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O2 recertified to highest Carbon Trust standard for supply chain emissions management
Telecoms giant O2 has been recertified to the highest possible level of supply chain management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SDGs In Action: How Thai Union is achieving Goal 14 - Life Below Water
Welcome back to edie's new editorial series which breaks down exactly how businesses are turning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into action. Up next: seafood-based food producer Thai Union outlines how it is creating healthy oceans by changing seafood for good.
Fashion industry sourced record amount of sustainable cotton in 2018
Fashion brands and retailers collectively sourced more than one million metric tonnes of sustainably certified cotton through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) last year, breaking the industry standard operator's record.
Tesco switches to sustainable cocoa for own-brand products in time for Easter
UK supermarket Tesco has announced that all cocoa for its own-brand chocolate is now sourced from farms that are Rainforest Alliance Certified.
SDGs In Action: How Asia Pulp & Paper is achieving Goal 15 - Life On Land
Welcome to edie's brand new editorial series which breaks down exactly how businesses are turning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into action. First up: paper manufacturer Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) reveals how it is driving out deforestation while improving the livelihoods of its workers in Indonesia.
Palm oil: Certified but NOT sustainable
Last month, Jonathon Porritt stated in his edie blog that the intent of the Changing Markets Foundation was to 'undermine the creditability of certification schemes' without suggesting alternatives. As the Foundation's campaign's director, I was surprised by this accusation and feel compelled to provide my own response.
Certified & sustainable
One of Europe's most influential thought leaders on sustainable development, writer and broadcaster Jonathon Porritt, on the need to support certification programmes that deliver zero deforestation.
Royal College of Physicians achieves Carbon Trust Standard certification
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been recognised for recording a 30% reduction in its carbon footprint over a three-year period by becoming the first royal college to receive the Carbon Trust Standard certification.
Co-op: Fair pay for supply chain workers 'could be the next plastics'
As more companies begin to emphasise the importance of human rights across global supply chains, the Co-op's chief commercial officer Michael Fletcher has noted that supply chain worker treatment could have a “David Attenborough moment” and become the next big sustainability issue for consumers.
Interface unveils goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040
Modular flooring firm Interface has set a new target of becoming carbon negative by 2040, building on a 2020 ambition of having “no negative environmental impact”.
ISO 50001 revised to reflect changing energy landscape
The ISO 50001 energy management standard has been revised for the first time since it was published to account for trends such as rising energy costs and climate change.
Cradle to Cradle: C&A launches 'world's most circular' jeans
Fashion retailer C&A has this week launched the world's first Gold level Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified jeans, and is now providing other clothing brands with the tools they need to produce equally sustainable denim garments.
Big-name investors make joint call for stronger palm oil certification standards
More than 90 institutional investors representing more than $6.7trn in assets under management have jointly urged the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to strengthen its draft certification standards before they are finalised in November.
How collaborating with WWF helped Thai Union drive sustainability sector-wide
EXCLUSIVE: More corporations should consider partnering with public-sector organisations if they wish to go beyond improving their own sustainability strategies to drive industry-wide improvements, according to Thai Union’s award-winning global director of sustainable development, Darian McBain.
PepsiCo on track for palm oil goals despite NGO concerns
PepsiCo has released an updated sourcing policy in a bid to source 100% certified sustainable palm oil by 2020, a move that the Rainforest Action Network has described as a "dodge and cover" action plan.
'Label shopping': Is the certification scheme model broken?
Voluntary certification schemes have fiercely denied claims from a new report that that are providing cover for companies that are "destroying the planet", raising questions of whether the abundance of certification offers is watering-down sustainability efforts.
Mondelez calls for 'brave' collaboration to bring cocoa supply chain out of poverty
EXCLUSIVE: The head of Mondelez's Cocoa Life sourcing programme has called on the cocoa industry to "be brave" when exploring new ways to enhance supply chain practices that ensure cocoa is sourced sustainably while bringing smallholder farmers out of poverty.
Aldi tops UK supermarkets for sustainable seafood products
Aldi has edged out Sainsbury's and Lidl in offering the largest amount of sustainable seafood to UK customers, according to new findings from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
How Icebreaker's first transparency report aims to disrupt the outdoor apparel industry
A New Zealand-based outdoor apparel company's attempt to disrupt the industry by reducing plastic synthetics has been highlighted through its first Transparency report, which provides complete disclosure into supply chain contracts, living wage commitments and edible packaging innovations.
ESOS Phase 2: beyond compliance and added value
Many businesses were caught out by Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) in 2015 - either because the qualification criteria were obscure, or the communication from the Environment Agency (EA) didn't get through, or just because other priorities pushed ESOS to the bottom of the pile. Either way, ESOS Phase 1 was a bit of a scramble, and may not have been entirely valuable to your business (other than avoiding a fine!).
