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World's first commercial-grade hydrogen plane takes flight in UK, as government urged to grow 'green' hydrogen sector
The first flight of a hydrogen-powered, commercial-grade aircraft has been successfully completed in Bedford, while UK ministers face fresh calls to help scale up the domestic market for hydrogen produced using renewables.
Airbus unveils plans to debut zero-emission hydrogen planes by 2035
Aerospace manufacturing giant Airbus has revealed three futuristic concept designs for zero-emission aircraft with hydrogen as the primary power source, claiming that they could operate commercial flights by 2035.
13 major airlines commit to joint 2050 net-zero vision
British Airways, Qantas and American Airlines are among the 13 major airlines to have signed a new joint commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Choice and information: UK citizens' assembly outlines policy and lifestyle overhauls for net-zero transition
The first UK-wide citizens' assembly on climate change, Climate Assembly UK, has issued a list of recommendations as to how travel, diets, power generation and building use can be revamped to help society transition to net-emissions by 2050.
KLM's biofuel advertisements were greenwashing, regulator rules
Dutch airline KLM has been ordered to change one of its advertising campaigns after it was found to have over-emphasised the firm's use of biofuel.
Boris Johnson outlines £750m green spending for heavy industry and aviation
Boris Johnson has unveiled a £350m funding pot for technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen alongside a £400m sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pledge, to be spent as part of the UK's Covid-19 recovery effort.
Investment to decarbonise aviation must be 'supercharged' in Covid-19 recovery plans, MPs urge
"Supercharging" investment in decarbonising the UK's aviation sector would provide a "golden opportunity" in the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, a coalition of 35 cross-party MPs have told the Treasury.
Amazon starts sourcing bio-jet fuel in drive to slash air cargo emissions
Amazon's air cargo arm has signed a deal to source six million gallons of bio-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as the e-commerce giant works towards its 2040 net-zero target.
CORSIA: UN agrees to airlines' Covid-19 pleas on offsetting scheme
The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has agreed to change some facets its global carbon offsetting scheme, after airlines requested more leeway to weather the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ford's net-zero target and renewable energy records: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Jet Zero Council: Government unveils new collaborative initiative to decarbonise aviation
The UK Government is developing a 'Jet Zero Council' - a coalition of Ministers, businesses, trade bodies and environmental groups who will collaboratively work to align the aviation sector with the 2050 net-zero target.
What role will hydrogen play in green Covid-19 recovery plans?
Plans for major hydrogen facilities in Norway and the Isle of Wight have been unveiled this week, as business giants, banks and green campaigners call on world leaders to include hydrogen investment in their Covid-19 recovery plans.
Luton Airport to become 'most sustainable airport' by 2040
London Luton Airport has revealed an intention to become the UK's "most sustainable airport" by 2040, claiming that a planned expansion can be delivered in line with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
Rolls-Royce commits to net-zero carbon operations by 2030
Manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has announced an intention to become a net-zero carbon business by 2030, alongside a wider ambition to enable sectors it sells to in becoming net-zero by 2050.
EU urged not to mess with UN aviation rules
Leading MEPs have asked the European Commission and Council not to seek changes to the UN's global aviation scheme, which is aimed at making the industry carbon neutral. Airlines have requested more leeway to ride out the coronavirus outbreak slump.
UK proposes national Emissions Trading System to replace EU carbon market
The UK Government has published new proposals on its individual UK-wide Emissions Trading System (ETS) that would replace the EU's carbon trading variant.
Electric flights and Barilla's recyclable packaging: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Copenhagen Airport spearheads green hydrogen project for transport fuel
Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital.
Planning application for UK's first waste-to-jet fuel plant given green light
A planning application backed by Shell and British Airways to create the UK's first commercial-scale waste-to-jet fuel plant in North East Lincolnshire has been granted planning permission.
Jonathon Porritt: Corporate advocacy must be cornerstone of coronavirus recovery
EXCLUSIVE: Business leaders must use the Covid-19 recovery process as an opportunity to promote the benefits of deep decarbonisation, and to rebuild an economy based on strong social and environmental values, Forum for the Future’s founder-director Jonathon Porritt has told edie.
Business leaders call for recovery packages to be tied to net-zero corporate targets
The chief executives from 40 global organisations including BP, Heathrow Airport, Shell and HSBC, have called on governments to focus economic recovery packages in ways that enable sectors and businesses to transition to low-carbon and resilient models of operation.
Google's green software and New York's innovation drive: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Coronavirus: Airlines seek €12.8bn in bailouts without environmental conditions attached
Airlines in Europe have applied for €12.8bn (£11.3bn) government support since the start of the coronavirus pandemic with no binding environmental conditions attached, according to an analysis of the sector's bailout pleas.
