Brexit

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Energy policy remained the most pressing challenge identified in the survey

Energy industry growing nervous over 'Brexit fog'

Uncertainty surrounding Brexit is a mounting concern for the energy industry, according to a new report by the Energy Institute.

The House of Lords will now consider the amendment again next Monday (18 June)

EU Withdrawal Bill: MPs vote to 'give teeth' to post-Brexit green watchdog

MPs have voted in favour of an amendment which promises legislation on environmental principles and a new post-Brexit watchdog, but green campaigners have expressed concern over a watering down of current standards.

Zac Goldsmith (right) said he expected primary legislation setting out environmental principles to be published before the end of the year

Government set to back down in post-Brexit green standards dispute

The Government will reportedly this week give its backing to an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill which aims to ensure that environmental standards are maintained post-Brexit.

Cheshire claimed that sustainability issues would be dealt with as nationally and globally “important” post-Brexit

Does Brexit offer the chance for UK to push climate action to new heights?

Despite mounting fears over the potential threats Brexit poses to the UK's green economy, industry leaders have claimed that leaving the EU could provide the nation with opportunities to innovate in order to remain a global leader in the sustainability sphere.

Green Alliance chief executive and edie Live conference chair Shaun Spiers will be providing the opening remarks at the Sustainability Keynote theatre on the first morning of the show

Green Alliance: Government's 2042 plastic waste ban 'hopeless'

EXCLUSIVE: The Government should seek to bring forward its 2042 deadline to ban all avoidable plastic waste by "at least" 10 years, according to environmental group the Green Alliance.

The government insists there will be no weakening of environmental protections

Campaigners attack plan for new watchdog to protect environment after Brexit

The government's plans for a new environmental watchdog to maintain standards and hold ministers to account in post-Brexit Britain has come under near universal attack from green campaigners.

Recent figures show a 1.8% rise in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use in 2017 in the EU

Secret UK push to weaken EU climate laws 'completely mad'

A secret UK push to weaken key EU climate laws before Brexit risks scotching the bloc's Paris commitments, MEPs say.

Britain’s decision to leave the EU has posed a daunting list of questions to the energy sector

Investors and energy giants call for close UK EU climate ties after Brexit

Aviva, E.ON, RWE, EDF and NPower are among a coalition of 21 energy giants and top investors who have called on Britain and the EU to maintain close links on energy and climate policy after the UK leaves the bloc.

The report says it is not enough to fall back on international environment commitments, which are mostly far laxer than EU standards

Green Brexit unlikely despite government claims, report concludes

Government promises of a green Brexit have been cast into doubt by a new study that warns of declining protections for water, birds and habitats once Britain leaves the European Union.

MPs raise concerns about a potential staff shortage at Defra, which has suffered from severe job losses in the past eight years

Gove confirms Defra set for 70 Brexit workstreams

MPs have raised concerns about Defra's capability to deliver environmental protections amid an escalating amount of resources dedicated to Brexit-related tasks.

The report claimed that air pollution is costing the UK £20bn annually, as it is linked as a contributing factor to an estimated 40,000 early deaths annually

MPs demand change over Government's 'box-ticking' air quality plan

An unprecedented new report complied by four MP committees has accused the Government of viewing air quality as a "box-ticking exercise" and has called for a new Clean Air Act to be introduced.

The report, sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions, investigates the key drivers, challenges and opportunities facing public-sector sustainability professionals

Public-sector sustainability professionals braced for negative impacts of Brexit

Almost three-quarters of sustainability professionals working within public sector organisations believe the UK's impending departure from the European Union (EU) will hinder the delivery of their strategies and projects, according to a new report launched by edie today (28 February).

Corbyn said that barrier-free trade of low carbon goods is necessary to underpin the growth of the UK’s low carbon and renewable energy sector

Labour would keep Britain in EU internal energy market

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged that Labour would keep Britain in the EU internal energy market (IEM) and the Euratom nuclear co-operation treaty.

Girling warned that the distraction and “uncertainty” of Brexit could stop carbon-intensive industries from accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy

Business benefits of EU ETS reform clouded by Brexit uncertainty

EXCLUSIVE: Last week's vote in favour to reform the EU's carbon market is a "strong signal" that energy-intensive businesses should accelerate decarbonisation processes, although the European Parliament's rapporteur on the reform has warned that Brexit will act as high-profile distraction.

