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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.
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.
Fasten your seat belt, sustainable air travel is preparing for take-off
We have hybrid cars, and it now appears that the prospect of being able to fly more sustainably is no longer beyond the realms of possibility.
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.
Is 2017 the Year of the Flying Car?
According to recent reports, flying cars could finally 'get off the ground' and be commercially available this year. By coincidence I was in Brussels with the Evaluation Expert Panel for the latest Horizon 2020's 'Green Vehicles' proposals at the same time, and over tea breaks we discussed the likelihood of this year being the 'Year of the Flying Car'. Not surprisingly, there was the usual degree of scepticism by the gathered experts about these new claims.
Autonomous systems for environmental monitoring
Autonomous systems are a key priority in governmental agendas. In 2013, David Willetts included them as one of the Eight Great Technologies that will propel the UK to future growth. In 2017, the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund was created that prioritised "robotics systems...that can be deployed in extreme environments."
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".
Beware false sustainability solutions
It is inescapable and undeniable that we live in a finite world. It is also becoming widely accepted that we are using resources and polluting air, land and water at unsustainable levels. That's why the term 'sustainability' is pervading many aspects of government policy, locally, nationally and internationally, and prompting business and industry to radically change the ways they operate.
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.
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