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The risks and rewards of brokers
As the non-domestic retail water market opens on April 1, brokers are anticipating a boom in business. edie sister title Utility Week has provided an in-depth guide to the utility broker market as it stands, and considers how it is likely to change after market opening.
Global decarbonisation efforts 'stall', pushing climate goals out of reach
Global decarbonisation efforts will need to be seven times greater than current efforts, if the world is to stand a fair chance of limiting global warming to 1.5C, according to a new PwC report which found that the rate of global decarbonisation has slowed to its lowest level since 2011.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2020: Luke Landers, University Hospitals Birmingham
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Luke Landers, energy and sustainability manager at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust.
EU countries have 'no concrete plans' to phase out fossil fuel subsidies: report
Not a single EU member state has so far spelled out a comprehensive plan to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, despite a commitment taken at the G20 ten years ago to eliminate them, according to a fresh analysis of the bloc's 28 National Energy and Climate Plans.
Coal generation becoming a 'distant memory' as share of energy mix falls to 0.7%
The amount of energy generated from coal sources in the UK has fallen to a record-low output of 0.7% - a 63% decline on the same period the year prior - with low-carbon making up more than half of the UK's energy mix.
The Barker Plan: How a former UK Energy Minister used sustainability to transform a sanctioned Russian aluminium firm
EXCLUSIVE: Over the course of a year, Russian aluminium and hydropower firm EN+ Group has gone from being banned on the US market to launching a new sweeping sustainability strategy and having those sanctions lifted. Here, edie speaks to former UK Energy Minister Greg Barker, who has been the surprise driving force behind this transformation.
CCS, food waste and deposit return schemes: Recapping a week of major green policy announcements
As Boris Johnson settles into his first day as the UK Prime Minister, Defra, the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have released a flurry of documents to strengthen approaches to environmental regulation, energy policy and packaging production.
National Grid ESO joins Powering Past Coal Alliance
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has announced it is joining an international group, called the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), which is working on the transition away from coal power.
Emergency response Q&A: How can business accelerate towards net-zero emissions?
The UK has declared a climate emergency and the Government has set a legally binding target for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This one-hour webinar takes the form of a live Q&A session with a range of climate policy and business energy experts to explore how businesses should respond to the situation.
G20 nations triple coal power subsidies despite climate crisis
G20 nations have almost tripled the subsidies they give to coal-fired power plants in recent years, despite the urgent need to cut the carbon emissions driving the climate crisis.
UK to use more electricity from renewables than coal for first time in 2019
2019 will be the year that the UK's electricity system distributes more power generated from zero-carbon sources than from coal-fired power stations for the first time, new data from National Grid has concluded.
UK to be left with five coal power stations after Fiddler's Ferry closure
The UK's race to increase renewable energy sources has intensified with the announcement of plans to close another coal-fired power station.
Energy industry's carbon emissions rise at fastest rate in nearly a decade
Carbon emissions from the global energy industry rose at the fastest rate in almost a decade in 2018 after surprise swings in global temperatures stoked extra demand for fossil fuels.
Michael Bloomberg announces $500m campaign to end US coal generation
Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has announced a $500m investment aimed at fighting climate change by ending coal-fired electricity generation in the US.
UK celebrates first coal-free fortnight for electricity grid
The UK's electricity grid will have operated without coal-fired power for a fortnight at 3.12pm today (31 May), marking a first since pre-industrial times.
UK goes 11 days coal-free (and counting)
The UK has set another energy-related record in 2019, with the National Grid confirming on Tuesday (28 May), that the UK has gone 11 days without relying on coal for power generation.
Cambridge University agrees to explore fossil fuel divestment plan
The former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has welcomed an "urgent change" by Cambridge University, after it agreed to provide fully costed plans setting out how it could divest multibillion-pound endowments from fossil fuel corporations.
UK completes first coal-free week since Industrial Revolution
The UK has just completed its first week without any domestic coal generation on the power grid since before the Industrial Revolution, marking a significant milestone in its low-carbon energy transition.
Britain notches up another coal-free record over Easter
Great Britain's power grid notched up another coal-free record over the Easter weekend, operating for nearly 92 consecutive hours without any domestic coal generation.
