Energy Efficiency
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PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally
PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.
#SustyTalk: Lloyds Banking Group's James Wilde on financing the green recovery
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Lloyds Banking Group's head of sustainability James Wilde taking part in a virtual discussion on financing the green recovery, as well as providing an update on the bank's efforts to halve its emissions.
Green Finance Institute assembles businesses for zero-carbon heat taskforce
The Green Finance Institute has convened representatives of dozens of businesses alongside experts from local authorities, policy and science for a new taskforce tasked with decarbonising heating systems in the UK.
Just 0.5% of global GDP needed to reach net-zero by 2050, report finds
By scaling up energy efficiency efforts and deploying renewable energy generation capacity far more rapidly, the world could "technically and economically" transition to net-zero by 2050 for the cost of less than 1% of global GDP annually through to mid-century.
Business and investor giants urge EU to raise 2030 emissions target
More than 150 businesses and a group of investors with €33trn in assets under management have today (15 September) called on the European Union (EU) to back the ambitions set out in its Green Deal by committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Choice and information: UK citizens' assembly outlines policy and lifestyle overhauls for net-zero transition
The first UK-wide citizens' assembly on climate change, Climate Assembly UK, has issued a list of recommendations as to how travel, diets, power generation and building use can be revamped to help society transition to net-emissions by 2050.
UK could save £1.6bn and 17,000 deaths by improving air quality, report finds
Improving air quality in England in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines could deliver a £1.6bn benefit while preventing 17,000 premature deaths each year that are linked to air pollution.
Is Brexit at odds with the UK's net-zero emissions target?
The Government's Brexit negotiations could set the nation up to miss its net-zero commitments, with Boris Johnson's intention to renegade on parts of the Withdrawal Agreement sparking fresh concerns about law-bound efforts to combat the ecological and climate crises.
Signify reaches carbon neutrality globally, revamps corporate goals for 2025
Global lighting firm Signify has revealed it has reached its ambition to be carbon neutral across its operations and is now pledging to "go beyond" that original target.
Transition Agreements: Companies urged to future-proof job security as part of net-zero disruption
Companies should make Transition Agreements with existing unions to ensure that job security, training and potential redeployment are covered as part of the UK's net-zero transition.
Ibstock to pilot net-zero factory
Brick manufacturer Ibstock has announced plans to pilot at least one net-zero factory, with the company outlining its intention to set a net-zero carbon goal for its operations in the near future.
'Crack on': Alok Sharma implores businesses to join £2bn Green Homes Grant
Business Secretary Alok Sharma has called on tradespeople across the UK to access the Government's new £2bn Green Homes Grants scheme to mobilise efforts to improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock.
Government faces backlash over 'zero-carbon-ready' homes proposal
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has today unveiled new proposals to streamline the planning process for housebuilders, in a bid to deliver homes that are "zero carbon ready", but environmental groups have warned that the shake-up to planning could neglect the natural environment.
UK Government extends Climate Change Agreement tax breaks
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is extending its Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme for businesses by two years, following a consultation which highlighted its popularity.
Credit Suisse cuts fossil fuel lending as part of £250bn green finance promise
Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse has unveiled plans to provide more than £250bn in financing geared towards green bonds and the low-carbon economy over the next decade, as well as pledging to limit financing to the oil and gas sector.
Building back better: What role should construction and retrofit sectors play in the UK's green recovery?
EXCLUSIVE: The Treasury this month launched a £3bn package to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings while boosting employment post-pandemic. But what needs to happen now to ensure that the schemes it funds align with net-zero, and what about new buildings?
Capgemini targets net-zero operations and supply chain by 2030
IT services and consultancy firm Capgemini has pledged to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2025 and full net-zero alignment by 2030, after meeting one of its key emissions targets a decade ahead of schedule.
Hugo Boss to halve operational emissions within a decade
Hugo Boss has had its new emissions targets green-lit by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), including an ambition to reduce operational emissions by 51% by 2030.
University of Hull targets carbon neutrality by 2027
The University of Hull has pledged to achieve carbon-neutral operations within seven years, and will invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation technologies to meet this ambition.
Apple targets net-zero emissions across operations, value chain and products
Apple has announced major plans to become net-zero emissions across its business, supply chains and products by 2030, pledging to reduce emissions by 75% and develop carbon removal solutions for the remaining 25%.
Tesco's EV charging milestone and an offshore wind boom: 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.
