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Scotland commits £1.6bn for national green recovery

The Scottish Government has outlined a new £1.6bn spending framework that will form part of an enhanced New Deal for the country that will improve biodiversity, slash emissions from heating and buildings and support 5,000 low-carbon jobs.

The UK's oil and gas sector employs 270,000+ people and pays £350m+ in taxes annually

BEIS to review whether UK's oil and gas licencing regime is net-zero compatible

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will review whether its plans for the future oil and gas licencing regime are "aligned with tackling climate change" and compatible with the UK's 2050 net-zero target.

The brewer is choosing a nature-based approach to meeting its new offsetting target. Image: Brewdog

Brewdog achieves 'carbon negativity', offsetting more emissions than it generates

Brewdog has announced that it is now offsetting more emissions than it generates across Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (power-related) and upstream Scope 3 (indirect) sources.

edie Explains: Scope 3 carbon emissions

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The ESG Handbook 2020: Spurring the green recovery

Green finance and ESG investing were reaching a tipping point, then the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. The virus hasn’t so much as tipped the scales towards ESG investing but rather poured most of the world’s financial system towards it.

This round-up highlights innovative technical solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges

'Green Swan' observatories and Europe's biggest electric plane: The best green innovations of the month

Every month, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best from June 2020.

Two additional projects are expecting planning decisions in July

Government blocks Vattenfall's offshore windfarm expansion

The Government has refused to grant development consent for Vattenfall's 340MW windfarm extension off the coast of Kent, and has delayed two other planning decisions in the South East, in the same week that Total acquired a 51% stake in the £3bn Seagreen project in the Scottish North Sea.

The job growth delivered by these projects will be a welcome, albeit not immediate, respite to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic

UK windfarms to spur green job growth

The firms behind the world's biggest offshore wind farm Dogger Bank have outlined plans to create 200 new jobs at the Port of Tyne, while Scottish Power plans to use its wind farms as part of an energy cluster scheme that will support 600 jobs in Scotland.

The project will now focus on bringing more parties into the LEM

Local energy trading market launched on Orkney islands

A trial focused on delivering real-time trading between renewable generation and local grid flexibility on the Orkney islands has been successful, with project lead Electron noting that more than 1,300 trades have been completed as part of a demonstration projected.

Implementations of Green New Deals are faltering due to economic pressures, but the movement could be the just transition society needs

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The Welsh Government's approach to plastics has been to go "beyond recycling"

Wales unveils plans to ban single-use plastics from 2021

The Welsh Government will bring "restrictions" around certain single-use plastic items, including straws and cotton buds, into effect in the first half of 2021.

Pathways to net-zero: decarbonising your business in the 2020s

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30 Under 30: Class of 2019 report

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Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development

RBS's climate goals and Aldi's plastic bag crackdown: The sustainability success stories of the week

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Each of these stories highlights how businesses are working to ramp up ambitions and actions across all areas of sustainable development

Automated EVs and SC Johnson's sports stadium plastic: The sustainability success stories of the week

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The draft Budget was published on Thursday (6 February), building on Scotland's 2019 Climate Change policy package

Scotland Budget outlines multi-million-pound pots for net-zero heat and agriculture

The Scottish Government has this week published its draft 2020-21 Budget, which sets aside millions of pounds for ocean conservation and decarbonising sectors such as heat and agriculture.

Lloyds is one of six firms to have signed all three of the commitments

Lloyds Banking Group commits to net-zero fleets and 100% renewable electricity

Lloyds Banking Group has today (6 February) joined all three of The Climate Group's business sustainability initiatives, committing to source 100% renewable electricity, reach net-zero fleets and improve energy productivity.

In action: EDF battery storage optimisation with a financial services company

A financial services company worked with EDF and its partner, Upside Energy, to support an energy storage fund by realising financial returns from its assets. In turn, the Fund achieved this financial goal by focusing on specific source of revenue generation.

140,000 existing 'green-collar' roles will need filling, while a further 260,000 must be created, the analysis concludes

National Grid: 400,000 energy jobs must be filled to hit net-zero

More than 117,000 roles will need to be filled in the energy sector by 2030, and a further 283,000 by 2050, if the UK is to meet its net-zero target.