UK breaks coal-free power generation record by huge margin
Coal has historically been at the cornerstone of the UK's electricity mix, but the first three months of 2019 saw the electricity grid clock up 650 hours of coal-free generation - more than was achieved during the entirety of 2017.
In charts: The UK's record-breaking year for low-carbon energy generation
With the latest Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) statistics revealing that 2018 was a record-breaking year for renewables and low-carbon generation, edie dives into the data to pull out the key achievements.
First deep coal mine in 30 years given go-ahead in Cumbria
Cumbria County Council has granted planning approval for a new coal mine facility, Woodhouse Colliery in Whitehaven, the first of its kind in more than 30 years.
UK carbon emissions fall for record sixth year
CO2 emissions have fallen for a sixth consecutive year - the longest continuous decline since records began - according to new data provided by the Government.
Etsy to offset global shipping emissions
Online retailer Etsy has announced plans to offset 100% of its carbon emissions generated from shipping items, free of charge for its customers.
Global energy demand to decouple from economic growth by 2035, but not quick enough for a 2C world
Global energy demand will decouple from economic growth for the first time by 2035, due to zero-carbon energy sources accounting for more than half of the global power supply - a feat that still puts a 2C-pathway "out of reach".
Carbon Brief: UK's emissions could have doubled since 1990 without renewable energy
The UK's total carbon footprint has decreased by 38% since 1990 - but could have doubled if the renewable energy revolution had failed to gain traction, new analysis from Carbon Brief has concluded.
Germany agrees to end reliance on coal stations by 2038
Germany has agreed to end its reliance on polluting coal power stations by 2038, in a long-awaited decision that will have major ramifications for Europe's attempts to meet its Paris climate change targets.
Analysis warns of lack of progress on 2020 global emissions target
Removing coal from the global energy mix is taking too long, too many forests are still being destroyed, and fossil fuel subsidies are ongoing despite their distorting effect on the market, a new study has found.
Nuclear strategy in 'meltdown' after Wylfa suspension
The government's nuclear strategy is in "meltdown" following Hitachi's announcement that it is halting work on its plans for a new UK atomic power plant in north Wales, Alan Whitehead has said.
Renewables forecast to overtake fossil fuels in 2020
Renewables will overtake fossil fuels in 2020 to become the "dominant" source of power in Great Britain, EnAppsSys has predicted in a new report.
Minister urged to drop new coal-mining plans in Northumberland
A wild stretch of Northumberland beach has become the ultimate testing ground of the Government's much-vaunted commitment to phase out coal by 2025, according to campaigners.
EU forges deal on coal phase-out, with special Polish clause
European Union legislators reached agreement in the early hours of Wednesday (19 December) over a proposed reform of electricity market rules that includes a 2025 cut-off date for coal subsidies, and a special clause for Poland.
Wales pledges to phase-out fossil fuels in favour of renewables
The Welsh Government has committed to phase out the continued extraction and use of fossil fuels, including those obtained by fracking, as it strives to reduce national carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, against a 2011 baseline.
'We are last generation that can stop climate change' - UN summit
The UN climate change summit begins on Monday with a warning that today's generation is the last that can prevent catastrophic global warming, as well as the first to be suffering its impacts.
In action: EDF Energy's smart data focus to drive energy efficiency
In September 2017, EDF Energy installed its PowerNow live energy monitoring system at one of its own offices as a way of trialling its own solutions whilst improving the energy efficiency of the building. As revealed in this case study, the project has achieved excellent results all round.
Five ideas to capitalise on your energy data
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where roundtable participants shared experiences of energy data management tools and techniques, and explored some of the practical steps that can be taken to generate energy and cost savings through more effective monitoring and measuring approaches.
Sustainable mobility: A blueprint for business leadership
This edie insight report explores five of the most important areas of focus for sustainability professionals – from electric vehicles (EVs) and greener fleets, to smarter business travel.
Big-name retailers collaborate to spur uptake of clean domestic fuels
Several big-name retail brands including B&Q, Asda and Wickes have this week unveiled fresh measures to help consumers make the switch to low-carbon, smoke-free and energy-efficient home fuels.
