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Political barriers hampering onsite biodiesel production
EXCLUSIVE: Biomethane generated from food and drinks process residues is emerging as a viable low-carbon alternative to diesel used in commercial vehicles, but a lack of political clarity has left the food sector "scratching the surface" of a potential closed-loop, onsite fuel system.
Biofuels needed but some more polluting than fossil fuels, report warns
Biofuel use needs to increase to help fight climate change as liquid fuels will be needed by aircraft and ships for many decades to come, finds a new report requested by the UK government.
Coffee grounds and poultry litter proving a viable biomass option in the UK
As innovative waste coffee recycling firm bio-beans expands its collection service across the University of Birmingham, the UK Government has revealed that Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants using poultry litter will receive the highest tariffs under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
Waitrose rolls out Europe's first 500-mile biomethane trucks
As part of an ongoing transition towards alternatively- fuelled trucks and lower fleet emissions, Waitrose has spent the early months of 2017 trialling Europe’s first 500-mile biomethane trucks, with plans to scale-up the project over the coming years.
In practice: Costa's new low-carbon coffee roastery
What makes Costa Coffee’s new £38m roastery in Basildon "one of the most sustainable buildings in the world"? This free case study provides an overview of all the low-carbon and resource-efficient features of the retailer's flagship sustainability project.
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.
Caffé Nero reports coffee-waste-to-biofuel success, plans expansion
Italian-style coffee shop chain Caffé Nero is looking to extend an innovative coffee-to-biofuel recycling scheme beyond greater London after a successful partnership with recycling company First Mile and technology firm Bio-Bean.
Going Circular: PwC's staff engagement success story
As part of edie's engagement month of editorial content, Matt Mace takes a closer look at the innovative behaviour change approaches being adopted by PwC as the professional services firm seeks to mobilise waste reduction efforts of thousands of staff members to deliver a closed-loop organisation.
UK businesses to accelerate bioenergy opportunities through EU grant
A European Union (EU) funded project is set to support firms across the West Midlands to reap the economic and environmental benefits from bioenergy and thermal technologies.
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.
EU risks missing climate goals without 'sustainable' biofuels, experts warn
The European Commission's proposal to gradually phase out "sustainable" first generation biofuels will prevent the EU from meeting its 2030 climate goals, experts claim.
Government unveils £20m funding for low-carbon freight projects
The UK Government has unveiled £20m investment for firms developing low-carbon vehicle projects as part of an overarching plan for all new cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2040.
Costa partners with Bio-bean to convert 3,000 tonnes of coffee waste to biofuel
The UK's largest coffee chain Costa has entered into a partnership with biomass recycling firm Bio-bean, which will see 3,000 tonnes of Costa's waste coffee grounds used as biofuel.
Climate action in a post-Trump world: game over or business as usual?
As part of edie's Sustainability Leadership Month of editorial content, Grosvenor's group sustainability director Kate Brown has penned this exclusive opinion piece, explaining the need for businesses to develop clear action plans and drive forward with sustainability leadership, regardless of the turbulent political backdrop.
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.
UK retailers pioneer ground-breaking biomethane transport fuel
A host of British retailers including Waitrose, John Lewis and Argos have been named as the first long-distance lorry users of a renewable biomethane fuel launched today (1 December), which is said to be 35-40% cheaper and 70% less CO2-emitting than diesel.
Diesel vehicles burnt almost half of Europe's palm oil in 2015
The share of Europe's imported palm oil being used up by diesel cars and trucks has reached an all-time-high, despite further evidence of its harmful environmental effects, according to a new report from an independent industry forecasting group.
Work set to begin on pioneering green-gas-from-waste plant in Swindon
Work is set to begin on a pioneering gas from waste plant in Swindon following the completion of financing.
Leaked biofuel plan set to increase European transport emissions
A leaked draft of the European Commission's (EC) Renewable Energy Directive (RED) has revealed that a promised phase-out of food-based biodiesels will not be met, with new proposals set to increase European transport emissions by 219 million tonnes by 2030.
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.
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.