Vodafone on track for 100% renewable electricity in Europe in 2021
Vodafone has vowed to power its European network - spanning 11 national markets - with 100% renewable electricity by the end of July 2021.
Government urged to ratchet up spending into household energy efficiency
The UK Government has been urged to implement a Home Improvement Plan to facilitate more than £5bn in annual spending to improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing stock to contribute to the net-zero target for 2050.
Government urged to spend £5bn to unlock £100bn green recovery
A group of businesses, mayors and political leaders have called on the Conservative government to spend £5bn to deliver on its promised manifesto pledges in order to unlock £100bn in capital investment on energy efficiency and create more than 300,000 green jobs.
edie launches top tips guide for smart grids
edie has published a new top tips guide, outlining 10 clear and concise pieces of advice for businesses looking to explore smart grid technology.
Survey: Energy professionals believe retrofitting is key to a green Covid-19 recovery
A survey of 350 UK-based energy professionals has found that 80% want the majority of the UK's Covid-19 recovery package funnelled into 'green' industries, with energy efficiency retrofits for housing cited as the most popular route to both economic recovery and net-zero.
Facebook to capture and donate wasted heat from Danish data centre
The installation of a "hyperscale" district heating system at Facebook's data centre in Odense, Denmark, has been completed, setting the firm up to donate 100,000MWh of energy annually.
UK among nations calling for low-carbon industrial transition to spur job growth
The UK has joined seven other nations in calling for industrial transitions to be delivered in a way that delivers new jobs and is in alignment with ongoing efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Green Recovery: Treasury unveils £3bn package spotlighting energy efficiency and reskilling
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined the key details of a £3bn plan intended to create thousands of "green-collar" jobs, improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources.
IPPR and REA: Up to 1.6 million new jobs could be created though green Covid-19 recovery
A green recovery package prioritising jobs in energy efficiency and public transport could create 1.6 million new jobs in the UK, new IPPR research has concluded.
UK's Covid-19 recovery package must mandate building retrofits, 100 businesses tell Ministers
EDF, Dimplex and Kingspan are among the cohort of 100+ businesses, investors and trade bodies calling for the UK's Covid-19 recovery package to contain legally-binding measures for addressing wasted energy and carbon emissions from housing.
L'Oréal targets carbon neutrality by 2025 under new sustainability strategy
Global cosmetic firm L'Oréal has unveiled a new sweeping set of sustainability targets, pledging to reach carbon neutrality by 2025, halve carbon emissions, use 100% renewables and ensure all plastic packaging comes from recycled or bio-based sources.
45-Minute Masterclass: Accelerating the smart grid transition for your business
With distributed energy assets fast becoming a mainstream part of the UK power network, this live online masterclass will equip businesses with the insights and inspiration they need to decentralise, decarbonise and democratise their energy through smart grid technologies and systems.
Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050
Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.
Businesses commit to renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency on World Environment Day
To mark World Environment Day (5 June), a host of major companies from across the globe have announced new commitments on climate action, by signing up to the Climate Group's leadership initiatives on renewables (RE100), electric vehicles (EV100) and smart energy use (EP100).
Zalando unveils science-based targets, commits suppliers to set carbon goals
Online fashion retail platform Zalando has built on its commitment to carbon neutrality across its own operations by having targets to reduce operational carbon emissions by 80% and emissions from the production of private label products by 40% approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Zalando and Sustainable Apparel Coalition issue sustainable metrics for brands and retailers
German online fashion retailer Zalando has confirmed it will be the first retailer signed up to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) to use a new module that will make sustainability assessments mandatory for its private labels and partner brands sold on its platform.
World's largest hydrogen plant and UK's Gigafactory: 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.
Business Barometer: Energy managers focused on data and technology for low-carbon plans
EXCLUSIVE: Energy managers are hoping to focus on data optimisation and smart technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to accelerate low-carbon plans, although financials barriers do remain, according to edie's new barometer survey report, published today (20 May).
Government taskforce sets out tools to unlock £65bn investment into green housing
The UK Government's Green Finance Institute (GFI) has found that scaling up green retrofitting of the UK's existing housing stock would require investments of up to £65bn while supporting the economic recovery, as the Green Alliance calls for policy amendments to retrofitting in the UK.
Number of companies requesting supplier environment data jumps by a quarter
The number of companies calling on their supplier to disclose environmental data to CDP has increased by 24% in a year, with more than 150 organisations now taking proactive steps to gain more understanding of the environmental impacts of their supply chains.
