic has cut its carbon intensity by 2% in the past year thanks its growing fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft.
The Carlsberg Circular Community
Today's business models are not fit for purpose if we are to deliver the transformational change needed to create a sustainable future, and firms need to be willing to step out of their 'comfort zone' to drive positive change.
NEF: Improving the use of energy in buildings
Energy management strategies come in all shapes and sizes depending on the organisation. Here, the National Energy Foundation (NEF) explores how to simplify supply chain challenges, change behaviour and make significant energy savings.
Heathrow expansion 'within environmental limits', air quality report confirms
Heathrow airport could expand without exceeding legal air quality levels, according to a new report published today (8 May) by the Airports Commission.
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