Fresh warnings over lack of climate action across finance sector
The reinsurance and pension fund sectors are failing to progress the finance sector towards key climate goals by continuing to invest in coal projects over low-carbon alternatives, two reports have claimed.
Tata Steel unveils technology that could halve emissions from steel production
Tata Steel has unveiled new technology that is able to reduce the carbon emissions from iron and steel production by more than 50%.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: The Coal Authority - Recycling and Resources
With entries soon closing for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Recycling and Resources winners, The Coal Authority.
Trump administration scraps Obama-era regulation on coal emissions
The Trump administration has put forward a greenhouse gas emissions plan that could boost output from coal-fired power plants rather than push them towards closure and result in as many as 1,400 premature deaths each year.
Report: EU carbon prices could hit €40 over next five years
European Union (EU) carbon prices could more than double to €40 per tonne between 2019 and 2023, spurring the transition away from coal power across the bloc.
The Climate Coach: Renewable Energy
I have a dream, of a society where children play safely outside in green, common areas, where there are no cars. People travel to work in electric powered trains, buses and through electric car share. They walk and cycle to school, to the local shop and to meet friends. A dream where renewable energy sources provide all the power we need - for heating, electricity and transport - in businesses as well as in homes.
Ireland becomes world's first country to divest from fossil fuels
The Republic of Ireland will become the world's first country to sell off its investments in fossil fuel companies, after a bill was passed with all-party support in the lower house of parliament.
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.
G7 countries pour $100bn a year into oil, gas and coal: study
Each year, at least $100bn goes to support the production and consumption of oil, gas and coal, according to a major new study published on Monday (4 June). That is despite a promise from all G7 and G20 members to stop subsidising fossil fuels by 2025.
Top pension funds and insurers failing to engage with climate risks
Some of the UK's biggest pension funds are failing to address climate-related impacts, while 25 of the world's largest insurance brokers continue to invest in coal or tar sands projects, two damning reports have claimed this week.
UK insurers lead the ranks for climate action
UK insurance companies Aviva and Legal & General have taken two of the top four spots in a ranking of global insurers on their climate strategies, but globally the sector is struggling to set climate targets in line with the Paris Agreement.
'From coal to clean' - UK does not need to turn to gas, says WWF
The UK has no need to build new large gas-fired power stations to replace the coal plants that the government has pledged to switch off by 2025, the World Wide Fund for Nature has argued.
Allianz pledges to stop insuring coal plants as pressure mounts on insurance industry
Financial services firm Allianz has set a target to eliminate its insurance coverage for coal, amid heightened pressure on the industry to end its support for the fossil fuel.
Sector insight: The state of sustainability in hospitality & leisure
This exclusive insight report explores the key drivers, challenges and opportunities facing sustainability in the UK's hospitality & leisure industry.
UK runs without coal power for three days in a row
The UK has been powered without coal for three days in a row, setting a new record and underlining the polluting fuel's rapid decline.
Open cast coal mine rejection faces High Court challenge
The government's rejection of plans for a new open cast coal mine faces a High Court challenge amidst accusations by the project's backers that the move will push up energy prices by increasing the UK's reliance on risky overseas supplies of the fuel.
The sustainability communications handbook
This handbook equips you with the knowledge and insight required to help your audience understand the true value of sustainability, from the boardroom, to your staff, consumers and investors.
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.
Why cities are switching to renewables
Over two years after national leaders committed in Paris to keep a global temperature rise to below 2C, municipal leaders at some of the world's largest cities are stepping up to the challenge and harnessing the power of renewable energy.
Sector insight: The state of sustainability in the public sector
This exclusive insight report explores the key drivers, challenges and opportunities facing sustainability in the UK's public sector.
Renewable output rises by more than a quarter in the UK
Renewable output rose by 27% over 2017 due to windier weather and new capacity coming online, according to the latest Electric Insights report from Imperial College London.
Balearics launch pioneering plan to phase out emissions
The Balearic islands' government has launched a pioneering plan to phase out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, potentially setting itself on a collision course with the Spanish government.
OECD urges countries to tax dirty energy
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has encouraged governments to start taxing CO2 emissions more aggressively, in a new report which warns that current taxation levels are not enough to fight climate change effectively.