Report: UK manufacturers boosting profits by focusing on energy efficiency
UK manufacturers that have taken steps to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise operations are reaping benefits, with 40% reporting increased profit margins and 30% experiencing increased competitiveness.
Today at 1pm: edie's Net-Zero Carbon online event
Former UK Energy Minister Lord Greg Barker, sustainability professionals from UPS and Skanska and the chief executives of green trade associations have all been confirmed to appear on edie's Net-Zero Carbon online event today (20 May).
Intel targets net-positive water use and world's 'most sustainable' PC
IT manufacturer Intel has unveiled new sustainability targets for 2030, committing to achieving net-positive water use, being powered by 100% renewables and launching the "most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world".
Carbon price: Tax polluters not people to assist coronavirus recovery, report urges
Carbon pricing aligned to the needs of the Paris Agreement can raise revenue to support the coronavirus recovery in a better way than a tax on income or labour, new research by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has found.
Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned
Governments in Europe and beyond should pay "utmost attention" to avoid a "jobs versus climate" confrontation in the recovery phase from the COVID-19 crisis, said Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Northern Powergrid unveils community engagement decarbonisation plans
The distribution network operator (DNO) for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire has unveiled a new community energy engagement strategy outlining steps to use community-based consumption and power to respond to the climate emergency.
Dunkin' switches to plastic-free cups and plans to double number of green restaurants
US coffeehouse Dunkin' has confirmed that it has completed the replacement of all polystyrene foam cups to paper alternatives while also committing to double the number of energy efficient restaurants it owns in the next five years.
Oil and gas giants overstating net-zero ambitions, study finds
Recent announcements from European oil and gas majors such as Total, Shell and BP to commit to net-zero aren't actually aligned to the required, science-based cuts to emissions to reach net-zero or the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement, new research has found.
Mitie signs up to RE100 following EP100 and EV100 commitments
Mitie has become the first facilities management firm to sign up to all three of the Climate Group's initiatives, after committing to source 100% renewables as part of the RE100 platform and having already signed up to the EV100 and EP100 initiatives.
The disclosure digest - Five steps to align sustainability with investor needs
This report is based on a session of discussions and co- creation hosted in association with edie’s 2020 Sustainability Leaders Forum. The half-day event took place on 3 February in London and saw sustainability managers from a wide range of businesses take part in collaborative roundtables. During the discussions, sustainability managers outlined key challenges and discussed the exciting new opportunities in the areas that mattered the most.
Green buildings on the BBC: Is the built environment about to have its 'Blue Planet' moment?
The aftermath of BBC's Blue Planet 2 series sparked an unprecedented public outcry against single-use plastics, where businesses were firmly in the crosshairs. The nature document skirted around the issues of plastic waste in the ocean, but even just a fleeting lock at its impact sparked global change.
edie Explains: Net-zero carbon business
What is 'net-zero' in the context of business emissions? Which organisations are most suited to adopting net-zero carbon strategies? And, what is the impact of the coronavirus on the net-zero movement?
Financiers join EU 'green recovery alliance'
More than 50 CEOs from the banking and insurance sector - including household names such as BNP Paribas, AXA, Allianz, and Santander - have joined the "green recovery alliance" in the European Parliament.
Unilever's Alan Jope on repairing capitalism, Covid-19 and Sustainable Living Plans
Providing an update to Unilever's flagship Sustainable Living Plan as it enters its 10th and final year, chief executive Alan Jope reflects on the need to double down to protect the planet and society during the pandemic by "driving a new model of capitalism".
Scottish Water switches on latest solar array at Dunfermline wastewater facility
A wastewater treatment facility in Dunfermline is the latest Scottish Water facility to be fitted with onsite solar technology, as the water company progresses towards its net-zero carbon target for 2040.
Green stimulus can repair global economy and climate, study says
Green economy recovery packages for the coronavirus crisis will repair the global economy and put the world on track to tackle climate breakdown, but time is running out to implement the changes needed, new analysis has shown.
Total commits to net-zero emissions by 2050 following investor pressure
Global energy company Total is the latest in the sector to commit to net-zero emissions, setting a target for 2050 or sooner after extensive engagement with a climate action investor coalition.
The Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020
Launched during edie’s Engagement Week (4-8 May), the Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020 provides readers with expert advice when it comes to relaying the importance of sustainability to key stakeholders; along with fresh insights to create, deliver and share a compelling sustainability report.