Sustainability a competitive advantage for business, says Nespresso boss
EXCLUSIVE: Businesses aiming to become sustainability leaders cannot ignore approaches to communication in an age where consumers and stakeholders are actively engaged on corporate approaches to societal and environmental needs, the chief executive of Nespresso has claimed.
B Corps are on the move – why it’s time to join in
Ella's Kitchen certified as a B Corporation two years ago this February, only the second company ever to certify whilst being part of a PLC, after Ben & Jerry's with Unilever. However becoming a B Corp was always about something bigger than its impact on Ella's Kitchen.
ESOS – The Challenges Last Time
We are now in Phase 2 of ESOS and, although the deadline of 5th December 2019 may seem a long way off, you should now be thinking about the compliance process. But how can you learn from the challenges last time?
Energy resilience roundtable: Paving the path to a clean energy future
Energy management experts from some of the world's biggest manufacturers and retailers recently came together for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and Centrica Business Solutions to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities when it comes to building energy resilience.
B Corp businesses grow 28 times faster than national average
New research has revealed that businesses within the purpose-driven B Corp movement are growing 28 times faster than the national economic growth of 0.5%.
Waitrose's ethical supplier scheme expands out of Africa for first time
Waitrose is expanding its ethical trading initiative beyond Africa for the first time, with pineapple growers in Costa Rica set to be backed by extra investment from the British retailer.
ISO 14001: edie launches updated practical guide to implementation
Organisations and professionals with an interest in the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard now have access to an updated, comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to gain certification.
Unilever to increase sustainable palm oil production in Indonesia
Global consumer goods firm Unilever has struck a deal with a government-owned palm oil plantation firm in Indonesia to create a support framework that enables local mills and smallholders to produce palm oil according to standards of no deforestation and no peatland deterioration.
In practice: Salesforce's largest US blackwater recycling system
As part of a move to redefine its business purpose through staff well-being and sustainability, Salesforce has used its flagship San Francisco headquarters to champion water efficiency in an area notorious for severe droughts.
In practice: AccorHotels' new project targeting BREEAM excellent certification
Ahead of edie's flagship Sustainability Leaders Awards in January, edie is taking a closer look at some of the projects initiatives that have been deemed worthy of a finalist position by our expert judges. Up next: AccorHotels' new London hotel.
ISO 50001: edie launches new-look guide to implementation for energy managers
Organisations and energy managers with an interest in the ISO 50001 energy management standard now have access to an updated 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to gain certification.
Health and wellbeing: the next frontier for the built environment
Each year, millions of working days are lost because of work-related stress, depression or anxiety, highlighting the direct impact employees' health and happiness can have on business performance. Redesigning and reimagining the workplace to better support how work is done now and in the future could not only enhance employee wellbeing, but also improve performance and productivity.
In practice: Landsec's BREEAM Outstanding headquarters designed to WELL standards
As more companies look to create the right work environments for staff wellbeing, Landsec created the UK's largest fully WELL Certified space for staff health, which also achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
Target shoots for 100% sustainable cotton by 2022
Clothing giant Target has set a new goal to source 100% sustainable cotton by 2022 for its owned and exclusive national brands across apparel, home and essential products.
How to expand your business sustainably: it all starts with your supply chain
The 2016 CEO Study published by Accenture and the United Nations Global Compact boldly claims that a "staggering 97% of CEO's interviewed believe that sustainability is important to the future success of their business". Despite being reminiscent of the 97% of scientists that agree on climate change, clearly, we are at a point in time where the question around business expansion is not can, but rather how, does a business grow sustainably and where should it focus its efforts?
From climate science to global goals: How Tetra Pak is realigning its sustainability strategy
As Tetra Pak's latest sustainability report reveals that the company looks set to outperform its original goals, the firm's vice president of environment Mario Abreu explains how the food packaging company is preparing to shoot for approved science-based targets.
New energy certification label launched to unlock finance for renewable generation capacity
Businesses can now rest assured that the renewable electricity they are sourcing will assist the transition away from aging fossil infrastructure, through the launch of a new energy label certification that will finance the expansion of new generation capacity and devices.
Top retailers demanded to stop selling 'unsustainable tuna'
Major retailers Tesco, Asda and Morrisons have been accused of "misleading consumers" by selling "unsustainable tuna" sourced from two Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries.
Consumers 'betrayed' over sustainability of world's biggest tuna fishery
Consumers of tuna from the world's biggest fishery are are being "betrayed" over its sustainability, according to a coalition of scientists, retailers, politicians and campaigners, including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Green & Black's removes Fairtrade from new UK chocolate range
Mondelez International is expanding the new branding initiative of its sustainable sourcing commitment, after it was revealed that a new edition of a Green & Black's bar would go on sale without any Fairtrade branding.