European carbon prices have risen 15% since negotiators first struck the deal in November and were trading at around €8.90 per tonne after the vote

Parliament rubber-stamps EU carbon market reform

European lawmakers voted in favour of a deal to reform the EU's carbon market after 2020 on Tuesday (6 February), as well as bolstering prices in the bloc's flagship tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Creagh had hoped that last month’s cabinet reshuffle would shed some light on improved progress, but response was either non-existent or negative

Government's SDG implementation 'a total fail', says EAC chair

The UK Government's attempts at addressing and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been labelled "a total fail" by the chair of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) Mary Creagh.

Concerns around the UK’s capacity to deliver a so-called “Green Brexit” must be resolved, the coalition insists

UK green protections at 'high risk' post-Brexit

Key areas of UK environmental policy such as air quality, chemicals and waste are at "high risk" of being less protected after Britain's departure from the EU, a coalition of green groups has warned.

Sales for diesel cars dropped by 20% last year, and fell by almost a third in December after the Autumn Budget introduced a higher tax on new diesel cars

Jaguar Land Rover cuts UK production amid Brexit and diesel uncertainty

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) looks set to cut vehicle production of certain models, citing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and an increase in diesel taxation as primary reasons for the decision.

edie provides a full round-up of the green business reaction to the Government's 25-year Environment Plan

25-year Environment Plan: Green business reaction

The Government has set out how it intends to enhance the UK's environment by creating richer habitats for wildlife, improving air and water quality and "curbing the scourge of plastic" in the world's oceans. But how have members of the green community reacted?

As part of the additional income needed, Oettinger said a plastic tax and changes to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) would be proposed

Plastic tax and ETS tinkering could plug Brexit hole, suggests EU budget chief

EU Budget Commissioner Günther Oettinger has revealed that the European Commission will propose taxing plastic and shifting emissions trading income to EU level, in an attempt to balance the bloc's coffers once the United Kingdom leaves the EU.

The bill does not require that current environmental standards are maintained after Brexit, nor does it contain a general requirement that the public should be consulted on potentially significant changes

Brexit bill may have broken international environment law, says UN

The British government may have breached a major "environmental democracy" law by failing to consult the public when drawing up Brexit legislation.

The plans will offer additional funds to farmers who work together to make environmental improvements at “landscape scale”

Michael Gove: UK to reward farmers for environmental practices post-Brexit

Michael Gove will indicate that the UK will replace the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-Brexit with a system that gives subsidies to farmers who try to enhance the natural environment.

The report encourages Member States to develop pricing mechanisms that support material reuse

Long-term policies can help business capture €324bn circular economy opportunity

A new report has called on European Union (EU) institutions to promote resource efficiency beyond the completion of the Circular Economy Package, by learning from best practice scenarios that could add €324bn to the EU's economy by 2030.

While the UK banks have performed poorly in the rankings, they are still making efforts to capture green markets

UK banking performance at odds with Government's green finance leadership ambitions

The UK Government's ambition to promote the UK as a global leader of green finance post-Brexit is already at risk, with a new report finding that French banks have shown "marked leadership in green banking" because of innovative new legislation.

Leaving REACH while maintaining its rules could
make the UK vulnerable to legal challenges from businesses wanting to use potentially dangerous chemicals, the group warns

Brexit could lead to 'backsliding' on product design, recycling and chemicals safety

A business coalition which includes Boot and Kingfisher has warned that Brexit could result in a downgrade in domestic eco-design standards, an increase in the use of dangerous chemicals, and "backsliding" on recycling.

Deben stressed the importance for the UK to retain membership of the ETS at a time when the EU is in talks to create a common carbon market that could include China

Lord Deben: Green regulatory oversight critical to soften 'damaging' Brexit

EXCLUSIVE: Ensuring parliamentary scrutiny and independent environmental regulation should be the main priorities during Brexit talks to limit the "damaging" impacts of the UK's departure, according to the prominent environmental peer Lord Deben.

Last month, the UK cemented its position in the top 10 rankings of the world's most attractive countries for renewable energy investment

Can government and investors make post-Brexit UK a green finance leader?

