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In charts: How coronvirus is impacting sustainability professionals across the UK
EXCLUSIVE: An edie survey of more than 100 sustainability professionals across the country has revealed exactly how the global pandemic of Covid-19 has impacted day-to-day working for those leading the CSR agenda for their organisations. Here are the results...
Barclays' net-zero target and a battery storage boon: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
WBA: Companies with embedded sustainability best-placed to weather coronavirus storm
EXCLUSIVE: Reports of business failures to safeguard employee livelihoods or the environment amid the coronavirus pandemic are emerging at a near-hourly basis - and those best-placed to avoid the impending storm from consumers and investors are those that have already taken ambitious action.
Green freebies for coronavirus heroes and California's clean energy boost: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Support for coronavirus-hit charities and biomethane trucks: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Collaboration can transform how businesses look at sustainability
Businesses are increasingly aware of the role they need to play in sustainability, but often find it daunting. This article looks at key learnings for how businesses can effectively collaborate together to be more sustainable.
Six ways CSR professionals can communicate through the coronavirus outbreak
As the Covid 19 outbreak continues across the globe, CSR and sustainability professionals, like most, will be grappling with changes to their working schedule and job remit. Here, edie rounds up six pieces of best-practice advice for evolving engagement with key contacts during these uncertain times.
Carlsberg's electric trucks and Abu Dhabi's plastics ban: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Positive Luxury: In the 'year of nature', greenwashing and incremental improvements won't cut it
EXCLUSIVE: As businesses strive to tackle the intertwined climate and resource crises, they must place nature and biodiversity at the centre of all financial considerations in 2020, a new forecast featuring input from Paul Polman, WWF and Paul Hawken warns.
Half of corporates unable to prove they are protecting human rights , report finds
An analysis of 200 of the world's biggest corporation has found that 95 are unable to prove they are taking action to protect and improve human rights for their direct employees, supply chains and the communities they serve.
Derwent's net-zero target and Microsoft's 'geowell': The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: An International Women's Day 2020 special
The Sustainable Business Covered podcast returns for an 82nd episode and, to mark International Women's Day (IWD) 2020, features exclusive interviews with the women leading the drive to decarbonise the built environment, achieve gender equality in engineering and eliminate ocean plastic pollution.
Ball Corporation achieves ASI certification and meets 100% renewables target
Aluminium packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation has been certified to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standards for environmental, social and governance impacts, while also revealing it is powering its operations in the UK, European Union (EU) and Serbia with 100% renewable electricity.
Heathrow court case and Mary Robinson's net-zero speech: The top 10 sustainability stories of February 2020
With spring now on the horizon, we take a look back at a February packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum and recaps a bumper month for green policy.
Five key considerations for businesses investing in electric vehicles
On Thursday (27 February), edie undertook a masterclass with EDF on electric vehicles (EVs) and accelerating the electrification of business fleets. Here, edie rounds up five key ways businesses can kickstart their EV journey.
How online retailing is allowing fast fashion to thrive
In the first of a two-part feature, edie's senior reporter Sarah George explores how booming profits for online retailers are driving a fast fashion mindset in the UK that could undermine efforts to champion sustainability in the fashion sector, unless business and consumers find their voice.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: We unveil the next generation of sustainability leaders
Aspiring young sustainability, CSR and energy professionals from the likes of Unilever, Marks & Spencer and Hammerson have been unveiled as members of edie's 30 Under 30 initiative for 2020.
Film and TV giants are phasing out red meat, ditch plastic bottles and save energy
Netflix, Warner Bros. and Sky are among the businesses to have received praise for taking action on environmental issues such as plastics, food waste and energy efficiency.
Bank of England under pressure over board member's oil links
Environmental groups have called into question the Bank of England's commitment to tackling the climate emergency while it retains one of Britain's most senior oil company executives on its governing board.
World's largest mining firms 'selectively reporting' on positive sustainability progress, report warns
Many of the world's largest mining companies are choosing to omit mentions of their negative environmental and social impacts from their annual report, highlighting and overstating positive impacts instead, a new report has warned.