European Commission urged to revamp bioenergy and shipping policies
The European Commission has been greeted with across-the-board support from MEPs to include emissions from shipping in the European Union's 2030 emissions reduction target, while non-profits are also calling for improved bioenergy policies.
UPS reaches one billion miles target for 'Rolling Laboratory' green fleet one year early
Logistics company UPS has revealed it has passed the one billion miles milestone for its "Rolling Laboratory" of electric, natural gas, biofuel and hybrid delivery trucks one year ahead of schedule.
Vehicle emissions standard forms 'centrepiece' of EU's low-carbon vision
A new legislative proposal from the European Union (EU) that creates binding targets for Member States to reduce emissions in the transport, buildings, agriculture, waste, land-use and forestry sectors will hinge on the ability to accelerate low-carbon technology and fuels in the automotive industry.
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.
New plant-based cleaning products slash emissions at Rendall and Rittner
Residential managing agent Rendall and Rittner has revealed it is using new plant-based cleaning solutions across its 44,000 London units as a way to reduce product use, lower emissions and improve financial savings.
Asia Pulp & Paper backs community-led Indonesian biofuels project
One of the world's biggest pulp, paper and packaging firms has announced its support for a new community-led pilot scheme aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the availability of bio-fuels in Indonesia.
Is biofuel production the long-term answer to enhancing food security?
With the United Nations calling for countries to mobilise efforts to improve food and energy security, new research has suggested that an accelerated push to generate sustainably sourced biofuel could actually eradicate long-term hunger.
Volcano generators and algae jet fuel: the best green innovations of the week
In a week that warned of a lifetime of high atmospheric carbon concentrations, edie has rounded up the latest low-carbon technologies and innovations that could mitigate carbon effects and create a sustainable, if slightly altered, future.
Into the Dragon's Den: A guide to boardroom buy-in on sustainability
In this three-part 'guide to' series for sustainability professionals, edie asks the experts about how to overcome major challenges and seize hidden opportunities on the path to driving green business. First up: the daunting task of getting the board on-board.
Biodieselgate? British industry leads EU on elimination of palm oil biofuels, says REA
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has revealed that UK importation and consumption of palm oil-based biodiesel for use as a feedstock for vehicles still stands at 'zero' for 2015/16, in light of new data which shows that cars and trucks were responsible for almost half of all of the palm oil used across Europe in 2014.
Green transport target will be scrapped post-2020, EU confirms
EU laws requiring member states to use "at least 10%" renewable energy in transport will be scrapped after 2020, the European Commission confirmed, hoping to set aside a protracted controversy surrounding the environmental damage caused by biofuels.
Electric cars to become 'hallmark' of VW's portfolio
Automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) has unveiled new transformative outlines for its future projections, which will see the company make electric vehicles (EVs) its new "hallmark", in an attempt to rectify the recent emissions-rigging scandal.
Biodiesel worse for the environment than fossil fuels, warn green campaigners
Instead of reducing levels of pollution, the use of biodiesel in transport will increase emissions by 4% - the same as putting an extra 12 million cars on the road in 2020 - green campaigners have said.
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.
FedEx plans to deliver 'future of aviation' with biofuels drive
The world's largest express transportation company is pioneering the use of sustainable aviation fuels through a new partnership which will see millions of gallons of biofuel produced from waste wood biomass.
Liam the robot and Disney World powered by tomatoes: the best green innovations of the week
After a week that saw the Energy and Climate Change Committee's (ECCC) embark on a new exploration into innovation in the energy sector, edie rounds up the latest low-carbon technologies and innovations that could accelerate the global green industrial revolution.
UPS calls for 'level playing field' of low-emission fleets
EXCLUSIVE: Packaging and transportation giant UPS has called on the UK Government to create a 'level playing field' by allowing the transport sector to create a better support system for vehicle electrification and enable more investment into biofuels.
New sustainability roadmap launched as shipping industry hits troubled waters over emissions
A coalition of businesses and NGOs including AkzoNobel, Unilever and WWF is introducing a 2040 roadmap and set of shared commitments to help the shipping industry navigate the 'significant challenges' it faces on reducing emissions.