The recent Clean Growth Strategy has created a multi-billion-pound framework for low-carbon growth, but the UK Government is still keen to strengthen relationships with investors to tackle the "hard and challenging" times ahead.

Sir Philip Lowe recently served as a non-executive Board Member of the UK's Competition and Markets Authority

Will post-Brexit Britain choose political sovereignty over close EU climate and energy ties?

The UK will need to sacrifice some of its political sovereignty if it wants to maintain a close post-Brexit relationship with the EU over climate and energy-related affairs, according to a top former EU Commission figure.

The consultation will call on organisations to provide evidence of whether devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland want to embark on individual approaches

Defra to launch consultation on independent body for environmental standards

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that an independent body to hold the Government to account over environmental standards after the UK has left the European Union will be established following a consultation early next year.

Michael Gove said he was keen to work with British farmers to explore alternative approaches to grow crops without neonics

Defra throws weight behind total ban on bee-harming pesticides

The UK Government has given its support to a proposed European-wide ban on toxic pesticides that have a damaging effect on the dwindling honeybee population.

MPs said they are looking for “far greater clarity on energy and climate change policy to ensure that industry can plan for the future

Ministers offer 'scant detail' on post-Brexit green policy, MPs warn

The Government has faced criticism for providing "scant detail" on areas relating to post-Brexit energy and climate change policy, such as the UK's role in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Michael Gove said there was a “strong and powerful case” for an independent body to improve on the EU’s judicial system

Michael Gove outlines plans to address environmental 'governance gap'

Defra Secretary Michael Gove has vowed to consult on the creation of a new environmental body to ensure the UK avoids a "governance gap" after leaving the EU.

The EU ETS sets a cap on the total emissions from electricity generation and enables UK-based industries to purchase emissions reductions from overseas

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.

Experts of the green economy sweep through the 165-page document to outline their thoughts

Reaction round-up: What does the green economy make of the Clean Growth Strategy?

The Government has pledged numerous multi-billion-pound investments to drive down carbon emissions across the economy as part of the Clean Growth Strategy, but does it "breathe new life" into the low-carbon sector or do the details "fall short"?

London breached its nominal annual air pollution limits five days into 2017

Britain flouting duty to protect citizens from toxic air pollution - UN

The UK government is "flouting" its duty to protect the lives and health of its citizens from illegal and dangerous levels of air pollution, according to the UN's special rapporteur on human rights related to toxic waste.

Outside the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The ECJ can fine governments if they fail to comply with judgements, a power which green groups say gives the process teeth

UK faces post-Brexit environmental 'governance gap', warns green coalition

As the Government prepares to publish a policy paper on the European Court of Justice (ECJ), a coalition of green organisations has called on ministers to clarify how environmental laws will be enforced post-Brexit.

The high rates of landfill tax and increased transportation distances across the UK for waste disposal means that taxpayers and businesses could be hit with higher waste disposal costs

Hard Brexit a 'disaster scenario' for waste treatment capacity, warns Suez

The UK is faced with a "potential disaster scenario" that could see a Hard Brexit exacerbate a shortfall of waste treatment infrastructure over the next 10 years, waste management firm Suez has warned.

The Liver Building, Liverpool. The North’s green energy sector generates half of all green jobs in the country

Report: Hard Brexit poses threat to North England's green economy

As the Government this week reiterates its pledge to maintain high standards for the environment post-Brexit, researchers have warned that a so-called hard Brexit could disproportionately threaten the green economy in the North of England.

New EU rules mean new vaccum cleaners must not exceed 80 decibels

EU to enforce new energy efficiency rules for vacuum cleaners

New EU rules on vacuum cleaners come into force next month, as Brussels looks to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.

More than £300,000 worth of equipment is being be installed at Belmont’s Kilwinning site near Glasgow to enable the sorting and shredding of used batteries

Post-Brexit Britain to offer circular economy for batteries with new recycling plant

The UK will no longer need to export used batteries across Europe thanks to the development of a new plant which will allow the country to be self-sufficient in battery recycling as it prepares to leave the EU.

Sophie Walker became JLL UK's head of sustainability in 2016, joining from the firm's Upstream Sustainability Services division

Flexibility essential for post-Brexit sustainability, says JLL UK

Sustainability professionals must be flexible in their pursuit of long-term CSR goals during the current period of political and business uncertainty created by Brexit, the head of sustainability at property and investment management firm JLL UK has said.