New £5 and £10 banknotes have smaller lifetime carbon impact
New £5 and £10 notes unveiled by the Bank of England earlier this month have carbon footprints 16% and 8% lower than previous paper versions, new analysis from the Carbon Trust has revealed.
New standard launched to certify business commitments to SDGs
A new standard was launched on Monday (10 July) to quantify, certify and maximise the business contributions to the development of climate change mitigation and other key targets listed by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Waitrose commits to 100% Fairtrade tea amid Sainsbury's alternative scheme controversy
British supermarket chain Waitrose has strengthened its commitment to source Fairtrade tea, as fellow retailer Sainsbury's continues to face criticism for launching its own 'Fairly Traded' sustainability standard.
'Investor-ready' green certification project rolled-out for district energy and street lighting
A green certification project aimed at standardising how building projects are measured and developed to accelerate investment opportunities has received backing from the Horizon 2020 programme to expand across Europe.
UK's biomass ambition: Low-cost solution or forest full of loopholes?
A new report has outlined that using waste and biomass for gasification can help the UK meet its 2050 carbon targets at a lower cost to the economy, on the same day that research condemned a biomass standard used by Drax, E.ON and DONG as a "forest of loopholes".
ESOS Phase 2: How to get maximum value from the compliance process
It's official: the compliance period for Phase 2 of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is underway and qualifying organisations are now able to begin the compliance process.
ESOS: Government begins issuing non-compliance fines as Phase 2 begins
With the second phase of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) now underway, the Environment Agency has revealed that hundreds of organisations will be hit with large fines for failing to comply with Phase 1 of the mandatory scheme.
Rainforest Alliance and UTZ to 'redefine sustainability standards' with merger
EXCLUSIVE: Businesses look set to benefit from a streamlined certification process within agriculture supply chains, after the Rainforest Alliance announced an intention "redefine the certification landscape" by merging with fellow sustainability certifiers UTZ.
Sainsbury's prompts backlash from Fairtrade after developing its own 'Fairly Traded' eco-label
Sainsbury's has clashed with The Fairtrade Foundation after the supermarket group launched its own sustainability standard which effectively negates the need for external ethical certification labels on its products.
Celebrating a decade of excellence in sustainability
Over the last decade, the way businesses run and operate has changed dramatically when it comes to sustainability. The rise of data has enabled companies to measure their operations and impact across their supply chains. This has led to one of the biggest changes in sustainability as businesses are able to track progress and have a more measureable and positive impact.
38,000 people a year die early because of diesel emissions testing failures
The global human health impact of the diesel emissions scandal has been revealed by new research showing a minimum of 38,000 people a year die early due to the failure of diesel vehicles to meet official limits in real driving conditions.
Meet the experts for free one-to-one advice
Let our experts steer you along the route to achieving best practice in sustainability, help you grasp complex issues, absorb new trends, deep dive into strategy and tackle challenges with confidence. And all in a one-to-one tailored consultation.
LEED and BREEAM can generate 'stories of leadership' for businesses, says USGBC
EXCLUSIVE: The ongoing expansion of LEED certification opportunities in Europe can enable businesses to become leaders in the built environment, by obtaining duel, third-party certifications that highlight the business case for green buildings.
edie Live exhibitor focus: Planet Mark
Ahead of edie Live at the NEC on 23-24 May, we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see from them at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.
Marine Stewardship Council unveils new sustainable seafood targets to mark 20th anniversary
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has celebrated its 20th anniversary by unveiling new targets to increase the amount of sustainable seafood caught across the world.
Compost, degrade, recycle: the truth about plastic bags
There is obviously a lot of confusion around the materials plastic shopping bags are made from and the compostability, biodegradability and recyclability of them.
Premier Inn pledges to deliver three million sustainable fish and chip meals
Premier Inn has become the world's largest Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified national hotel chain, meaning an extra three million sustainable portions of fish and chips will be served across the UK each year.
O2 becomes first company to receive highest Carbon Trust Standard for supply chains
As the United Nations launches a framework to help businesses assess sustainability impacts, digital communications provider O2 has been named as the first organisation in the world to receive the highest Carbon Trust Standard for supply chains.
Greenhouse PR certified as sustainable business
Greenhouse PR has become one of the first sustainability-focused UK consultancies to gain certification as a B Corporation thanks to a distinguished social and environmental performance.
WWF: Third-party sustainability standards can advance SDG progress for business
Businesses can contribute strongly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and unlock new market opportunities by using credible voluntary sustainability standards, a new report from WWF has claimed.
Smurfit Kappa hits certification goal for sustainably-sourced packaging
Global paper-based packaging firm Smurfit Kappa has completed its goal of ensuring that 90% of all packaging sold to consumers is Chain of Custody certified, demonstrating full-transparency and a willingness to source from verified certification systems.