Airlines, automakers and fossil fuel firms blasted as 'coronavirus climate profiteers'
A new report has blasted the lobbying efforts of the airline, automaker, fossil fuel and logging industries, claiming that organisations are attempting to benefit from billion-pound bailouts in response to the coronavirus that enables them to carry on with climate-wrecking business practices.
Content comes at a cost: Reducing the harm of our video habits on the planet
When watching a TV show or a movie online, the environmental cost of our appetite for content is probably the last thing on our minds.
Carbon emissions from fossil fuels could fall by 2.5bn tonnes in 2020
Global carbon emissions from the fossil fuel industry could fall by a record 2.5bn tonnes this year, a reduction of 5%, as the coronavirus pandemic triggers the biggest drop in demand for fossil fuels on record.
UK Government urged to launch 'office for carbon removal' in crackdown on offsetting greenwash
The UK Government should open a national 'office for carbon removal' in order to verify that carbon offsets purchased by businesses in the drive for compliance with its net-zero target have a tangible climate impact.
Link airline coronavirus rescue package to climate targets, campaigners urge
Campaigning groups have called for any Government bailout of airline companies due to the impact of the coronavirus to include conditional links for worker rights, fair taxing systems and transparent action plans on climate change.
UN tightens carbon offsetting rules for aviation sector
The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will introduce stricter rules on carbon offsetting for airlines next year, in a bid to reduce greenwashing and ensure robust carbon accounting.
Government won't appeal Heathrow expansion court decision
UPDATED: The UK Government will not appeal a court decision to block the development of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, which was issued in response to climate change concerns and national targets aligned to the Paris Agreement.
Heathrow commits to becoming zero-carbon airport by mid-2030s
Heathrow Airport has announced its intention to become a zero-carbon airport by the mid-2030s, after reaching carbon-neutral status for its buildings and infrastructure today (21 February).
Hubbub targets stag and hen dos to lower UK flying climate impacts
Environmental charity Hubbub has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of flying, after research commissioned by the group found that almost half of all flights taken by men aged 20-45 and a third of flights from women in the same age group were for stag and hen dos.
Delta Air Lines commits $1bn to become carbon neutral
US-based Delta Air Lines has committed $1bn over the next decade to mitigate emissions from its business to become carbon neutral, with the company pledging to minimise its reliance on the carbon offset market.
EU starts to chart shipping's new green course
The shipping industry will soon have to pay for its environmental impact in the EU, as both the European Commission and Parliament are moving forward with plans to include vessels in the bloc's flagship carbon market. But there are choppy waters ahead.
Plan to expand Bristol airport rejected after climate protests
A scheme to expand Bristol airport has been rejected following protests that it would exacerbate the climate emergency, damage the health of local people, and harm flora and fauna.
Ryanair: 'We're reviewing everything around environmental sustainability'
EXCLUSIVE: Amid increasing pressure from the general public, policymakers and investors, Ryanair's first director of sustainability has said the airline is reviewing its environmental targets and processes.
UK aviation launches net-zero commitment for 2050, but won't cap growth
Key members of the UK aviation industry, including Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and London City Airport are among a coalition that has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the sector by 2050, to assist with the UK's overall net-zero strategy.
Accelerating aviation’s carbon reduction journey
The role of offsetting within the aviation industry, how it will help achieve carbon-neutral growth and how businesses and individuals can take part.
Heathrow Airport launches flight offsetting tool for passengers
Passengers on flights to and from Heathrow Airport now have the option to offset the emissions of their journeys, after Heathrow.com announced a new partnership with the CHOOOSE 'climate streaming service' offsetting platform.
Green groups slam Government proposals to cut air passenger duty amid FlyBe rescue plans
Green groups have criticised Ministers for considering measures to cut air passenger duty on domestic return flights, accusing the government of placing short-term plans to rescue FlyBe from collapse over its long-term climate targets.
Hi Fly goes plastic-free on all flights
Portuguese wet-lease airline Hi Fly has removed all single-use plastic items from its fleet of aircraft, after successful pilots of plastic-free flights in 2018.
British Airways begins offsetting domestic flight emissions in first step towards net-zero
British Airways has begun offsetting all emissions generated through domestic flights within the UK, at no additional cost to passengers.
London Stansted Airport trials compostable security bags
London Stansted Airport has begun trialling security bags that purport to be compostable as an alternative to the traditional oil-based plastic kind.
Food-to-go giants support Dubai Airport's ban on single-use plastics
A string of big-name food-to-go brands including McDonalds, Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger have unveiled plastic-free offerings to be piloted at Dubai Airport next month, as part of the airport's commitment to eliminate single-use plastics.
Report: One in three transport companies aligning with Paris Agreement as investor pressure mounts
A survey of 57 of the world's largest transport companies, including airlines and carmakers, has found that more than one in three (35%) have set emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement.