The UK is currently working towards a 50% target for household waste by 2020, established by the Waste Framework Directive

UK waste policy: Burning away recycling ambitions or 'sleepwalking' to capacity crisis?

A report warning that UK waste treatment capacity will exceed the generation of residual waste by 2020 has been labelled as "flawed" by the Environmental Services Association (ESA), which instead claimed that the Government is "sleepwalking" towards an energy-from-waste capacity crisis.

BMW expects electric vehicles to account for between 15-25% of its car sales by 2025

'Vote of confidence' for industrial strategy as BMW plans to build electric Mini in UK

BMW's announcement that it is to build the first fully-electric version of the iconic Mini in the UK has been welcomed as a "landmark vote of confidence" for the UK's low-carbon transport sector by Business Secretary Greg Clark.

Gove used his speech at WWF’s Living Planet Centre to claim that the UK can “develop global gold standard policies” on environmental management. Image Defra UK twitter

Michael Gove vows to implement 'gold standard' policies as part of a green Brexit

Environment Secretary Michael Gove believes that Brexit has given the UK a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to become global leaders on agricultural management, as part of a vow to deliver a "green" Brexit.

Other notable achievements include a 70% waste recycling rate at JLL UK’s Norwich and London headquarters

JLL UK targets 100% renewables and zero waste to landfill in new 2020 targets

Real estate specialists and investment management firm JLL is chasing 100% renewable electricity and zero waste to landfill offices as part of a new corporate sustainability agenda for 2020.

Environmental groups are calling for clarity over which mechanisms will be used to replicate the roles played by the European Commission and the European Court of Justice

Brexit: Green community condemns 'environment-shaped hole' in Repeal Bill

The Government's Bill to convert EU regulations into British law has faced criticism from MPs and green groups for failing to ensure that environmental protections will be maintained post-Brexit.

Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove gave the opening address at a summer reception held in London by environmental think tank Green Alliance

Michael Gove heralds Brexit opportunity to reshape environment policy

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has pledged to use Britain's exit from the EU as an opportunity to redevelop the green policies surrounding the nation's farming and fishing industries in a way that "puts the environment first".

Angela Smith MP (left) and Baroness Parminter have raised concerns about the Government's delay in publishing the 25-Year Environment Plan

Has Defra's environment plan been 'kicked into the long grass'?

Opposition party politicians have expressed concern that the green business community has been "fobbed off" over the multiple delays of the Government's proposed 25-Year Environment Plan.

Sustainability professionals and green groups are calling for the new UK Government to step up its green policy ambition and finally release a number of key environmental frameworks

It's time for ACTION: 14 green policy priorities for the new UK Government - Part two

A decentralised energy system, more ambitious renewable energy targets and a stronger low-carbon heat and transport policy are all listed in the second part of edie's feature exploring the most critical areas of green policy that Theresa May's new Government must prioritise.

What the report clearly stresses is the need for a transitional arrangement to smooth the path to Brexit

Report maps UK's 'uncertain' energy landscape post-Brexit

As Britain looks set to leave the EU's Single Market, business consultants have attempted to map out the numerous challenges facing the energy sector after Brexit, making the case for a transition phase to smooth the exit path.

The move to block EU ban comes despite environment secretary Michael Gove saying, ‘I don’t want to water down’ EU protections

Tories aim to block full EU ban on bee-harming pesticides

Conservative politicians are trying to stop a complete EU ban on bee-harming pesticides, despite the new environment secretary Michael Gove's statement earlier this week, in which he said "I absolutely don't want to water down" EU environmental protections.

Michael Gove replaces Andrea Leadsom, who has shifted sideways to become leader of the House of Commons. Photo: Policy Exchange/Flickr

Michael Gove appointed Environment Secretary in cabinet reshuffle

Michael Gove, one of the driving forces of the Brexit campaign, has made a shock return to the front bench to lead Defra as part of a reshuffle of Theresa May's cabinet following the UK General Election.

edie's manifesto matrix allows you to easily rank each party against the others on the areas of green policy that are most important to you. (Scroll down for download link)

Election 2017 manifesto matrix: What the parties have pledged on energy and environment policy

Which party has taken the most ambitious stance on tackling air quality? Which would prioritise energy efficiency and ban fracking? And has anyone mentioned the Sustainable Development Goals? edie has rounded up the most important inclusions (and exclusions) from each of the main parties’ manifestos into a single document.

edie's exclusive green policy survey reveals the hopes and expectations of sustainability and energy professionals when it comes to environmental legislation

Election 2017: Seven charts that underline the importance of ambitious green policy

EXCLUSIVE: The manifestos are in, and so are the results of edie's green policy survey which reveals the areas of energy and environment legislation that our readers want the next UK Government to prioritise.