BBC launches mandatory carbon tracking scheme
From April this year, all BBC televisions programmes will be required to track their carbon footprint using a "hotspot" identifying calculator.
First batch of businesses offer support for net-zero building project
Three businesses have thrown their weight behind a new project aimed at achieving net zero emissions in the global building stock by 2050.
SmartestEnergy launches UK's first certified 100% renewable electricity product
Independent green energy supplier SmartestEnergy has launched the UK's first independently certified 100% renewable electricity product for businesses.
edie publishes free ISO 14001 guide for environmental professionals
Organisations and professionals with an interest in the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard now have access to a free, comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to gain certification.
Soy and deforestation: the easiest step to take is also the most impactful
If we reflect on the prominent environmental issues of 2016, those that received widespread media coverage: the Paris Agreement, renewable energy, palm oil, fracking and air pollution, amongst others, would undoubtedly spring to mind. Few headlines seemed to touch on the deforestation sweeping across South America to give way to an expanding soy industry and its relationship to meat and dairy.
Carbon Trust launches zero-waste-to-landfill certification
Advisory firm The Carbon Trust has unveiled a new certification to award business achievements in diverting zero waste to landfill.
Grosvenor achieves first ever BREEAM Outstanding rating for a listed building
International development and management company Grosvenor's retrofit project at 119 Ebury Street in London's Belgravia has become the first ever listed residential building to achieve a BREEAM 'Outstanding' rating for its strong environmental credentials.
Consumer demand for green products 'reaching a tipping point'
Companies that clearly demonstrate the climate credentials of their products could gain a significant competitive and commercial advantage, according to a new report which reveals that two thirds of consumers across the UK, France and Germany would now like to see a recognisable carbon footprint label on goods.
Carlsberg obtains circular economy certification for Kronenbourg glass bottles
Global beverage company Carlsberg has become the first company in the world to be accredited with a Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) bronze certification for a glass beverage packaging.
Doe v Nestle or should I say David v Goliath?
In the 11-year-long legal battle of Doe v Nestle, Archer-Daniels-Midland Co and Cargill Inc, there has been some movement towards this case finally being settled.
Business sustainability integration hampered by short-termism, survey finds
The progress of integrating sustainability within business operations is still being hindered by a focus on short-term results and a lack of management awareness, according to a new survey conducted by a global consultant in risk management.
edie launches free ISO 50001 guide for energy managers
Organisations and energy managers with an interest in the ISO 50001 energy management system now have access to a free comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down all of the key information required to gain certification.
Retailers and restaurants stepping up to the plate on sustainable seafood
Fisheries, supermarkets and foodservice businesses are together driving up demand for traceable, sustainable seafood as a new report from the Marine Stewardship council (MSC) reveals that the volume of MSC-certified catch increased by a further 6% last year.
Ikea and McDonald's go 'all-in' for sustainable coffee
Furniture retailer Ikea and fast food business McDonald's have both announced fresh commitments to sell coffee from certified-sustainable sources.
Toyota set to unveil 'world's first' net zero energy automotive dealership
Motor giant Toyota is "on schedule" to unveil the world's first certified net-zero energy automotive dealership, after striking a deal with the architects of the building to collect data to ensure that the facility is producing more energy than it uses.
Olam gains water certification for plantation as Fairtrade warns of climate-driven coffee decline
With a new report from Fairtrade warning that climate change could stunt global coffee production by 50%, supplier Olam International has become the first agri-business globally to achieve the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard - for it's coffee plantation in Tanzania.
Millennium and Copthorne retains Carbon Trust Standard certification
Millennium and Copthorne (M&C) Hotels has achieved a re-certification to the Carbon Trust Standard after achieving a 10.9% reduction in emissions over a two-year period.
RSPO re-certifies IOI Group after initial suspension
Palm oil giant IOI has had its sustainability credentials re-certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) following its suspension by the certification body earlier in the year.
Costa Express served ISO 14001 sustainability standard
Costa Coffee has been awarded the ISO 14001 International Standard for Environmental Management Systems for its self-serve 'Express' outlets, less than a week after the organisation was scrutinised for its approach to managing waste coffee cups.
Nationwide rewarded with Carbon Trust Triple Standard after exceeding sustainability targets
The world's largest building society, Nationwide, has become the first high street financial services provider in the UK to achieve triple re-certification to the Carbon Trust Standards for its "holistic approach" to managing carbon, water and waste.
Certified green energy supplier becomes first in UK to cover switching fees
Renewable energy supplier Bulb has become the first UK supplier to offer to pay-off exiting tariff fees to new customers and businesses who decide to switch suppliers, just a week after receiving new certification for its transparency towards environmental impacts.
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