Energy Efficiency
Related content
edie Explains: Energy data optimisation
What is energy data optimisation? Why should a business optimise its energy data? What are the costs and challenges of energy data optimisation? This new edie Explains guide answers everything you need to know about the topic.
UK's retrofit industry must grow by ten times to play role in reaching net-zero
The UK's retrofitting industry needs to grow by ten times its current size if the UK is to decarbonise its housing stock at a pace suitable for the wider net-zero emissions target, new research has revealed.
SSE to combine projects to create 4.1GW offshore wind farm in Scotland
SSE Renewables has announced plans to merge two proposed offshore windfarms in a move that would create enough clean power to provide for all of Scotland's households twice over.
Dogger Bank: World's largest windfarm's operations base to be net-zero carbon
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm, off the North East coast of England, will have its new operations and maintenance (O&M) base constructed and operated under recognised standards for net-zero buildings.
Plans before pledges: How P&G has evolved its climate strategy to target a net-zero value chain by 2040
EXCLUSIVE: Procter & Gamble (P&G) has unveiled a new climate action plan to reach net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, with the company's vice president for global sustainability Jack Mcaneny telling edie that the "absolute priority is reducing emissions".
660,000 jobs at risk unless UK improves approach to net-zero target, research warns
The UK's sluggish progress towards its net-zero emissions target for 2050 could see more than 600,000 jobs move to other countries that are better embracing the green transition, new analysis has warned.
Green Homes Grant was 'set up to fail', damning report concludes
The National Audit Office (NAO) has released a report charting a litany of failures in the Government's plans for delivering the now-closed Green Homes Grant, revealing that £1000 is likely to be spent on administration costs for every home which received funding.
Vodafone plans 1,500 energy-efficient 5G radios after trials halve energy consumption
Vodafone has announced plans to deploy 1,500 low-power 5G units, after trials in Central London delivered a 43% reduction in energy consumption.
AT&T pledges to help other businesses reduce emissions by a billion tonnes
US-based telecoms giant AT&T has pledged to help business clients avoid at least one billion metric tonnes - one gigaton - of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
CDL and MCL Land secure $847m green loan package to build 1,000+ sustainable homes
Property giants City Developments Limited (CDL) and MCL Land have secured an $847m green loan package, which will be used to support a joint venture developing two sustainable housing developments in Singapore.
PepsiCo starts work on its 'most sustainable' European manufacturing plant
PepsiCo has held a foundation laying ceremony for a new PLN 1bn (£188m) food manufacturing plant in Poland, which it claims will be its most sustainable facility in Europe.
City of London Corporation issues contract to reduce energy costs by £500,000 annually
The City of London Corporation has awarded a contract to Vital Energi to carry out energy-related retrofits of iconic buildings such as the Barbican Centre and Guildhall School of Music and Drama that will save almost £500,000 each year.
Net-Zero Strategy must not repeat past mistakes on low-carbon homes, major groups warn Prime Minister
A coalition of industry and consumer groups are urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ensure that the upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy and Net-Zero Strategy do not repeat historic mistakes on decarbonising homes.
£160m Government funding boost for improving energy efficiency of social housing
The UK Government has launched a new £160m fund to support social housing providers in making properties more energy efficient.
Councils throw support behind Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill
More than 100 local authorities and councils have publicly backed the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill, which is set to be debated in Parliament next month and calls for the UK to do more to tackle its contribution to the climate crisis.
London's University College Hospitals declare 'climate and health emergency', set net-zero target
The University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has outlined plans to reach net-zero operational carbon emissions by 2031, emphasising the impacts of the climate crisis on public health.
Energy efficiency: The Cinderella of corporate net-zero ambitions?
Companies are increasingly setting net-zero goals to address climate change, but to be taken seriously they must have energy efficiency at the core, argues Toby Morgan, senior manager of built environment at the non-profit, Climate Group.
5 ways the Hydrogen Strategy can help the UK's net-zero ambition
The UK Government has unveiled its long-awaited Hydrogen Strategy, outlining how a multi-billion-pound investment into the technology can reduce emissions and create jobs on the road to net-zero. Here, edie looks at five roles that hydrogen could play in delivering rapid decarbonisation.
Heat pumps and energy efficiency: Mitie plots path to net-zero buildings by 2025
After setting a 2025 net-zero target for operational emissions last year, facilities management firm Mitie has outlined how it plans to reduce emissions from its estate in line with this goal.