The Liberal Democrats' environmental spokesperson Baroness Parminter told edie that her Party's proposed legislation would help protect the environment and boost the economy following Brexit

'Weak' Tories have broken environmental promises, says Lib Dem peer

EXCLUSIVE: The Conservative Party's environmental policy record since the 2015 General Election will be remembered as a period of broken promises, the Liberal Democrats' Deputy Leader in the House of Lords has told edie.

(From left to right): Lib Dem environment spokesperson Baroness Parminter, Resource Minister Thérèse Coffey, event chair Clive Anderson, Shadow Secretary for International Trade Barry Gardiner, and Green Party London Assembly member Caroline Russell

Greener UK debate: Parties trade blows over environmental ambitions ahead of election

Environmental representatives from the UK's major political parties clashed last night (30 May) over international climate change leadership and other key green policy issues at a General Election hustings event in London.

Skorupska called for clarity on how the Industrial Strategy plans integrate decentralised and smart technologies to enable the UK to reach its low-carbon commitments

A 'committed' Government can spur post-Brexit renewables job growth, says REA

EXCLUSIVE: The UK's departure from the European Union (EU) should be facilitated by a new Government that uses key "lighthouse areas" to outline how the country plans embed low-carbon smart technologies into operations as a means to attract better investment options.

The number of UK bathing waters deemed unfit for swimming fell from 31 to 20 in 2016, because of increased infrastructure spending and better weather conditions

UK bathing water ranks next from last in EU beach table

The UK is second bottom in a league table ranking EU countries on the quality of their bathing water, stoking fears that the "dirty man of Europe" could be on his way home after Brexit.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell at the 2016 Party Conference. The leaked document promises to protect environmental standards during Brexit

Leaked Labour manifesto promises air quality improvements and renewables revolution

A leaked version of the Labour Party's General Election manifesto has uncovered proposals to boost renewable energy, create a new zero-carbon homes standard and maintain access to the internal energy market.

The manifesto notes that renewable energy companies will invest more than £15.6bn in UK infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to boost capacity and production

Next Government must prioritise renewables to boost economy, says RenewableUK

As the Conservatives confirmed plans for a price cap for energy bills, RenewableUK has launched its manifesto for the General Election and called on the next Government to embrace renewables and flexible energy to match the needs of the UK economy.

Colin Church believes a fairer waste system that incentives responsible companies to design more resourceful packaging to improve recycling would help to boost recycling rates

CIWM: Circular economy will suffer without Government's helping hand

EXCLUSIVE: Businesses must be given the right tools from Government to take up an "incredibly powerful" role in the UK's resource and waste management system, according to the new chief executive of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).

Join thousands of energy, sustainability, CSR and resource efficiency professionals at the UK's destination event for sustainable business

One month until edie Live 2017 - get your ticket now

With just one month to go until doors open for edie Live 2017 we take a look at why it is the destination event for sustainability and energy managers.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call a snap General Election on 8 June

What will the 2017 General Election mean for green business?

With the nation set to undergo yet another major political decision after the shock announcement to call a snap election, edie investgates how the outcome of the poll on 8 June could impact sustainability and environmental professionals.

BEIS representatives Nick Hurd, Greg Clark and Jesse Norman appeared before the BEIS Committee in Parliament today

UK Clean Growth Plan in 'holding pattern' after snap election announcement

Climate Minister Nick Hurd has said the release of the UK's long-awaited Clean Growth Plan is now in a 'holding pattern' of new policy frameworks following Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to seek a snap general election.