Legal & General given go-ahead for energy efficient modular homes drive
The modular housing arm of insurance giant Legal & General has been given planning permission to create more than 150 modular homes in Selby, North Yorkshire that will feature the highest EPC ratings for energy efficiency.
Yorkshire Tea achieves carbon-neutral certification for operations and products
Yorkshire Tea has announced that all its products are carbon neutral from field to shelf, following a five-year programme to reduce emissions across its supply chain and operations.
Innovation and collaboration are vital for the success of plastics in the circular economy
As reported by edie, the European Commission unveiled its new Circular Economy Action Plan in March this year. The new plan outlined a sweeping set of commitments aimed at ensuring that circularity and resource efficiency act as a "prerequisite for climate neutrality" in line with the European Green Deal and Industrial Strategy.
IRENA: Renewables transition to boost global economy by $98trn
With the global economy set to slump to its lowest output for more than a century, nations can spur a global economic recovery by delivering a renewables-based energy transformation that could boost cumulative global GDP gains by more than $98trn compared to a 'business-as-usual' trajectory.
Businesses called upon to consult on £300m energy-saving Climate Change Agreement
The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a two-month consultation on an extension to the Climate Change Agreement (CCA), a legislative mechanism that enables businesses to save up to £300m annually on energy costs.
Mitie to double energy productivity through EP100 initiative
British facilities management (FM) firm Mitie has built on its net-zero emissions target set for 2025 by joining the Climate Group's EP100 initiative to double its energy productivity.
AECOM shoots for 20% reduction in emissions through approved science-based targets
Engineering and construction firm AECOM has revealed that targets to reduce operational emissions by 20% and value chain emissions by 10% by 2025 have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as aligned to the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
Prioritise Small-scale technology to deliver affordable net-zero transition, researchers claim
A new study has warned of focusing on "politically seductive" large-scale solutions such as nuclear and carbon capture and storage (CCS), noting that more granular solutions like energy storage, solar and heat pumps can be mass deployed at an affordable cost to enable a quicker net-zero transition.
World's largest food supplier targets 25% emissions cut by 2035
The world's largest food and ingredient supplier, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), has set new emissions and energy targets which it claims are aligned with the Paris Agreement's 2C trajectory.
Equinor leaves US oil and gas industry body due to 'lack of position' on climate policy
Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor has announced that it is leaving a US oil and gas industry association due to a "misalignment" with the company's new climate commitments and is set to influence other associations to deliver strong climate targets.
SMEs and households to benefit from energy efficiency clean technology trials
The UK Government has backed a new digital energy efficiency platform for SMEs to receive automated advice to save energy, in the same week that a smart homes project that uses AI technology on hot water systems to generate storage capacity and manage grid demand commenced.
Coronavirus: Seven key considerations for energy professionals
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to slow economies across the world, industrial and commercial energy demand is falling as domestic demand increases. Here, edie summarises seven ways which energy professionals can respond to this challenge and others borne by the current pandemic.
BEIS: Energy efficiency installations increased in 2019
New figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show nearly 220,000 energy efficiency measures were installed through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Green Deal framework in 2019 - a 5% year-on-year increase.
EP100: Thai Union pledges to double energy productivity
Food production giant Thai Union has pledged to double energy productivity across the business, under The Climate Group's EP100 initiative.
Houses and businesses connect to low-carbon heating network in Leeds
Households and businesses in Leeds are set to benefit from reduced energy bills and carbon emissions after being connected to a £36m district heating network that connects to the city's Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF).
JLL: Green offices more likely to bring in rent premium, less likely to sit empty
Property giant JLL has unveiled new research charting the financial benefits of investment in sustainable office buildings, including rent premium, future risk mitigation and higher tenancy rates.
Net-zero cities: Leeds's mission to be carbon neutral by 2030
edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time exploring how Leeds plans to become a net-zero city by 2030.
New digital tool launched by Government to simplify SECR reporting
The Government agency and reporting council overseeing compliance for the upcoming Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) standards have launched a new taxonomy to submit relevant data in better aligned digital formats.
Carbon tax rises 'could fund energy efficiency drive'
The government could siphon off a large chunk of the revenues from increased carbon prices to improve the energy efficiency of fuel poor households, according to a new report from the London School of Economics' Grantham Institute.