UK households call for national retrofit plan amid reports of Tory rows over Heat & Buildings Strategy
UK households have written an open letter to COP26 President Alok Sharma, urging him to push the Government to develop a national strategy for decarbonising existing buildings. The call to action comes amid reports of rows within the Government about the cost of low-carbon heating.
Mars, Diageo and Dropbox unveil major renewables milestones
Mars, Diageo and Dropbox have all unveiled plans to add more renewables to their electricity mix, with Diageo planning for an onsite solar farm in Scotland.
UK's largest pub company and WSH join Zero Carbon Forum
The UK's largest pub company Stonegate Group and hospitality giant Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) have joined the Zero Carbon Forum initiative, which is developing a roadmap to net-zero for the industry.
Lloyd's outlines plans to increase green investments but stops short of full Paris Agreement alignment
Insurance and investment giant Lloyd's of London has published a new climate action roadmap, detailing plans to increase support for low-carbon transport, energy and industrial technologies.
SGN and Vital Energi launch joint venture for zero-carbon heat networks
Gas distribution company SGN and UK renewable energy solutions provider Vital Energi have agreed on a new 50:50 joint venture to create an energy services company (ESCO) that will own and operate low and zero-carbon heat networks.
New environmental roadmap developed for homebuilders
UK homebuilders have backed a new Government-led plan to ensure that new builds are zero-carbon ready by 2025 as well as improving biodiversity and reducing waste.
Scottish Widows 'reboots' £250m environment fund to screen against fossil fuels
Scottish Widows has launched a 'rebooted' Environmental Fund that will give six million customers the chance to invest in "great green" British businesses, while screening against exposure to fossil fuels.
Roadmap developed to help Oxford reach net-zero emissions by 2040
A new science-based roadmap has been developed outlining how carbon budgets, rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs) can help Oxford reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
Onsite renewables and EVs: Anglian Water outlines net-zero routemap for 2030
Anglian Water has published a detailed routemap outlining how onsite renewables, electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen and biogas production will deliver its ambition to reach net-zero by 2030.
British Glass outlines net-zero roadmap for 2050
The businesses representing the UK's glass sector have outlined a new roadmap that will enable the industry to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
2TWh of hydrogen and 37 million EVs: How can the UK reach net-zero emissions?
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO)'s latest Future Energy Scenarios (FES) report has outlined four potential scenarios for decarbonisation in the UK, three of which would see the UK reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Here, edie outlines what is required to meet the legally binding target.
Tasmania's 200% renewables goal and Toast Ale's B-Corp recertification: 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.
edie Explains: The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
What are the TCFD recomendations? Why does climate disclosure matter? How do you access the financial impacts of climate change? And, what is scenario analysis? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
How to be a net-zero winner
As part of edie's Net-Zero Carbon Playbook, Centrica Business Solution's net-zero product manager Alex Lowe explains the steps that organisations can take to thrive during the net-zero transition.
Half of NHS Trusts off-track on climate targets, new data reveals
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request for data on the low-carbon transition, responded to by more than 140 NHS Trusts across the UK, has revealed that half are set to miss their decarbonisation targets.
The business guide to net-zero carbon reporting
The past 12 months have seen thousands of businesses announce net-zero strategies in line with national targets and in response to increased stakeholder pressure. So, what exactly makes a credible net-zero strategy, and - crucially - how should businesses be measuring and reporting their climate impacts to deliver decarbonisation at scale?
Kingfisher, DS Smith and Turner & Townsend unveil science-based targets
Screwfix and B&Q's parent firm Kingfisher has had carbon reduction targets consistent with the required pace to limit global warming to the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), while both packaging firm DS Smith and consultants Turner & Townsend have unveiled net-zero commitments.
Climate change at the G7 Summit: Everything you need to know
World leaders are meeting in Cornwall this week (11-13 June) as part of the G7 Summit. The climate crisis is a key theme for policymakers going into the event, but how much prominence will it have as the world's largest economies attempt to respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic?
Heathrow Airport adds sustainable aviation fuels to decarbonise flights
Heathrow has incorporated aviation fuel made from waste oils and fats for the first time, as the UK's largest airport seeks to establish proof of concept for the widescale use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in a bid to reduce emissions from flights.
CBI: UK's green recovery could generate £700bn economic boost by 2030
The Confederation for British Industry (CBI) has launched a major new campaign uniting business in the push for a green recovery from Covid-19, claiming that this could bring £700bn of economic benefits for the UK this decade.