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.
Ørsted chief calls for 'high pace' climate and SDG action
Danish energy giant Ørsted's chief executive has highlighted the severe threats of climate change and the unique opportunities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the company's latest sustainability report, which outlined the company's transition away from fossil fuels.
Capacity Market Auction: 'Bizarre' Government policies blocking renewables funding
The provisional results of the latest Capacity Market Auction were released by National Trust today (2 February), leading to the closure on a coal-fired power plant and concerns from the renewables sector that clean technologies are being blocked from finance.
Lloyd's of London to divest from coal over climate change
Lloyd's of London, the world's oldest insurance market, has become the latest financial firm to announce that it plans to stop investing in coal companies.
Welsh coal mine set for geothermal transformation following £9.4m fund
A council in Wales has been awarded £6.5m in European Union (EU) funds to explore how water from an underground mine can be used as a geothermal energy source to heat nearby homes.
Clean Growth Strategy 'not enough' to meet UK's carbon targets, climate advisers warn
Urgent action is needed to flesh out current plans in the Clean Growth Strategy in order to meet the UK's fourth and fifth carbon budgets, the Government's climate change watchdog has cautioned.
UK government spells out plan to shut down coal plants
One of the UK's eight remaining coal power stations is expected to cease generating electricity this year, the government has said as it laid out new rules that will force all the plants to close by 2025.
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?
Trump will drop climate change from US National Security Strategy
The Trump administration will drop climate change from a list of global threats in a new National Security Strategy the president is due to unveil on Monday.
Central Heating - is the future smart?
Is it time to smarten up the humble central heating in our homes and use the technology available to reduce the energy we need to stay warm?
World Bank, major businesses and nations unite against coal funding
The One Planet Summit in Paris has signalled the beginning of the end for the coal industry, after the World Bank, numerous financial institutions and a group of nations and major businesses all pledged to phase out fossil fuel funding and use.
The key business takeaways from COP23
So, COP 23 has come and gone, with little attention in the media. Expectations were for a technically focused meeting, working through some of the detail needed to bring the Paris agreement to life. Does this mean that there was little in it of business interest? Far from it, there were some important outcomes that provide real opportunities for business leadership. Here are my key takeaways.
'Political watershed' as 19 countries pledge to phase out coal
A new alliance of 19 nations committed to quickly phasing out coal has been launched at the UN climate summit in Bonn, Germany. It was greeted as a "political watershed", signalling the end of the dirtiest fossil fuel that currently provides 40% of global electricity.
US isolated as Syria signs the Paris Agreement
The US, the world's second largest emitter, is "out in the cold" as the only nation outside of the Paris Agreement on climate change, after Syria became the latest and last signatory to the global accord.
US withdraws from anti-corruption fossil fuel transparency initiative
The US has taken further steps to strengthen fossil fuel businesses, by withdrawing from an international initiative that monitors transparency and corruption in the revenues from mineral extraction and the oil and gas sector.
G20 falls behind on national decarbonisation pledges
The UK is "strongly outperforming" the rest of G20 in decoupling emissions from economic growth, but businesses and governments have been warned that the goals of the Paris Agreement won't be achieved with current decarbonisation ambitions.
The Problem with Solar (and other Renewables)
Night is the Achilles Heel of solar and this leads onto other interesting problems with other domestic renewable options
UK energy firms call on chancellor to boost carbon tax
Two of Britain's biggest energy companies have called on Philip Hammond to strengthen a carbon tax that has driven a dramatic collapse in coal power generation, arguing it is essential for the shift to cleaner energy.
Higher carbon price needed to phase out UK coal generation by 2025
Following plans with Canada to launch global alliance to encourage nations to phase-out coal use, the UK Government has been informed that a carbon price of £40 per tonne may be required to shut down all remaining coal plants by 2025.
PwC: UK spearheads clean growth in G20
The decline of coal consumption and improved energy efficiency helped the UK to decarbonise at a rate faster than any other G20 country in 2016, according to research from PWC.
New industrial air pollution ruling puts EU coal plants on 'life support'
Large industrial plants have been given a four-year timeframe to adhere to new standards on air pollutants across the European Union (EU), a decision that places "the immediate future of coal plants into doubt", according to environmental lawyers ClientEarth.
