Brexit
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Private sector must be forced to invest in 'green revolution', says Labour
Labour will back measures deterring investment in fossil fuels as part of a new drive to stop the financial sector from funding global heating, John McDonnell will reveal this week.
Charities launch legal challenge over 'unlawful' Brexit wildlife risk
ClientEarth and the Marine Conservation Society have launched a High Court challenge over the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra's) changes to Brexit negotiations, which potentially limit the types of areas set aside for marine protection.
The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for low-carbon transport in the UK?
With Theresa May set to step down as Prime Minister this week after failing to pass her Withdrawal Agreement, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Low-carbon transport.
Five-year plans and non-regression clauses: IEMA lays out demands for Environment Act
Green economy body IEMA has today (28 May) published a list of assurances it wants the UK Government to offer through its New Environment Act, in order to "put sustainability at the heart" of the national economic model.
Theresa May's green policy legacy: Environmental leader or lukewarm laggard?
After weeks of calls to resign from all sides of the House, Theresa May has today (24 May) confirmed that she will step down as Prime Minister next month after three years in power, opening the race for the next Conservative Party leader. Amid tabloid claims that her legacy will be solely based on failing to deliver Brexit, edie instead explores her impact on green policy.
Energy managers reveal biggest challenges and priorities in edie's new 'Business Barometer' report
EXCLUSIVE: The biggest challenge facing energy managers right now is behaviour change, whilst energy efficiency technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) hold the biggest opportunity for businesses looking to drive down emissions – according to new survey results published today (22 May) by edie.
Business Energy Barometer: April-May 2019
edie's brand-new Business Energy Barometer report maps out the key energy drivers, challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses, based on an in-depth survey of energy managers across the country.
Closing at 5pm: Energy managers called upon to take edie's 'Business Barometer' survey
edie is calling on all UK-based energy managers and practitioners to take a new industry survey which will help to inform an exclusive 'Business Barometer' being developed to identify key energy trends and opportunities.
The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for green finance in the UK?
In the wake of Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to delay the deadline to organise a departure from the European Union, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Green finance.
Extinction Rebellion, SDG Spotlights and seaweed sachets: Top 10 sustainability stories of April 2019
April 2019 may well go down as a defining month in the ongoing battle to halt, and ultimately reverse climate change. Global climate strikes led by school children paved the way for the Extinction Rebellion protests to capture the interests of the UK public.
The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for the UK's renewable energy sector?
With MPs extending the deadline to organise a departure from the European Union, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Renewable energy.
Draft Environment Bill 'severely downgrades' environmental laws from EU standards, MPs warn
The implementation of the UK's new Environment Principles and Governance Bill would lead to key national environmental policies becoming "severely downgraded" from those currently mandated by the EU, MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) have warned.
The Big Brexit Questions podcast: What next for the UK's natural capital?
With Brexit discussions set to resume as MPs return to Parliament after an 11-day Easter break, edie's new podcast mini-series explores the impact of Brexit on key areas of the UK's green economy. Up next: Natural capital.
Forget Brexit and focus on climate change, Greta Thunberg tells EU
The teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg has chided EU leaders for holding three emergency summits on Brexit and none on the threat posed by climate change.
Extinction Rebellion: Role of business in society is being defined by climate change
As thousands of climate protestors continue to blockade key London landmarks as part of the Extinction Rebellion protests, businesses have been warned that action or inaction to combat climate change will define their role in future societies.
The Big Brexit Questions: edie analyses green impact of EU exit with series of mini-podcasts
With MPs having failed to agree on a Withdrawal Agreement ahead of the 29 March deadline, the UK's green economy is continuing to ask questions about when and how we will exit the EU, and what impact this will have on business. edie has therefore launched a new series of podcast episodes exploring what Brexit will really mean for key environmental areas, in under 15 minutes.
Jaguar Land Rover updates closed-loop aluminium initiative
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is developing the next phase of its aluminium recycling strategy, having processed more than 300,000 tonnes of scrap back into vehicles over the last six years.
edie's 'Brexit Matrix' maps out green policy impact of EU departure
With the ongoing Brexit negotiations continuing to cause confusion and uncertainty, edie has pieced together a new 'Matrix' which clearly explains the impacts that the UK's various exit scenarios would have on environmental policy.
The Green Brexit Matrix: What do the different outcomes mean for environmental policy?
How will the UK's departure from the EU impact energy and sustainability professionals from a policy perspective; and how does that impact change depending on the different possible exit scenarios that remain? edie's Green Brexit Matrix maps out the answers.