EasyJet to offset all flight emissions, pushes for electric aircraft vision
EasyJet has become the first airline to operate net-zero flights, after agreeing to offset all emissions from fuel starting today (19 November) and will continue to work on rolling out electric aircraft in the future.
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.
Qantas to double flight offsets as part of net-zero 2050 commitment
Australian airline group Qantas will invest $50m in sustainable fuel over the next decade and offset growth in emissions from international and domestic flights in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Birmingham Airport sets net-zero carbon target for 2033
Birmingham Airport has set a commitment to become a net-zero carbon airport by 2033, noting that it has a "big opportunity" to reduce emissions via onsite renewable generation and would also minimise the use of carbon offsets.
Treasury's net-zero minister: Climate action will be a 'signature theme' of next government
Speaking exclusively to edie following the launch of its Net-Zero Review, HM Treasury minister Simon Clarke outlines the Government's plans to deliver on the legislation to reduce the UK's emissions to net-zero by 2050.
Territorial emissions: ONS data shows 35-year difference in UK peak emissions
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found that the UK's emissions peaked in 2007, rather than 1972, if territorial emissions from imports abroad were taken into account.
UK airline industry calls on Government to spur sector to net-zero
The industry body for UK airlines believes that a renewed partnership with the Government can help the sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as long as investment opportunities into green technologies are created.
British Airways sets net-zero commitment, plans to offset domestic flight emissions
International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways (BA), has become the first airline group to commit to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as BA also announces plans to offset all domestic passenger flight emissions next year.
KLM partners with Microsoft to create sustainable aviation 'blueprint'
Dutch airline KLM and tech giant Microsoft have partnered to develop a 'blueprint' outlining how the aviation sector can decarbonise in line with the Paris Agreement.
Heathrow CEO: Aviation sector must set net-zero plan 'as soon as possible'
EXCLUSIVE: Heathrow Airport's chief executive John Holland-Kaye has joined the growing calls for the aviation sector to implement a net-zero strategy, claiming that "imposing punitive costs" will not deter people from flying less.
CCC: Net-zero strategies for shipping and aviation 'must cap growth in demand'
If the UK is to meet its 2050 net-zero target, Ministers must develop sector-specific strategies with time-bound, numerical targets for decarbonising the international aviation and shipping (IAS).
Banks representing one-third of global market to align with Paris climate targets
A coalition of 130 banks, representing one-third of the worldwide banking sector, have committed to aligning their actions with the aims of the Paris Agreement.
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.
Rolls-Royce teams with Norway's largest regional airline on zero-emission aircraft scheme
Rolls-Royce is partnering with the largest regional airline in Scandinavia on a joint research programme aimed at unlocking and developing technology to enable zero-emission aviation.
Fairphone's recycled smartphone and zero-emission livestock: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.
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.
Number of flights taken by BEIS officials soars
The Whitehall officials responsible for tackling the climate crisis dramatically increased their domestic flights last year despite the huge carbon footprint associated with aviation.
Government unveils £80m pot to decarbonise aviation and road transport
In a bid to spur the development of new low-carbon transport technologies and systems on the path to net-zero by 2050, the UK has launched a new £80m funding pot for electric car and plane projects.
British Airways and Shell back plans for UK sustainable jet fuel plant
British Airways and Shell have provided funding totalling £2.8m to support the development of a UK-based facility that could produce 20 million gallons of sustainable jet fuel annually.
Aerospace giants back technology to provide 'relentless' aviation decarbonisation
The chief technology officers of seven major aerospace manufacturers have released a joint statement outlining how the firms are committed to sharing best practice to decarbonise the sector as it approaches its "third era" of electrification and digitalisation.
Heathrow's third runway 'masterplan' at odds with national net-zero aim, campaigners warn
Plans to re-route the M25, divert rivers and reposition car parks and buildings as part of the masterplan for Heathrow Airport's third runway approval have been described as "climate-wrecking" by concerned politicians and green groups.
Gatwick hosts UK's first airport-based reusable coffee cup trial
The UK's first airport reusable coffee cup trial gets under way this week at Gatwick, offering passengers the opportunity to borrow and return refillable cups in a bid to help cut waste and tackle "throwaway" culture.
Fish scale plastics and lifts which store energy: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.
UK's Department for Transport "side-lining" climate change, campaigners claim
The UK's Department for Transport (DfT) is "going rogue" on climate change issues by "side-lining" emissions reductions in its strategies and projects, Friends of the Earth has claimed.
Heathrow 'on-track' for carbon-neutral expansion
Heathrow Airport has claimed that it is "on-track" to meet its flagship ambition of becoming a "carbon-neutral" facility by 2020 and achieving net-zero carbon status for its planned expansion, after increasing its investments in renewable power and beginning peatland restoration last year.