Tennis ace Andy Murray is part of the group which accuses the UK Government of “dragging its feet” over the release of long-awaited environmental frameworks such as the 25-Year Environment Plan

Famous faces unite against post-Brexit environmental 'race to the bottom'

An unlikely alliance of business entrepreneurs, media personalities and sporting figures have come together with green groups to warn that Brexit could lead to an "environmental race to the bottom" if the low-carbon economy isn't prioritised.

Environmentalists who have seen a draft version of the 25-Year Environment Plan have said it is

Pressure mounts on Defra to release environment strategy

An array of sustainability and environmental experts have told edie the Government must "stop dithering" and publish its long-awaited 25-Year Environment Plan, after a leaked version of the document was criticised for providing "grand promises with zero detail".

With Article 50 now triggered, the UK has two years to negotiate its withdrawal

Great Repeal Bill raises environmental concerns for green groups

The Government's white paper for the Great Repeal Bill has faced criticism from green groups for failing to guarantee that existing environmental laws will be maintained as primary legislation post-Brexit.

A subsea interconnector being built between Norway and the UK - expected to be 740km long - will allow the two countries to share surplus renewable energy from 2020

Norway's climate secretary expects deepened UK energy ties post-Brexit

EXCLUSIVE: The UK can play an "active role" in influencing Europe's climate policy post-Brexit, according to Norway's Climate and Environment Secretary, who believes the low-carbon energy relations between the two countries will be strengthened over the next few years.

edie takes an in-depth look at the things we already know about Brexit that will shape the future for the green business community

Article 50: What we know (and don't know) about the environmental impact of Brexit

As the UK's departure process from the European Union (EU) officially commences with the triggering of Article 50, edie takes an in-depth look at how Brexit could affect Britain's green business community.

The expert panel agreed that a close energy relationship with the UK's European neighbours will provide certainty for investors

Can the UK become a world-leader on decentralised energy post-Brexit?

Britain's imminent departure from the European Union (EU) offers an opportunity to push the nation towards the forefront of an interconnected, decentralised energy system - but only if the Government delivers constructive regulatory support mechanisms.

Creagh said the UK should seek to implement a fresh national Environmental Protection Act for issues around resource efficiency, air pollution, chemicals regulation

Mary Creagh: Ministers running out of time to establish post-Brexit green legislation

EXCLUSIVE: On the same day that MPs launched an inquiry into the role of sustainability in the policymaking of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Environmental Audit Committee's (EAC) chair Mary Creagh has chastised the Government for failing to place climate change and resource efficiency at the heart of its agenda.

The UK will be obliged to give effect to the Package for as long as it remains in the EU

Circular Economy Package: Everything you need to know

In light of the European Parliament's decision to reinforce more ambitious recycling targets within the long-awaited Circular Economy Package, edie takes a detailed look at how the proposed measures could affect businesses, especially in light of the UK's imminent departure from the European Union (EU).

The Package will only be finalised once both the Parliament and Council of Ministers agree on an identical text

Circular Economy Package: MEPs pledge to restore recycling targets in landmark vote

The European Parliament has voted to restore recycling and landfill targets that had been lowered by the European Commission in its re-tabled Circular Economy Package.

Will Chancellor Philip Hammond's 2017 Budget announcement fulfil the hopes and expectations of environment and sustainability professionals?

Budget 2017 preview: Seven green policy hopes for Philip Hammond's Spring Budget

As Chancellor Philip Hammond prepares to deliver his first - and last - Spring Budget on Wednesday (8 March), edie rounds up the key environmental issues that the sustainability community will hope are included in the Government's spending plans.

The European approach towards waste is hampered by unclear objectives, poor data and definitions and a failure to reflect the UK context, Policy Exchange contends

Report: Brexit offers escape hatch from £2bn EU waste policy costs

British businesses would lose as much as £2bn over the next 20 years through the EU's Circular Economy Package, according to a new report from think-tank Policy Exchange, which is calling on the UK to adopt a better waste and resource management framework post-Brexit.

The NCC's chair Dieter Helm claimed that Brexit offered opportunities to reverse environmental deterioration

Post-Brexit environmental legislation could boost natural capital into the mainstream

The 25-year environmental plan can act as a catapult to launch the concept of natural capital into the mainstream, the Chair of the Natural Capital Committee (NCC) has claimed.