Facebook's former sustainability chief now helping staff pressure corporates on climate
Facebook's former sustainability director and Google's former clean energy czar Bill Weihl has launched a new venture aimed at helping staff at corporates press their employers for more ambitious climate action.
Global brewers team up to provide 100,000 people with clean water access
A group of 250 global brewers have pledged to collectively improve clean drinking water access for 100,000 people in Africa, by raising £250,000+ to invest in infrastructure.
SSE's electric vans and Scotland's 'greenest' football team: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
From activist to activator: How are sustainability leaders' jobs changing in the era of climate activism?
After years of grappling for boardroom buy-in, sustainability professionals have seen the momentum of the plastics and climate movements place environmental considerations firmly at the feet of C-suite. So, how will this seismic shift in the conversation re-shape the sustainability profession?
Financial Reporting Council launches 'major' review of corporate climate reporting
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is set to launch a major review into the quality of how companies and auditors are reporting on climate change impacts and risks, including the pace at which the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework has been adopted.
Kellogg's revamps deforestation and palm oil policies after environmental protests
Kellogg's has pledged to source 100% physically deforestation-free certified palm oil by 2025, following campaigns by green groups and schoolchildren.
30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report
Back in 2018, edie put out a call for ambitious young sustainability and energy professionals to join 30 Under 30 - a new, nomination- based community in which they could share ideas and further their careers. This report showcases the achievements of the inaugural 30, the Class of 2019.
edie launches 30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report, showcasing the sustainability leaders of the future
edie has today (18 February) published its 30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report, showcasing the success stories of its inaugural class of future sustainability leaders and recapping the group's calls to business action.
Britvic signs for £400m sustainability-linked loan
Beverage manufacturing giant Britvic has signed for a £400m loan, whereby it will pay lower margins if it delivers progress against its plastics, emissions and nutrition targets.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos unveils $10bn climate fund
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, widely regarded as the richest man in modern history, has pledged to funnel $10bn (£7.7bn) of his personal fortune into a new fund aimed at tackling climate challenges.
Burberry introduces carbon 'insetting' fund
Luxury fashion firm Burberry will create a "regeneration fund" to support a new portfolio of "carbon insetting projects" that aim to deliver regenerative agriculture practices across its supply chain - a move that will see its Autumn/Winter 2020 runway show at London Fashion Week become carbon-neutral.
Journey to the top: Are today's sustainability professionals tomorrow's chief executives?
H&M's appointment of Helena Helmersson as chief executive marks the first time a global corporation has appointed a former sustainability manager to lead the company. Could this be a sign that sustainability is becoming so integral to business that today's CSR professionals are tomorrow's corporate leaders?
Partnerships: Re-dressing the sustainability power balance
Moving to environmental sustainability depends on innovation and concerted action through partnerships. And that always means listening to people - in the supply chain, with charities and NGOs - with very different outlooks, objectives and sense of purpose.
Fresh funding for initiative to help investors support sustainable fashion
Laudes Foundation, Brenninkmeijer family's recently-launched philanthropic organisation, has backed a project working to engage investors with sustainable fashion, in a bid to scale up low-carbon, resource-efficient materials and business models across the global sector.
Glasgow and London-based sustainable business organisations partner ahead of COP26
Glasgow's Chamber of Commerce and London's Waste and Recycling Board have forged a partnership, in a bid to help businesses in both cities make circular economy shifts ahead of COP26 in November.
Travel Matters partners with JUMP sustainable behaviour change scheme
Travel agency Travel Matters has launched a new partnership with the sustainable behaviour change scheme JUMP, to engage with sector workers in order to respond to the climate emergency.
Science and storytelling: How Iberostar is engaging staff and guests with ocean issues beyond plastics
EXCLUSIVE: In the wake of 'Blue Planet 2', hospitality and leisure companies found themselves at the sharp end of the so-called war on plastics. But now that the sector's plastic phase-out is underway, how can it use its many touch-points to drive engagement across a broader range of environmental issues?
Report: Half of world's largest businesses haven't pledged to end supply chain deforestation
Of the 350 corporates and 150 investor bodies with the world's highest involvement in supply chains with high deforestation risks, around half have not publicly committed to eliminate deforestation from their value chains.