British Airways boss: No 'silver bullets' for aviation to tackle climate change
EXCLUSIVE: The chief executive of the second-largest UK airline has insisted that the company remains "hell-bent" on upscaling innovation to promote sustainability, but also believes that a plethora of collaborative solutions will be needed for the industry to effectively tackle climate change.
Jet fuel must be taxed, EU citizens insist
Aeroplane fuel's tax-free status could soon be grounded after the European Commission agreed this week to register an official petition that calls for an end to kerosene's exemption.
UK's 'creative carbon accounting' breaches climate deal, say critics
The UK is breaching the Paris agreement on climate change by excluding international aviation and shipping figures from carbon budgets, according to a leading NGO.
Burger King's meat-free Whopper and bendy electric buses: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn energy and sustainability ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.
Ryanair becomes first non-coal company to rank among Europe's top ten carbon emitters
Irish airline Ryanair was the EU's ninth highest corporate carbon emitter in 2018, making it the first corporate without holdings in coal-fired power plants to ever rank within the bloc's top 10 most emitting firms.
Heathrow expansion again deemed "unlawful" due to climate impact
Expansion of Heathrow Airport to a third runway has been deemed "unlawful" because it would not be compatible with climate change targets, the High Court has been told by Friends of the Earth.
Spring Statement: What can the green economy expect from Philip Hammond's announcement?
Investment in a national net-zero target? New energy efficiency measures for homes? edie previews the green-related announcements likely to be included in the Spring Statement on Wednesday (13 March).
Report: Airlines warned of investment losses over lack of climate action
The climate efforts of 20 of the world's largest airlines will not suffice if the aviation sector is to align with the aims of the Paris Agreement and the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Government unveils new Sector Deal championing low-carbon aviation
The UK Government has unveiled its highly-anticipated Sector Deal for the aerospace industry, outlining plans to funnel £125m into sustainable aviation projects including those developing electric aircraft.
World's first carbon-negative fuel set to be unveiled at COP24 Summit
A Swedish startup is set to unveil what it claims is the world's first carbon-negative fuel at the COP24 climate summit in Poland, in a bid to help nations decarbonise the hard-to-abate transport and heat sectors.
Peatland restoration and electric planes: Inside Heathrow's new roadmap for net-zero expansion
EXCLUSIVE: After launching a roadmap outlining how it will ensure its expansion is carbon-neutral ahead of the opening of its third runway in 2026, Heathrow Airport is exploring ways in which it can sell ecosystem restoration services as well as flights.
Potato-based 'wood' and contactless coffee cups: 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.
Plastics pacts, Mission Possible pledges and the Autumn Budget: Top 10 sustainability stories of October 2018
As October comes to a close and we begin to dust off our old Halloween costumes, edie rounds up some of the top sustainability stories and standout pieces of content from the last 31 days - from new collaborative commitments to plastic and Mission Possible pledges to the green economy measures outlined in this year's Budget.
A blueprint for business leadership: edie launches sustainable mobility report
edie has today (22 October) launched a brand-new insight report which explores how UK businesses can take the lead on accelerating the transition to more sustainable forms of mobility.
Sustainable mobility: A blueprint for business leadership
This edie insight report explores five of the most important areas of focus for sustainability professionals - from electric vehicles (EVs) and greener fleets, to smarter business travel.
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.
Heathrow to waive landing fees for world's first electric aircraft
Heathrow Airport has announced that it will waive a year's worth of landing charges for the world's first electric passenger plane once it is developed, in a bid to encourage the low-carbon transition to gather pace in the aviation sector.
Carbon-negative batteries and food waste plastics: The best green innovations of the week
A number of eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations have emerged that could help businesses and nations accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.
Virgin Atlantic to showcase low-carbon 'recycled' jet fuel next month
Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will use an innovative low-carbon jet fuel made from recycled waste gases to power one of its London to Florida flights in October.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Virgin Atlantic - Employee Engagement and Behaviour Change
With entries now open for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Employee Engagement and Behaviour Change winners, Virgin Atlantic.
Heathrow to act as test bed for green corridors and plastic-waste roads
Heathrow Airport is set to install innovative road surfacing made from recycled plastic waste alongside "green corridors", after announcing the winners of its inaugural Sustainable Innovation Prize.
Report: EU carbon prices could hit €40 over next five years
European Union (EU) carbon prices could more than double to €40 per tonne between 2019 and 2023, spurring the transition away from coal power across the bloc.
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.
UK to champion green aviation through £343m Sector Deal
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has vowed that the UK will "lead the world" on an electric and hybrid aircraft revolution, after announcing the £343m Aerospace Sector Deal as part of the UK Government's Industrial Strategy.
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.
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.
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.