Defra’s long-awaited 25-Year Environment Plan has been delayed by the BRexit vote, leaving uncertainty as to whether environmental protections provided by the EU will be maintained

Five green policy priorities to stop Brexit ruining our environment

From the delivery of an ambitious 25-Year Environment Plan to the avoidance of ineffective 'zombie legislation', Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) executive director Matthew Farrow outlines the key steps that must be taken by the Government to ensure Britain's exit from the EU will not have a negative impact on our environment.

The Greener UK coalition has gained support from 194 MPs and now has a combined membership of 7.9 million

Greener UK coalition launches Brexit environmental manifesto

A coalition of green groups including Friends of the Earth (FoE), Greenpeace and WWF has today (22 February) launched a green policy manifesto which outlines the opportunities to maintain and enhance the UK's environment post-Brexit.

The paper calls for a re-think on the tonnage-based EU waste targets to incorporate measures focused on wider environmental goals such as CO2 impacts

UK should consider new 2025 recycling targets, claims EIC

The UK should consult on new recycling targets for 2025 to boost investor confidence in the waste sector, according to a new report from the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC).

Lord Teverson claims that trade deals with United Nations members could see the environmental performance of policies and products downsized

UK must play 'careful game' to balance green policy and new trade deals

EXCLUSIVE: In its pursuit of new trade deals post-Brexit, the UK must be careful that product and resource standards don't handicap businesses from exporting back into Europe, the chair of the EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee has warned.

One of the main concerns listed in the report was the Government’s “worryingly complacent” attitude towards the loss of the enforcement regime

Report: Enforcement mechanisms 'critical' for post-Brexit environmental prosperity

Introducing and transposing key environmental legislation that enforces political stability once the UK leaves the European Union (EU) will be "critical" to ensuring investor confidence, a new report from a House of Lords Committee has claimed.

Shaun Spiers joins Green Alliance at a critical moment for the future of the UK environment

Green Alliance announces new chief executive

Former head of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Shaun Spiers has been confirmed as the new chief executive of environmental think tank Green Alliance.

Lucas, the Brighton Pavilion MP, has called for a new “Environment Act” to be introduced – noting that there is no UK equivalent to acting on breaches of environmental legislation

A cocktail of risks: Brexit a 'danger' to environmental legislation, says Caroline Lucas

Just five days after the House of Commons voted to trigger Article 50 and take formal steps to leave the European Union (EU), a new report from Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has warned that Brexit forms a "cocktail of risks" for the UK's environmental protection.

His decision to step down comes a week after Shadow Defra Secretary Rachael Maskell resigned from the Shadow Cabinet

Clive Lewis resigns as BEIS Shadow Secretary as MPs approve Brexit bill

Labour MP Clive Lewis has stepped down from his role as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Shadow Secretary due to opposition to the Government's approved bill to withdraw the UK from the European Union (EU).

Dr William Kyte OBE proposed the creation of a UK-based ETS scheme which mirrors the EU model

Does Brexit offer a ‘golden opportunity’ to pursue EU ETS alternatives?

With MPs set to vote on the final amendments of the bill to withdraw the country from the European Union (EU), the debate surrounding the UK's future involvement in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) has intensified this week with a lively debate in Parliament.

David Bent chaired edie's 2017 Sustainability Leaders Forum at the Business Design Centre in London on 25-26 January

In shocking times, corporate sustainability needs to pivot

Fresh from chairing edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum last week, sustainable business advisor David Bent shares his three key insights from the event, which brought together ambitious professionals to discuss transformational change.

The Brexit White Paper states that leaving the EU offers the UK an opportunity to deliver a “cleaner, healthier environment, benefiting people and the economy”

Brexit White Paper: Government underlines vision for 'cleaner, healthier environment'

The UK Government has today (2 February) released its much-anticipated Brexit White Paper document, providing assurances that the nation will remain a "leading actor" on climate change and environmental policy following its imminent departure from the European Union (EU).

The UK’s apparent inability to hit the EU’s RED targets is likely to incense campaigners, many of which are of the belief that the 20% targets aren’t ambitious enough

UK 'falling behind' on EU renewable energy targets

The European Union (EU) is on track to hit a 20% renewable goal for 2020, despite nations such as the UK, Ireland and Luxembourg struggling to increase the share of renewables in transport and heat sectors, a new European Commission (EC) report has found.