Gove announces 'shadow watchdog' for environmental standards in event of no-deal Brexit
Environment secretary Michael Gove has announced plans for a "distinguished" lawyer to lead a shadow watchdog to oversee environmental protection in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Two-thirds of Defra staff shifted from environmental duties onto Brexit preparations
More than two-thirds of the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs' (Defra) employees have been taken out of their key roles and tasked with delivering Brexit, new official Government figures have revealed.
Sustainable strategies: Learning from the (many) mistakes of Brexit
The Brexit process has been marred by a plethora of mistakes meaning that 'Brexit Day' is just another day of endless negotiations. However, the Government's failures are an opportunity to learn, and there are some key lessons for sustainability professionals.
Have politicians fired the starting gun for a Green New Deal in the UK?
A Private Members Bill in the House of Commons yesterday (26 March) could mark the day in history that serious discussion began on bringing a "Green New Deal" (GND) into UK legislation.
Brexit eclipses climate talks in leaked EU summit draft
EU heads of states are expected to reiterate earlier commitments on climate action when they meet in Brussels later this week, despite growing calls from youths across Europe to step up the fight against global warming, according to a draft EU summit statement seen by EURACTIV.
Spring Statement: Chancellor unveils biodiversity plans and low-carbon homes requirements
BREAKING: Chancellor Philip Hammond has today (13 March) pledged to implement legislation requiring developers to deliver biodiversity net-gain through all projects in his 2019 Spring Statement, which also includes a review into the economic benefits of environmental conservation.
Northern Ireland asks for greater post-Brexit environmental protection under Environment Bill
Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is calling on UK Ministers to amend the upcoming Environment Bill to ensure that it receives stronger environmental standards after Brexit.
Water sector works with Defra to prepare for 'no deal' Brexit
The government has been "working closely" with water companies to prepare for all scenarios of the UK's exit from the European Union, including a "no deal" Brexit.
Lords raise concerns over environmental protections under "no deal" Brexit
A Lords committee has written to Environment Secretary Michael Gove to raise concerns about the protection of environmental standards after Brexit.
Defra's George Eustice resigns over possible Article 50 delay
Agriculture Minister George Eustice has resigned today (28 February) over Brexit.
How could a no-deal Brexit affect the UK's low-carbon energy transition?
As the Brexit deadline looms and Ministers struggle to take a no-deal option off the table, leading energy and policy experts have argued that leaving the EU without a deal would considerably increase the price of the UK's low-carbon transition.
Plastic budgets: Climate Change Act model could solve UK plastics crisis, MPs claim
Ahead of the Government's Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) consultations, MPs are calling for the "urgent" introduction plastic waste legislation which follows the framework of the Climate Change Act, setting ever-stricter and legally binding recycling targets.
How can sustainable businesses prosper post-Brexit?
As the Brexit deadline looms and the UK struggles to place an agreeable deal on the table, leading sustainability and energy experts have called on the nation’s business community to maintain progress towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy without support from Government.
Claire Perry: Business collaboration crucial to avoid 'huge drag' of Brexit
EXCLUSIVE: Energy Minister Claire Perry has directly addressed the sustainable business community's concerns about the UK's impending departure from the EU, reaffirming the Government's commitment to collaborate effectively with corporates to deliver a green economy in a post-Brexit world.
Waste management crisis: Officials warn of putrefying piles of rubbish after no-deal Brexit
Government officials are preparing to deal with "putrefying stockpiles" of rubbish in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to documents leaked to the Guardian.
![MEPs welcomed the Commission’s effort but warn that of the several scenarios on offer only the two net-zero emissions options are “compatible with the Union’s [Paris Agreement] commitment”](https://e2k9ube.cloudimg.io/s/width/226/https://edienet.s3.amazonaws.com/news/images/full_37887.jpg?v2=30/01/2019 09:52:00)
MEPs locked in dispute over EU's climate plan
European lawmakers are locked in a dispute over a landmark climate plan that is meant to drag the EU into compliance with the Paris Agreement, as parliamentary committees tussle over who should take the lead.
The 10 Year Challenge: How the UK's low-carbon economy has changed
The 10-Year Challenge has swept across social media this month, providing celebrities with ample opportunity to show how little they've aged. However, the UK's low-carbon economy has changed drastically in this time, as edie explains.
Government urged to address funding and data concerns for post-Brexit environment watchdog
The UK Government has been urged to equip any new watchdog for future environmental standards with adequate funding and performance measuring qualities, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has claimed.
Brexit: Green community warns of 'catastrophic' no-deal after Theresa May suffers historic defeat
Environmental experts have called on MPs to rule out 'no-deal' after Theresa May faced a crushing defeat on her Brexit deal this evening (15 January).