Everything you need to know about the EU's new Circular Economy Action Plan and Industrial Strategy
The European Commission has today (11 March) unveiled its Circular Economy Action Plan, a sweeping set of commitments aimed at ensuring that circularity and resources efficiency acts as a "prerequisite for climate neutrality" in line with the European Green Deal and Industrial Strategy.
Lifecycle approach required: Government's plastics policies could triple UK packaging emissions
The UK Government's ban on unnecessary single-use plastics could inadvertently triple the carbon emissions associated with packaging, unless policies are introduced to prioritise an "overall need to use less material" and to improve the energy efficiency associated with material production and recycling.
Businesses call on Prime Minister to accelerate climate action
Business giants including Unilever, Tesco, Sky and Coca-Cola have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to develop a clear strategy that will set out a pathway to achieving the net-zero emissions target for 2050 that enables businesses to understand their role in delivering the national ambition.
Government urged (again) to revamp low-carbon homes plan
The Government has yet again been urged to reconsider proposed approaches to energy efficiency in housebuilding, after a coalition of councils urged Ministers to remove restrictions that would inhibit higher standards being set.
UK water sector targets renewables and efficiency improvements for net-zero 2030 goal
UK water companies will focus on self-generated renewables, energy efficiency improvements and the roll-out of low-emission vehicles as part of a new roadmap to help the water sector reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Businesses urged to capture £6bn energy savings as SECR requirements loom
Businesses have been urged by the UK Government to accelerate efforts to improve energy efficiency in order to cut corporate energy use by 20%, saving £6bn in the process, ahead of the new Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting requirements (SECR) that are set to enter into force.
UK Government hints at RHI extension
Energy and Clean Growth minister Kwasi Kwarteng has claimed the Government is "absolutely committed" to exploring new support mechanisms for low-carbon heat in the UK once the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) expires in March 2021.
Government won't appeal Heathrow expansion court decision
UPDATED: The UK Government will not appeal a court decision to block the development of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, which was issued in response to climate change concerns and national targets aligned to the Paris Agreement.
Heathrow commits to becoming zero-carbon airport by mid-2030s
Heathrow Airport has announced its intention to become a zero-carbon airport by the mid-2030s, after reaching carbon-neutral status for its buildings and infrastructure today (21 February).
Government focuses on hydrogen in £90m industrial decarbonisation funding
The UK Government has announced £90m in funding to help cut emissions from industrial processes and the built environment, including the backing of two low-carbon hydrogen production plants.
Government opposes 'powerless' energy efficiency proposals
The government has rejected calls to beef up its target of getting all homes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C standard by 2035 - while signalling that its own heat policy road map will be published "very soon".
RBS to rebrand, plans for 'climate-positive' operations by 2025
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has unveiled plans to go beyond net-zero emissions for its operations by 2025 and to at least halve the climate impact of its financial decisions and activities by 2030, as part of the organisation's rebrand to the NatWest Group.
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.
Cabinet reshuffle: Is the promised 'green budget' in doubt?
Earlier this week Chancellor Sajid Javid was said to be reviewing a string of new subsidies to assist with the UK's net-zero transition. With Javid today (13 February) resigning from the position, doubts have been caused as to whether the UK Government can prioritise the green economy in the March Budget.
edie launches business guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
edie has launched a business guide into the important issue of Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) as the first full financial year since the scheme was introduced in April 2019 draws to an end.
Reports: Budget to include new energy efficiency and EV subsidies to spur net-zero progress
Chancellor Sajid Javid is mulling a string of new subsidies to reduce building and transport emissions from homeowners and public sector organisations for next month's Budget, it has been reported.
Energy UK calls for tax-funded energy efficiency scheme
Trade body Energy UK has proposed that general taxation is used to fund a national energy efficiency programme.
Government's plans for low-carbon homes are 'a step backwards' on climate, London Mayor warns
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Ministers to improve plans for decarbonising the UK's built environment sector, claiming that the capital and other cities are already going further and faster in the face of the climate emergency.
Brexit day: What (if anything) changes for the green economy?
At 11pm tonight (31 January) the UK will formally leave the European Union (EU), and while Big Ben won't be bonging and passports won't turn blue until Summer, the landmark day will usher in a period of intense trading negotiations that could impact green policy in the UK.
Report: Stronger green policies for transport and homes would save NHS £3.7bn each year
By implementing stronger policies around walking, cycling, electric vehicles and energy efficiency in homes, the Government could save the NHS at least £3.7bn per year.