One-third of UK population represented by local authority net-zero commitments
Five more UK councils have joined a 'net-zero pledge', meaning that one-third of the UK population is now represented by councils aiming to reach net-zero emissions at least five years ahead of Central Government's 2050 commitment.
O2 outlines plans to slash data centre emissions
Telecommunications giant O2 is set to cut emissions from its data centres by more than half a million kilograms within a year, after investing in natural cooling technologies and energy efficiency.
edie kicks off new COP26 Primer report series with Clean Energy focus
As part of the brand-new Countdown to COP26 Festival of digital content and events, edie has this week launched a series of "Primer Reports" which provide need-to-know insights into the key themes of this year's crucial climate talks. First up: Clean Energy.
After Green Homes Grant failure, Government 'dodges' recommendations on energy-efficient homes
The Government has admitted that it did not consult stakeholders before launching the now-defunct Green Homes Grant scheme, in a document that MPs have said is evidence that it is shirking responsibility on domestic energy efficiency.
edie launches new business guide on flexible energy for net-zero
edie has today (10 May) launched a free guide outlining the key considerations, challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to trial and deploy flexible energy solutions.
Ibstock outlines steps to create world's first net-zero carbon brick factory
Brick manufacturer Ibstock has chosen its Atlas facility in the West Midlands as the location for what it claims will be the world's net-zero carbon brick factory.
Green Homes Grant: Less than 10% of promised vouchers issued
Less than £200m of the £2bn of vouchers initially promised under the UK's Green Homes Grant Scheme has been issued, new official Government figures show.
Heineken targets carbon-neutral value chain by 2040
Global brewer Heineken has unveiled a new corporate strategy to become carbon-neutral across its operations by 2030 and then across its entire value chain by 2040.
Bank of America commits $1trn to global sustainability initiatives
The Bank of America has increased an existing $300bn sustainable business initiatives fund to attempt to mobilise $1trn by 2030 for initiatives that will support the net-zero transition.
British Army to switch on first solar farm as part of net-zero aspiration
The British Army is progressing with the first of four solar photovoltaic farms, which will save more than £1m in energy costs and help the Army reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
More than 100 Apple suppliers to switch to 100% renewables
Apple has revealed that more than 100 of its manufacturing partners across the supply chain have agreed to source 100% renewable electricity for the production of Apple products, a move that looks set to avoid more than 15 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Green Homes Grant scheme to officially close this week, UK Government confirms
The UK Government has confirmed that it will axe its Green Homes Grant Scheme, which had £1.5bn of its £2bn funding pot withdrawn, on Wednesday (31 March).
British Land confirms approved science-based targets on journey to net-zero
Property development and investment giant British Land has had interim carbon reductions targets to help deliver net-zero emissions approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
UK's net-zero transition will create up to 1.7 million green jobs this decade, report finds
If the UK Government adopts the Climate Change Committee's Sixth Carbon Budget advice and supports businesses accordingly, some 1.7 million new 'green-collar' jobs can be created by 2030.
Single-use plastics: The 2021 roadmap for sustainable business
It’s been one of the biggest sustainable business issues of the past decade: tackling the scourge of single-use plastics. But has the progress delivered in 2019 off the back of the so-called “Attenborough effect” been offset by the pandemic?
Government commits £560m to decarbonise housing
The Government has issued £500m from the Green Homes Grant and £62m from a Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to improve the energy efficiency of 50,000 UK households.
'Woefully inadequate': MPs slam Government's energy efficiency plans after Green Homes Grant fiasco
The UK will miss its long-term, legally binding climate targets unless the Government addresses energy efficiency in homes as a priority, MPs are warning.
Unite Students set net-zero carbon goal for 2030
Real estate investment company Unite Students, which provides students with accommodation across the UK, has set a new sustainability commitment to reach net-zero carbon across its operations and construction by 2030.
Retrofit revolution can cut emissions and deliver £7.5bn energy savings for UK
Retrofitting the UK's building stock with low-carbon solutions could reduce national energy costs by £7.5bn a year, create more than 150,000 jobs over a 10-year period and cut carbon emissions by 20%, MPs have been told.
Six top tips for super-charging energy efficiency on the road to net-zero
Last week, edie hosted a 45-minute masterclass on energy efficiency, featuring expert speakers from BEIS, BAM Nuttall and the Carbon Trust. Here, we round up their key takeaways.