ExxonMobil explores biofuel extraction from agricultural waste
Oil powerhouse ExxonMobil will explore new ways of producing biofuel from agricultural waste, after agreeing a partnership with biodiesel producers Renewable Energy Group (REG).
US Navy launches first biofuel-powered ship
The first ever US Navy ship to run on an alternative fuel blend as part of its regular operations, has been deployed from California.
The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics
The circular economy is gaining growing attention as a potential way for our society to increase prosperity, while reducing demands on finite raw materials and minimising negative externalities. Such a transition requires a systemic approach, which entails moving beyond incremental improvements to the existing model as well as developing new collaboration mechanisms.
Football star Flamini unveils secret biofuel company
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has this week revealed an eight year secret plan that has seen him set up a market-leading biofuel technology firm in a sector worth up to £20bn.
View From the Top: How Corporate Boards Engage on Sustainability Performance
A unique dynamic exists between investors and board members. Directors are responsible for ensuring value for us, the shareholders. Yet, even the most patient investors must become involved these days in helping directors focus on the longterm. Because in an increasingly volatile, global, tech-driven, and competitive economic environment, short-termism often overwhelms planning for sustainable growth and returns.
New emissions figures give boost to UK renewable fuel industry
Emissions from arable land in the UK could be 15% lower than previously thought, according to new estimates, marking a potential boost in the amount of crops grown specifically for use in renewable fuels.
United Biscuits crunches emissions with waste cooking oil-fuelled fleet
McVitie's biscuits, Jaffa Cakes and Twiglets are taking greener journeys to retail partners thanks to the extension of a biofuel project from manufacturer United Biscuits, which sees its delivery trucks powered by used cooking oil.
Oil and gas majors investigate 'fuels of the future'
Two of the world's largest oil and gas companies have announced new research partnerships with universities in a bid to accelerate progress towards the 'sustainable fuels of the future'.
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.
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.
Government dishes out £25m for 'next generation' waste to biofuel plants
Whisky, forestry and household by-products will be turned into biofuels thanks to new funding awarded today by the Department for Transport.
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.
Renewable energy becomes second largest source of global electricity
Renewable electricity generation outpaced natural gas this month to become the second largest source of electricity worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency.
GALLERY: Top 10 sustainability stories in July 2015
The story of July has been cuts and lots off them.
Aston University researchers pioneer portable biofuel facility
Aston University has developed new technology to convert waste and residues, such as babywipes, into biofuel.
Sustainability stats: This week in numbers
The past seven days saw the UK's poor air quality hit the headlines, with London's pollution issues causing particular concern for politicians and environmental groups alike.
Railway stations go full steam ahead with coffee recycling scheme
The company that owns and operates Britain's stations, Network Rail, has announced a new partnership to turn coffee waste into biofuel.
Steel giant plans €87m commercial-scale biofuel plant
The world's largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal, has announced plans to build a ground-breaking €87m biofuel production facility in Belgium.
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.
Recycle Week: 8 surprising statistics about waste
With green groups and recycling campaigners gearing up for a week of awareness-raising events, edie brings you 8 fascinating facts about waste and resource management.
UK failing on renewable heat and transport targets
The UK is falling behind on two out of three of its 2020 renewable targets, according to analysis from energy watchdog Keep on Track.
edie explains: Building Management Systems (BMS)
A recent edie survey found that 56% of energy managers are focusing on Building Management Systems (BMS) this year - a 9% surge. With this in mind, we've taken a closer look at BMS (and BEMS) to find out what all the fuss is about.
EU agrees to burst biofuels bubble after 2020
After more than 10 years of debate, the European Parliament has today (28 April) agreed new laws to limit the use of crop-based biofuels across the continent.
EU agrees 7% cap on 'harmful' biofuels
The European Parliament's Environment Committee has agreed to cap the amount of crop-based biofuel used in the transport sector at 7%.
Record-breaking 2014 for global renewables growth
2014 was the best year ever in terms of renewable capacity added, as 103GW of capacity was brought online around the world.
Biofuels vital to UK decarbonisation, finds report
The UK transport industry must embrace biofuels if it is to meet EU decarbonisation targets, a Government-backed report has claimed.