New air pollution plans improve on EU rules, Government claims
The Government has set out new plans on air pollution that ministers say go beyond existing EU rules, with a pledge to improve air quality nationwide to the standards the World Health Organization (WH0) recommends.
Draft Environment Bill outlines vision for UK's post-Brexit green watchdog
The UK Government has published a partial draft for its anticipated Environment Bill, outlining the powers and limitations of the nation's new post-Brexit watchdog for green standards.
Religious leaders urge Theresa May to appoint dedicated SDG minister
Leaders within the UK's six most predominant religions have urged Prime Minister Theresa May to bolster the Government's action plans for achieving the aims of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), after a recent report revealed that the nation is delivering on less than a quarter of its SDG targets.
Michael Gove set to remain as Defra Secretary
Michael Gove will stay on at Defra after turning down the role of Brexit Secretary, according to reports.
MPs condemn raid on hundreds of environment staff to work on Brexit
Hundreds of staff who protect biodiversity and enforce environmental regulations in the UK have been redeployed to work on Brexit.
UK's renewables attractiveness drops amid no-deal Brexit fears
The UK has fallen in a ranking of the world's most attractive renewable energy markets for investors, with apprehensions around Brexit cited as a major reason for a year-on-year drop in investment.
MPs call for ‘watchdog with teeth' to oversee environmental standards post-Brexit
MPs have called on the Government to strengthen the commitments made in its 25-year Environment Plan in order to prepare for the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario, claiming that the UK is currently at risk of losing one-third of green legislation if no agreement with the EU is agreed.
No legal barriers to cross-border electricity trading in no-deal Brexit scenario
National Grid has given assurances there will be no legal barriers to continued cross-border electricity trading in the case of a no-deal Brexit.
European parliament approves sweeping ban on single-use plastics
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly backed a wide-ranging ban on single-use plastics in an effort to tackle pollution in seas, fields and waterways.
Could a 'no deal' Brexit be a 'golden opportunity' for the UK's green economy?
In light of the Government’s latest wave of 'no deal' Brexit planning updates, resource management experts have claimed that the scenario could force the UK to manage its waste more efficiently.
Delays to energy efficient goods will cost EU consumers 'billions' in lost savings
New energy efficient eco-designs for 15 products including fridges, TVs and dishwashers have been delayed, EU diplomats say, even though experts consider them "crucial" to meeting Europe's Paris climate pledge. The delays are also expected to mean consumers will miss out on lower energy bills.
Brexit countdown: How the green economy could fare in each possible deal scenario
With Brexit negotiations hurtling towards an uncertain outcome, and many questions still unanswered, edie investigates how the UK's green agenda could be affected in each of the three most likely scenarios.
UBS: UK investors 'more cautious' on sustainable finance than global peers
A new report from UBS has found that UK investors have been more cautious to integrate sustainable financial products into their portfolios, largely due to the uncertainties of Brexit.
JLR boss warns Brexit could 'destroy' company's electric vision
Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) chief executive has issued a stark warning to Theresa May that a hard Brexit could cost his firm more than £1.2bn a year and "destroy" investment in electric vehicle (EV) production.
Dude, where’s my EV?
Coinciding with government's Zero Emission Vehicles Summit, the Aldersgate Group published a briefing which sets out the major barriers to decarbonising UK road transport. Will Tricker, Policy Officer at the Group, considers what further support is needed from government to ensure UK businesses are best placed to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Theresa May's £100m pledge: Will the UK lead the world on zero-emission transport?
The world's first zero-emission vehicle summit will be headlined by a £106m investment from the UK Government into low-emission vehicle development. But, how will the UK's transport ambitions fare in light of new EU legislation and continued uncertainty over post-Brexit trade deals?
Business leaders call for post-Brexit vehicle emissions roadmap
A coalition of leaders from business, politics and civil society have today (11 September) called for "much greater clarity" on how vehicle emissions will be reduced post-Brexit, on the same day that the UK Government is hosting the world’s first zero emission vehicles summit in Birmingham.
World's largest offshore windfarm opens off Cumbrian coast
The world's biggest offshore windfarm has officially opened in the Irish Sea, amid warnings that Brexit could increase costs for future projects.
Business giants urge UK, EU to continue energy and climate cooperation after Brexit
A top-level business alliance has called on UK and EU leaders to ensure Brexit includes a comprehensive Climate and Energy Chapter, amid worries about the UK's commitment to international climate policies after the country leaves the European Union.