Purpose and profit: Unilever on how to drive benefits across the triple bottom line
Last summer, the chief executives of more than 180 corporates signed a declaration stating that the purpose of big businesses is no longer to simply generate profit for shareholders - that action must also taken to address social and environmental issues. But how can businesses without purpose "built-in" begin this transformation?
Automated EVs and SC Johnson's sports stadium plastic: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Sustainable Business Covered: Igniting a decade of climate action at the Leaders Forum (Part Two)
The second part of this podcast special is brought to you live from our Sustainability Leaders Forum, where edie asks leading sustainability experts from Mars, British American Tobacco, the Fairtrade Foundation, Futerra and Hilton how will business leadership be redefined during a decade of deliverance?
Carlsberg slashes emissions by 30% as its closes in on zero-emission breweries
Global brewer Carlsberg has slashed carbon emissions across its group by 13% over a 12-month period, and 30% since 2015, as it pushes towards its corporate strategy to achieve zero emissions at breweries.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020: Winners revealed at glittering ceremony in London
Barry Callebaut, Ikea, P&G and Toast Ale were among the big winners of edie's 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards, announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday evening (5 February).
edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum: As it happened
This week is one of the biggest of the year in the sustainability and energy calendar, with edie hosting its Sustainability Leaders Forum and Awards, as well as the official launch of the UK-hosted COP26 climate conference. Recap the week through our live blog for all the latest from these events and beyond.
WATCH: Mary Robinson on net-zero, climate justice and being 'prisoners of hope'
Chair of The Elders and former president of Ireland Mary Robinson delivered an inspiring keynote speech to kickstart edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum, which is available to watch in-full.
Sustainable Business Covered: Igniting a decade of climate action at the Leaders Forum (Part One)
The edie podcast is brought to you live from our Sustainability Leaders Forum, as content editor Matt Mace speaks to leading sustainability experts from Interface, Diageo, WaterAid and WWF to ask, how will business leadership be redefined during a decade of deliverance?
Bafta delivers its first carbon-neutral ceremony
Bafta has invested in a string of initiatives to decarbonise and reduce the resource impact of its 2020 film awards ceremony, which took place in London this Sunday (2 January).
BMJ's divestment campaign and India's net-zero trains: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Carbon-negativity and climate chats at Davos: The sustainability stories of January 2020
With Valentine's Day and the first climate strike of the year now on the horizon, we take a look back at a January packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes the World Economic Forum in Davos and all the highlights from edie's Mission Possible Plastics Week.
H&M appoints former sustainability manager as chief executive
Fashion giant H&M has named Helena Helmersson, who spent five years as sustainability manager, as its first female chief executive.
Jonathon Porritt announced as Guest of Honour for Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020
edie is delighted to announce that Jonathon Porritt, founder-director of Forum for the Future will appear as the official Guest of Honour at the 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards in London on Wednesday, 5 February.
Boris Johnson urged to improve UK's SDG performance
A business coalition spearheaded by the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD) has today (29 January) delivered a brief to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for the Government to improve progress towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Carmakers make joint pledge to make battery supply chains sustainable
Volvo, Audi and BMW are among the cohort of carmakers to have joined a joint initiative aimed at creating battery value chains that are environmentally and socially sustainable.
Fast food firms failing to face up to climate challenges, investment giants warn
Some of the world's biggest fast food brands including Domino's, Chipotle and Burger King are failing to take "real" action on environmental issues including climate change and water.
edie launches Business Manifesto to help redefine sustainability leadership
edie has launched a new Sustainable Business Manifesto detailing the eight key principles corporates should adopt to redefine best-practice sustainable leadership in 2020.
Best Practice in 2020: edie's Sustainable Business Manifesto
This Sustainable Business Manifesto, co-created by edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2019 and members of our Sustainability Leaders Club, lists eight principles that will push corporations to ramp up their efforts across all aspects of sustainable development in 2020, and beyond while creating value for their shareholders.