Biofuel from whisky: Scottish pioneers receive funding boost
The world's first producer of viable biofuel capable of powering cars from whisky production residues has secured a new £500,000 investment to scale up industrial production.
Accounting for Sustainability: Managing future uncertainty
This guide, produced by the Prince's Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Leadership Network, provides an introduction to integrating risks resulting from macro sustainability trends into business decision-making.
Bioeconomy ready to boom, says Government report
The UK bioeconomy could be worth £100bn a year with Government support, claimed a new report from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
ETI launches project to upgrade UK's EV charging infrastructure
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is seeking partners to assist in a new project aimed at developing a refuelling infrastructure for low-carbon vehicles across the UK.
Focus on green tech to tackle climate change, says Sir David King
Green technology should be as much a focus of tackling climate change as the United Nations negotiations leading up to a crunch conference in Paris this December, the UK's top foreign office adviser on climate said on Tuesday.
MEP's slap new limits on biofuels from food
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted to limit the amount of food crops used in the production of biofuels, but environmental groups say the new laws don't go far enough.
Biofuel from trash could create green jobs bonanza, says report
Creating biofuels from waste produced by industry, farms, and households could generate 36,000 jobs in the UK and save around 37m tonnes of oil use annually by 2030, according to a new report.
Sustainable aviation: Increase in biofuel use 'on the horizon'
A new report outlining the uptake of biofuels across the aviation industry claims that airlines are poised to shift up a gear on integrating sustainable biofuels into their operations.
New lobby group demands EU support for bioeconomy
A new pan-European bioeconomy lobby group has been launched in Brussels, with a stated goal of helping the bloc become a 'leader in the bioeconomy'.
Biofuels don't harm food production, trade group insists
A biofuels industry group has struck back at a recent WRI report which questioned the sustainability of bioenergy, claiming it presented 'false data' on the environmental impacts of the technology.
Dedicating land to bioenergy won't curb climate change, says WRI
Do not grow crops for energy instead of food. That is the message of a new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI), which claims that dedicating crops to generating bioenergy is too inefficient to solve energy crises and makes it harder to sustainably feed the planet.
ED Davey: UK falling short of renewable heat and transport targets
The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey has admitted that the UK is in danger of missing renewable heat and renewable transport targets for 2020.
Biofuel potential 'must be realised' to help Europe reach 2020 energy targets
Biofuels produced with low or no risk of indirect land use change (ILUC) could contribute significantly to achieving the European Union's 2020 climate and energy targets in transport.
Groundbreaking biofuel project brings new life to Cornish mine
A pioneering research project to clean up a flooded Cornish tin mine is using algae to harvest the precious heavy metals in its toxic water, while simultaneously producing biofuel.
Biofuels 'essential' in reducing transport GHG emissions
At the Lima climate summit, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) restated the importance of biofuels, such as ethanol, in reducing GHG emissions in the transport sector.
United Biscuits powers lorry fleet with waste cooking oil
International biscuit and cake manufacturer United Biscuits (UB) has developed a sustainability scheme which will see the use of waste cooking oil to power 12 lorries in its fleet.
Bioenergy makes record contributions to UK energy mix
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) has released its latest quarterly energy trends publication, highlighting the growing contribution made to the UK's electricity production by biomass power and biofuels as well as the vital role they play in the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Finnair flies to Climate Summit using recycled cooking oil
Finnish airline Finnair will operate a demonstration flight from Helsinki to New York with an Airbus A330 that uses sustainable biofuel.
First commercial-scale biofuel plant opens in US
The USA's first commercial-scale biofuel plant is now open and will eventually produce more than 110 million litres of fuel a year from corn waste.
Shifting biofuels goals could threaten industry development
US and EU moves to reduce overarching biofuels targets may damage the industry's growth and its place in tomorrow's renewables mix.
Boeing teams up with South African Airways to make jet fuel from tobacco plant
Aircraft giant Boeing, South African Airways and jet fuel provider SkyNRG have announced they are collaborating to make sustainable aviation biofuel from a new type of tobacco plant.
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