Fossil fuel subsidies racking up trillions in health costs
Health costs related to fossil fuel use outweigh taxpayer-funded subsidies by 600%, according to a new study that insists governments should stop pumping money into dirty energy sources.
UK Coal Authority turns to solar to offset water treatment costs
A regulatory body of the UK coal industry has named the latest contractor for a four-year renewable energy framework to offset the costs of its 75 mine water treatment sites.
'Unstoppable' renewables to reach new heights as costs tumble, report finds
Renewable energy sources will account for around three quarters of the expected $10trn global investment into power generating technologies between now and 2040, a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has claimed.
Global carbon emissions flat for third straight year, BP study shows
Global carbon emissions remained flat for the third consecutive year, according to a BP study, which shows the fuel mix shifting away from coal towards low-carbon sources and energy efficiency.
Windy weather brings new renewable energy record
Windy weather brought with it a new renewable record on Wednesday lunchtime as output from wind, solar, biomass and hydro peaked at 19.3GW - more than half of all demand.
Vote for change: Why Labour has the edge over the Conservatives
The nation holds it breath once more as we prepare for yet another monumental political decision which could have seismic consequences for the future of British politics and society. But before we head to the polling booths, it is crucial to remember an issue avoided by large sections of the mainstream media: how the outcome of this General Election could significantly impact the future of our environment.
Trump's Paris pullout may mean less for climate action than we think
Almost universal condemnation has greeted President Trump's decision to withdraw from and renegotiate American participation in the Paris Agreement. But energy industry experts I have spoken to are less concerned.
How should the world react to US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement? Ignore Trump and get on with the job
In pursuit of his America First agenda, Donald Trump has announced that he wants America to be the first country to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, just seven months after it entered into force.
Building Management System or caretaker: which route to energy savings?
If you listen to manufacturers, Building Management Systems (BMS) are technology's solution to the energy manager's need to reduce wastage in building services. They are often rated as saving up to 30% of energy consumption in heating and cooling for investment purposes and by the company providing the finance. However, they save absolutely nothing unless expert hands manipulate them.
Making hay while the sun isn't shining
"Make hay while the sun shines", as the saying goes. But what happens when the sun shineth not? That is the £64m question.
UK's £350m coal subsidies clash with Government's phase-out pledges
The UK is providing £356m annually in coal subsidies, despite the UK Government denying that it provides financial support for fossil fuels, a new report has claimed.
European Union enforces new air pollution limits
The European Union (EU) has today (29 April) approved new air pollution limits, which could save more than 20,000 lives each year by reducing pollution derived from coal-fired power plants.
edie explains: ISO 20400
This edie explains business guide, produced in association with edie's supporting partners Action Sustainability and BSI, provides an in- depth summary of the new ISO 20400 Standard which is the world's first international standard for sustainable procurement
Beware false sustainability solutions
It is inescapable and undeniable that we live in a finite world. It is also becoming widely accepted that we are using resources and polluting air, land and water at unsustainable levels. That's why the term 'sustainability' is pervading many aspects of government policy, locally, nationally and internationally, and prompting business and industry to radically change the ways they operate.
Britain set for first coal-free day since the industrial revolution
The UK is set to have its first ever working day without coal power generation since the industrial revolution on Friday, according to the National Grid.
Trump aides abruptly postpone meeting on whether to stay in Paris climate deal
Donald Trump's aides have abruptly postponed a meeting to determine whether the US should remain in the Paris climate agreement, with an unlikely coalition of fossil fuel firms, environmental groups and some Republicans calling on the president to stick with the deal.
Keeping a weather eye: 5 key developments for renewables
Reading the popular media or governmental press releases alone might lead us to despair at the prospects for renewables - something that's flavour of the month today can be an environmental pariah the next. So, what is really happening? Should we be battening down the hatches or making hay?
Europe's energy giants set to overshoot Paris Agreement 'carbon budget'
Europe's major utilities companies are "locked" into high emission projects, placing €14bn of earnings at risk unless they realign strategies with the goals of the Paris Agreement, a new CDP report has found.
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