Green bond issuance soared to $185bn in 2019, report reveals
Global green bond issuance last year reached an all-time high in terms of both individual bonds issued and collective value issued, global law firm Linklaters has concluded.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Jonathan Mobbs, ISS Facility Services
This 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: Jonathan Mobbs, environmental business partner at ISS Facility Services.
2020 Playbook: edie launches career-boosting guide for energy and sustainability professionals
edie has today (24 January) published the brand-new 2020 Playbook for Energy and Sustainability Professionals, a 10-point guide to embodying 'excellence' and furthering your professional and personal development.
Reshape economy to fight climate crisis, says Prince Charles
The Prince of Wales has urged business and political leaders at Davos to embrace a radical reshaping of economies and markets in order to tackle the climate crisis.
Chief executives see reputational boosts in combatting climate change
Three-quarters of UK business chief executives believe that responding to the climate emergency through new business pledges and initiatives will provide a reputational advantage, with climate change climbing up the corporate agenda according to a new annual survey from PwC.
Accounting bodies call for better disclosure on business SDG accountability
Leading accounting bodies have called for better corporate disclose on efforts to align reporting with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a new report calling on organisations to disclose negative contributions in order to deliver change.
World Economic Forum calls on business chiefs to set net-zero targets
All business leaders and companies attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week have been asked to make public commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
BBC's bumper climate coverage and plastic-free snacks: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Tom Byrne, Asos
This 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: Tom Byrne, senior sustainability manager at Asos.
Biggest food brands 'failing goals to banish palm oil deforestation'
Some of the world's biggest brands are failing in their commitments to banish deforestation from their supply chains through their use of palm oil, despite making public claims to environmental sustainability, according to two reports.
Debenhams sets sweeping new fashion sustainability targets
Department store retailer Debenhams has set a string of new green targets for its fashion and homeware departments, in a bid to set new sustainability benchmarks for the sub-sector following a difficult financial year.
Business giants spearhead new UK SDG action plan
Business giants such as Nando's, Nestle, PwC have joined forces with RSPB, WWF to launch an action plan aimed at strengthening government performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by driving private sector collaboration.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation boss: Natural Restoration 'hardest' part of circular economy shift
EXCLUSIVE: Against a backdrop of wildfires and growing climate activism, the chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has called on businesses to develop holistic action plans to combat the complex challenge of restoring natural systems.
BlackRock's Larry Fink to CEOs: 'Purpose is the engine of long-term profitability'
BlackRock's chief executive Larry Fink has warned businesses that a "fundamental reshaping of finance" is happening at pace and that businesses need to put climate action at the heart of decision-making processes in order to remain profitable.
Forster Communications targets 'climate-positivity' by 2023
Social change PR agency Forster Communications has pledged to become 'climate-positive' by 2023, reversing and mitigating more negative environmental impacts than it generates through its direct and indirect actions.
BlackRock's climate u-turn and futuristic cities: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Servitisation and social media storytelling: How retailers are approaching sustainability in 2020
January is now probably just as synonymous with retail discounts as it is with New Year's resolutions. But following a year of unprecedented climate activism, how are retailers planning to increase sustainability action and embed a 'purpose-beyond-profits' approach in 2020?
UK SMEs aiming to ramp up sustainability actions
Almost two-thirds of UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have signalled their intentions to improve environmental sustainability practices due to heightened consumer awareness and new legislation, according to a new survey.
Aviva Investors: Better corporate disclosure needed to help sustainable finance go mainstream
EXCLUSIVE: Investment firms are heeding climate warnings and honing their approach to sustainability, but ultimately need more information from the businesses in their portfolios in order to drive transformational change.
VOTE: What will be the defining sustainability issue of 2020?
With many of us heading back to the office for our first day at work in 2020 this week, edie has explored the environmental issues which could dominate sustainability conversations this year - and is giving you the chance to have your say.
Vegan steak bakes and green football stadiums: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eilidh Johnston, Laing O'Rourke
This 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: Eilidh Johnston, environmental advisor at Laing O'Rourke.
Energy firms to pay £10.5m over August 2019's major blackout
RWE and Orsted have agreed to pay £9 million for failings leading up to last August's major power cut, while UK Power Networks (UKPN) will also pledge £1.5 million after reconnecting customers too early.