Green recovery could deliver 1.2 million construction and manufacturing jobs
More than one million green manufacturing and construction jobs could be created in the UK, if the Government introduced enabling policies, new data has found.
LED retrofit reduces energy use by 21% for South Western Railway
South Western Railway (SWR) has delivered a 21% reduction in the energy consumption of its properties, following the installation of more than 16,000 LED light fittings across its properties.
Now available on demand: edie's 45-minute masterclass on energy efficiency
edie's online masterclass on energy efficiency, featuring expert speakers from BEIS, Bam Nuttall and the Carbon Trust, is now available to watch on-demand.
Big Issue launches climate solutions fund as CaixaBank issues €1bn SDG green bond
The Big Issue Group (TBIG) has partnered with Aberdeen Standard Investments to create a new climate solutions investment fund, while Spanish retail bank CaixaBank has issued a €1bn green bond in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Six changes to UK green policy that you need to know about this week
The UK Government has announced several important changes to green policy packages this week. Here, edie rounds up the flurry announcements from BEIS, Defra and the Treasury.
Sector by sector: What are the key ingredients to achieve a green recovery?
Over the past 12 months edie has collected data and spoken to leading sustainability and energy experts on how key UK sectors can achieve a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Here, edie summarises some key themes found in our detailed sector insight reports.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Dominic Pybus, UK Parliament
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. Up next: UK Parliament's energy manager Dominic Pybus.
Budget 2021: Businesses and charities make last-minute calls for green funding to Rishi Sunak
With the 2021 Budget being announced on Wednesday (3 March), Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing mounting pressure over the Green Homes Grant, National Nature Service and other green policy decisions.
Borealis to cut emissions at Finnish facility through £15m energy efficiency upgrade
Chemicals giant Borealis has unveiled a new €17.6m (£15.1m) investment into regenerative thermal technology that will reduce facility emissions from heating while also saving around 60GWh of energy annually.
BrewDog announces B Corp certification
Scottish craft brewer BrewDog is the latest company to achieve B Corp certification, highlighting the company's dedication to becoming a force for good and focusing on carbon offsetting and reduction.
Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for the public sector
edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, the public sector.
UK can create 200,000 jobs through clean technology drive
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has claimed that the UK can reach 100% renewable electricity in the next 11 years, with clean technology uptake set to create 200,000 new jobs provided the Government can deliver enabling policies.
Billions to be slashed from Green Homes Grant budget
The Government is facing criticism for a decision to pull the majority of funding for the £2bn Green Homes Grant, less than a year after it was unveiled to improve household energy efficiency and play a key role in an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Green Homes Grant: Government admits that meeting 600,000 homes target could take a decade
When the Government launched its Green Homes Grant last year, it aimed to improve energy efficiency for 600,000 homes. But a BEIS minister has admitted that just 20,000 vouchers have been issued to date.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2021: Winners revealed at glittering virtual ceremony
Willmott Dixon, the Midcounties Co-operative and Virgin Media were among the big winners of edie's 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards, announced at a fun-packed virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday afternoon (3 February).
edie's next online masterclass to focus on industrial energy efficiency
edie's next online masterclass has been confirmed for Wednesday 10 March and will explore the role that energy efficiency will play on the road to net-zero for industrial business.
EY targets carbon negativity for 2021
After achieving an ambition to become carbon neutral in 2020 by upping investments in carbon offsetting, EY has committed to remove and offset more carbon than it emits globally this year.
Bank of England's high-carbon financing a 'moral hazard', MPs warn
The Bank of England risks creating 'moral hazard' by continuing to finance high-carbon projects and companies and providing no-strings-attached financing to carbon intensives companies, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has warned.
Government unveils 'radical' energy efficiency standards for homes and offices
All homes and business facilities will be required to meet new energy efficiency standards that reduce energy consumption and lower bills by 2025, after the Government finally outlined responses to the Future Homes Standard.
edie launches series of mini reports to help businesses spark an energy revolution
edie has launched a new series of summary reports developed from SPARK! - an exclusive virtual event where energy leaders explored the key challenges and opportunities of the net-zero transition.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Oliver Knowles, M&S Property
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. Up next: M&S Property's R&D manager, Oliver Knowles.
Councils not confident of reaching net-zero commitments
More than a third of councils in the UK are not confident that they'll be able to meet public commitments to reaching net-zero emissions, with a "black hole" of data hindering efforts on energy efficiency plans.