The Natural Capital Committee says that Brexit provides a “great opportunity” to embed strong and ambitious environmental objectives into UK law

Defra urged to make 'rapid progress' with release of environment plan

The UK Government must swiftly implement a legally-binding 25-Year Environment Plan to halt the decline of the country's natural capital, an independent advisory body has said.

Britain's environmental consultancy sector outstripped the nation’s economic growth of 2.2% by a significant margin in 2015

Brexit poses uncertainty, opportunity for Britain's environmental consultants: report

The UK's Brexit vote is expected to have a significant impact on the nation's environmental consultancy sector, with market growth in 2016 estimated to be almost half what it was in 2015 due to the uncertainties looming over client investment decisions.

Nick Hurd has said that the Government will address carbon performances in the upcoming Emissions Reduction Plan, which the Climate Minister claimed would be released in the next few months

Nick Hurd: Brexit offers the flexibility to strengthen Britain's decarbonisation commitments

Climate Change Minister Nick Hurd has insisted that Brexit will give the UK the opportunity to look at the low-carbon transition through a "prism of national interests" that could lead to significant economic growth, but only if the Government can overcome multiple "difficult challenges".

Friends of the Earth are urging that environmental laws should not be “deleted on a minister’s whim”

New Environmental Protection Act vital post-Brexit, MPs say

MPs and green campaigners are today (4 January) calling on the UK Government to build environmental safeguards into the Great Repeal Bill during Brexit negotiations, with a fresh report proposing the introduction of a new Environmental Protection Act to maintain current standards.

Ecosurety believes the UK must be a part of any discussions on design parameters if it wants to avoid facing fragmented compliance requirements for exported products post-Brexit

UK packaging producers warned of mounting costs from EU fees disparity

The growing trend of European countries implementing differentiated fees based on eco-design and recyclability criteria could result in higher payments for British packaging producers with compliance obligations outside the UK, according to resource efficiency specialist Ecosurety.

The nBS report states that a shift towards a more fluid supply and demand system must coincide with replaced generation capacity and further investment in the UK’s renewable industry

Government must prioritise lower energy costs in 2017, say manufacturers

Energy costs and changes to European Union (EU) energy policy are the biggest concerns for British manufacturers, according to new research from npower Business Solutions (nBS).

With the UK set to speed-up its departure from the European Union, 2017 will introduce numerous opportunities and challenges for business

2017 presents plethora of policy opportunities for sustainability, says IEMA

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) has outlined the five key areas of policy reformation that will shape the sustainability agenda as the UK begins its departure from the European Union (EU) in 2017.

Clark's meeting with the BEIS Committee offered insight into what areas and technologies will feature prominently in the industrial strategy

From disruptors to Hinkley: 7 things we've learnt about Greg Clark's industrial strategy

As Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark fielded questions from the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee, edie round-ups seven key talking points that look set to form integral roles in the highly-anticipated industrial strategy.

The decision has been met with scepticism among green campaigners concerned about how the UK Government will enforce the legislation post-Brexit

UK agrees to new EU air pollution laws, raising 'awkward' Brexit questions

The UK has agreed to adopt new European Union (EU) legislation on air quality, which sets stricter national limits for the emission of some of the most dangerous air pollutants.

The growth in AD plants gives the UK more capacity to recycle food waste, more sustainable farming and wastewater treatment, more low-carbon baseload electricity, and more green gas in the grid

AD sector doubles in 2016 as Ecotricity targets fracking sites for new green gas plants

Britain now has almost 90 plants injecting green biomethane into the gas grid - nearly double the number in operation this time last year, according to a new report.

The Greener UK coalition is concerned that the UK’s natural environment is struggling, with more than half of species declining, temperatures rising, and air pollution leading to poor health

Britain's green groups unite to fight for environmental protection post-Brexit

The National Trust, RSPB, WWF and Friends of the Earth are among 13 environmental organisations that have today (8 December) come together to form the Greener UK coalition.

The panel at the Financial Times event was also quizzed on the role of carbon intensive manufacturing sectors in a low-carbon economy

UK firms want EU climate policy retained, says Committee on Climate Change

The Government has been presented with a "very strong message" from the private sector, calling for European Union (EU) climate legislation to be retained post-Brexit, with the promised Industrial Strategy acting as an ideal vehicle to align policies to the low-carbon agenda.