20 New Year's resolutions for sustainability professionals in 2020 and beyond
A new decade is upon us, and as the window to reverse and alleviate the climate crisis shortens, new long-term targets can provide sustainability professionals with the motivation and drive to transform their organisations into forces of good.
New Years Honours 2020: The sustainability champions on the Queen's list
The 2020 New Year Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of more than 90 figures across the UK's environmental sphere, including green business figures, policy experts and scientists working to combat climate change and marine pollution.
How has pop culture responded to the climate emergency in 2019?
From Coldplay cancelling their tour until they can find a carbon-neutral option, to James Bond producers debuting the spy's first fully electric car, all the signs point to sustainability shaping pop culture. But how deep does this impact run, and what's in store for 2020?
Patagonia's Black Friday campaign raises $20m for environmental causes
Outdoor clothing company Patagonia's Black Friday fundraiser for environmental organisations has hit its $10m (£7.6m) target in just 17 days - meaning the firm will now donate $10m of its own to these causes.
edie's big fat sustainabiliy quiz of the year: 2019 edition
Take edie's 2019 quiz of the year to test your knowledge on some of the biggest moments in the global sustainability agenda over the past 12 months.
School strikes, science-based targets and climate emergency declarations: Recapping the sustainability stories of 2019
With just one week left until Christmas, edie recaps what has been a mammoth year for sustainability stories - from the UK's net-zero target to the growing business movement towards 1.5C.
Closed-loop offices and an Ikea double whammy: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Benedict Orchard, Superdry
This 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: Benedict Orchard, energy and environment manager at Superdry.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Christmas special deliveries and festive feasts
Episode 77 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees the edie editorial team return to discuss business CSR initiatives over the festive period, featuring four exclusive interviews with CSR & redistribution platform Neighbourly, e-commerce firm Tinggly and business networks Team London Bridge and the UKSSD.
Tesco to help customers visualise the environmental impact of their shopping
As part of its collaboration with WWF, Tesco has produced a new metric which enables customers to track the environmental impact of some of its most popular products.
Boardroom blocks: Less than 10% of UK CEOs have financial bonuses to combat climate change
Only 6% of UK chief executives have financial incentives and bonuses tied to environmental strategies and performance across the business practice, a new study has found.
VW's supermarket EV chargers and Levi's upcycled bags: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe
Greta's arrival and carbon offsetting clashes: What happened on days 2 & 3 of COP25?
COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - is now well underway in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the second and third days of the event.
Survey: UK businesses poised to deliver on the SDGs
Three-quarters of British firms believe they have a role to play in furthering national and international progress against the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a new survey has found.
Carbon pricing and 'the climate point of no return': What's happened at COP25 so far?
Monday (2 December) marked the start of COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the first day of the event.
M&S launches digital viscose map to boost fashion supply chain transparency
Retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a digital map highlighting all textile suppliers through which it sources man-man cellulosic fibres (MMCF) including viscose.
Election debates and net-zero campaigns: The top 10 sustainability stories of November 2019
With COP25 and Christmas now on the horizon, we take a look back at a November packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from edie's Net Zero November campaign and the build-up to the UK general election.
Green Friday: The retailers championing sustainability over spending for Black Friday 2019
Today (29 November) is Black Friday, the biggest sales event of the year. But with consumers increasingly prioritising purpose over profit and climate change climbing the ranking of public priorities, some retailers are taking note and using the occasion to champion resource efficiency, social sustainability and environmental conservation.
Ikea to invest £171m in nature and clean power under 'climate positive' pledge
Ikea has today (27 November) unveiled a new €200m (£171m) investment package aimed at helping the retailer deliver on its commitment to become 'climate-positive' by 2030.
Report: World's largest asset managers failing to champion global climate goals
Some of the world's biggest asset management firms, including the likes of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, are collectively failing to drive alignment with the Paris Agreement in their business models and policy lobbying.
BNP Paribas vows to end coal financing by 2040
Corporate bank BNP Paribas has pledged to stop all funding for thermal coal globally by 2040, with an interim target of 2030 for EU Member States.