UK's green watchdog will be powerless over climate change post-Brexit
Ministers are "deliberately weakening" the green watchdog that will hold the government to account after Britain leaves the EU, according to Labour's shadow Brexit minister.
The SDG roundtable: Getting engaged with the Global Goals - Part Two
edie brings you the second part of an exclusive roundtable discussion hosted in association with DNV GL which explored how businesses can drive engagement with the Government, consumers and suppliers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UK would run out of food a year from now with no-deal Brexit, NFU warns
Britain would run out of food on this date next year if it cannot continue to easily import from the EU and elsewhere after Brexit, the National Farmers' Union has warned.
edie at 20: Despite the idiocy that is Brexit, we can do it
For edie's 20th anniversary, prominent environmental peer Lord Deben reflects on green policy, Brexit, carbon budgets and flat-earthers.
edie at 20: How did sustainability become so business-critical?
edie's 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand is an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves of the past two decades of corporate sustainability, which have seen it evolve from an environmental add-on to a fundamental aspect of growth.
MPs insist new post-Brexit green watchdog must have legal powers
The Government should create legally-binding targets for environmental issues that can be scrutinised by a new independent oversight body, MPs have claimed.
Theresa May confirms UK will publish an Environment Bill
Theresa May has announced that the Government will introduce a new Environmental Bill that incorporates measures on air quality among a range of issues.
Brexit White Paper: Everything you need to know about the UK’s environmental aspirations
The Government has today (July 12) published its much-awaited Brexit White Paper, which includes a non-regression requirement to ensure environmental standards do not slip lower than existing European Union (EU) regulation.
Michael Gove vows to safeguard environmental standards post-Brexit
Following the shock resignations of both Boris Johnson and David Davies over the Prime Minister's Chequers proposals, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has re-affirmed that environmental standards will not "slip lower" than those of the European Union (EU) post-Brexit.
edie at 20: Is sustainability finally coming home?
It's official - edie is now 20 years old. Our 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand offers a chance to celebrate and reflect upon the tremendous achievements of the green economy - but it is also a time for us to realise the immense opportunity that now lies ahead.
UK vows to play hard-ball with EU over fishing waters
The UK outlined plans to overhaul its fishing policy on Wednesday, insisting that it would decide unilaterally how much access to give to EU boats after it leaves the bloc next March.
Government must embed SDGs into Brexit strategy, report urges
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should be placed at the heart of the UK's Brexit strategy, according to a new report stating that government policy is performing inadequately across three-quarters of the targets listed under goals.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 path to public-sector sustainability is paved with good intentions
As part of edie's latest sector insight report, the Carbon Trust's managing director for programmes and cities Richard Rugg charts the progress being made across the sector towards a sustainable future.
The public mood is changing – how can business talk to customers about sustainability?
The public mood appears to be changing. David Attenborough's emotive Blue Planet backed by on-going campaigns in the Daily Mail and on Sky has focussed attention on single use plastics. Michael Gove, eager for a positive post-Brexit platform, has sensed an opportunity and started talking about new legislation. Sustainability is creeping up the agenda, customers are getting inquisitive about company behaviour. How should business respond?
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2017: A turning point for energy efficiency in the UK?
2017 started badly for the energy efficiency sector: no policy news and yet another shuffle in the Ministerial team. The Government's plan to deliver the 5th Carbon budget was long overdue, the energy efficiency policy landscape was full of holes, and the market was flat.
Safeguarding the environment to future-proof our economy
As a Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability professional I couldn't not respond to the UK's shiny new 25 year Environment Plan this month, which sets out how the UK will tackle the crisis facing our natural world.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Don’t look back in anger: Top sustainability trends in 2017
Some of us might look back on 2017 as another eventful, if somewhat discouraging year for sustainability. 2017 has seen the inauguration of Trump, which has led to the US pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, and more recently, has led to removing climate change from the list of USA national security threats. Meanwhile, closer to home, Brexit brings fears that the 1,100 EU environmental laws will become watered down in the UK among the effort to ensure Britain remains a great trading nation. Amid all this, you would be forgiven for thinking that 2017 has been a dismal year for sustainability.
2017 green policy review: A year of progress and pleasant surprises
What a difference a year makes. Let us briefly cast our minds back to the halcyon days of January 2017 - who would have thought that a widely-ridiculed Jeremy Corbyn would soon become favourite to be the next PM; that a divorced mixed-raced American actress would be about to enter the Royal Family, or that a vastly experienced England cricket team would succumb to a humiliating Ashes defeat Down Under before the Boxing Day test?
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.
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.
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