WHSmith targets net-zero emissions by 2025
Retailer WHSmith has unveiled a new five-year sustainability plan to reduce its operational emissions to zero by 2025, with the company set to engage with suppliers to help them become net-zero.
Heat Strategy: Government urged to spend £65bn on energy-efficient homes by 2035
Representatives from more than 200 businesses, housing associations, local authorities and trade bodies are urging Ministers to ensure that the upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy mobilises enough finance to address "major" barriers to decarbonisation.
Coordinated and collaborative action is needed on housing to meet net-zero
The extension to the Green Homes Grant scheme is a vital part of the government's recent ten-point green plan - improving the energy efficiency of homes and cutting emissions while stimulating jobs and ensuring wider health and financial benefits for communities.
IEA: Energy efficiency improvements for 2020 'the weakest in a decade'
Despite nations investing in retrofitting and businesses looking to make energy savings amid lockdown restrictions, global progress on energy efficiency has slowed in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
What makes a sustainability leader? Inside Ikea's Greenwich store
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Built Environment Project of the Year, Ikea.
Renewable or 'low-carbon'? EU countries face off over hydrogen
EU member states are fighting over which type of hydrogen to support, with two opposing camps facing off: those backing green hydrogen produced exclusively from renewable electricity, and those in favour of a broader "low-carbon" definition, which also includes nuclear power and decarbonised gases.
National Infrastructure Strategy: Government to deliver 'revolution' tied to net-zero
The Government has launched its long-awaited National Infrastructure Strategy, detailing how transport, industry, energy and the built environment will be transformed to reach net-zero, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak using his spending review to confirm a £12bn commitment to the net-zero transition in 2021-2022.
Vodafone sets net-zero target for 2040
Vodafone has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2040 and will eliminate emissions from its activities and energy and halve scope 3 emissions by 2030.
Green New Deal: London launches £10m job-creation scheme for low-carbon sectors
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has outlined plans to funnel £10m into the energy efficiency, low-carbon transport and skills sector as part of the capital's plans for a green Covid-19 recovery.
'An ambitious plan for a green industrial revolution': Reaction to Boris Johnson's Ten Point net-zero plan
Green groups have welcomed a new Ten Point Llan from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and build towards the net-zero emissions target, but the lack of a clear roadmap is dampening an otherwise monumental green policy moment.
SDG Spotlight: How Businesses Can Achieve Goal 7; Clean and Affordable Energy
edie's latest SDG Spotlight report, produced in association with Bryt Energy, looks at how businesses and national policies can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help deliver Goal 7: Clean and Affordable Energy.
US Election 2020: What does Joe Biden's win mean for the global climate emergency?
US President-elect Joe Biden is outlining that first steps of his transition plan after beating Donald Trump in the US election. While the latter is yet to concede the results, leadership under the Democrats will deliver a very different outlook on global efforts to combat the climate crisis.
Mission Possible: Achieving a green recovery for hospitality and leisure
edie's Mission Possible campaign has evolved to focus on the green recovery, with a new series of reports outlining the challenges that businesses in key sectors face in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, and the opportunities that the green recovery will bring. Up next, hospitality and leisure.
Vodafone saves £10m in energy costs over three-year period
Vodafone has worked with facilities management firm Mitie to reduce its UK carbon footprint by 25,000 tonnes over a three-year period, with improvements to building-based energy use saving the technology firm around £10m.
What makes a sustainability leader? A closer look at Premier Inn's award-winning battery storage project
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winners of our Energy Efficiency Project of the Year, Premier Inn.
What makes a sustainability leader? Get to know Ibstock Brick's Michael McGowan
With the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards entry deadline approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2020 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up first: Our Energy Management Leader of the Year, Ibstock's Michael McGowan.
£2bn Green Homes Grant and £1bn Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme open for applications
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has officially launched £3bn of initiatives aimed at improving the energy efficiency of housing and public sector buildings.
Willmott Dixon to become zero-carbon business by 2030
Construction firm Willmott Dixon has committed that all new build and refurbishment projects it delivers from 2030 onwards will be net-zero carbon in operation, as part of a new sustainability strategy that will see the company become zero-carbon in its own operations over the next decade.
Green recovery: 'Retrofit revolution' could create half a million UK jobs
More than 455,000 'white van' jobs could be created across the UK's property and construction sectors if the government increases funding for retrofit projects and green skills as part of its Covid-19 recovery package.