Following consultations last year, the Strategy was approved late last week

Glasgow to phase-out single-use plastics within two years

Glasgow City Council has approved new measured to reduce plastic use across the local area, headlined by a commitment to phase-out single-use items by 2022.

Single-use plastics: The 2020 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. In 2018-19, the so-called “Attenborough effect” gave this issue the mainstream attention it deserved, and thousands of businesses duly began to ramp up their efforts to eliminate single- use plastics from their operations and the supply chain.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the unveiling of the buses

Electric buses to operate in Glasgow for first time in 60 years

Electric buses will run on a commercial route in Glasgow for the first time since the 1960s, after bus operator First Glasgow introduced two new vehicles to assist with the city's net-zero aspirations.

edie explains: Hazardous Waste

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Scotland is targeting net-zero by 2045, five years ahead of England

WWF: Scottish farmers can align with net-zero without ditching beef

Scotland's agriculture sector could slash emissions by more than one-third by 2045, if measures to boost carbon sequestration, improve animal health and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of fertiliser are implemented.

It may feel like sustainability has dominated pop culture in 2019, but does progress exist beyond pockets of discussions? Image: BAFTA

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?

Scotland implemented a new Climate Change policy package this year - but the CCC is warning that further ambition and action is needed in 2020

CCC: Scotland must 'immediately' increase net-zero action in preparation for COP26

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has issued its annual progress report to the Scottish Parliament, urging Ministers to "begin work immediately" on implementing short-term net-zero legislation.

Climate-related financial disclosure: Business best practice in 2020

This one-hour webinar, hosted in association with edie’s upcoming Sustainability Leaders Forum 2020, will explore how businesses are using the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFDs) to align with investor needs and enhance their sustainability strategies.

The campaign officially launched on Tuesday (22 October). Image: Hubbub

Food giants team up to fund Edinburgh's first on-street recycling infrastructure

On-street recycling infrastructure for food and drinks packaging has been installed in Edinburgh for the first time, as part of a campaign run by charity Hubbub and backed by businesses including McDonald's, Costa Coffee and Nestle.

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: A circular economy technology tour with HPE

For episode 73 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast, edie reporter Sarah George takes a tour of Hewlett Packard Enterprises' (HPE) Technology Renewal Centre in Scotland - a facility helping to tackle e-waste by refurbishing and recycling retired business tech.

The new Bill aligns with the CCC's advice for the UK to meet net-zero by mid-century

Scotland Climate Bill: MSPs unanimously back 2045 net-zero target

Scottish MSPs have voted 113 to 0 to back the introduction of a new Climate Bill, committing the nation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Pictured: The Scottish Events campus where the UN's COP26 climate conference will be held

International allies give go-ahead for UK to host COP26

The UK last night (10 September) formally received the backing of all countries responsible for agreeing on the host of the COP26 climate conference.

The new policy package has been widely welcomed across the UK's green economy, including by the Committee on Climate Change

Scottish government unveils swathe of green initiatives

The Scottish government has pledged to ensure that, by 2024, all new homes must use renewable or low-carbon heat.

More than 2,600MW of onshore wind capacity came online in 2017

Scotland's first subsidy-free onshore windfarm to be operational by 2020

A 46MW onshore windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway, in south-west Scotland, has joined the race to become the first in the country to become operational without the support of Government subsidies.

Olivia started at Fashion Lab before joining Whitbread

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Olivia Murphy, Whitbread

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: Olivia Murphy, sustainability manager at hospitality giant Whitbread.

In May 2019, the Scottish Government announced plans to amend its Climate Change Bill and commit to a legally binding target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045

Civic and business leaders publish 12-point plan for Scotland to address climate emergency

A group of civic and business leaders, including representatives from Scottish Land & Estates, Changeworks and Scottish Renewables, has called on the Scottish Government to champion healthy diets, fix land use and target low-carbon vehicles and buildings to address the climate emergency.

A spokesperson for the council said the move would widely be regarded as a “reasonable compromise”

Scottish school climate strikers limited to one day off for protests annually

The City of Edinburgh Council has brought in new measures to prevent schoolchildren from taking more than one day out of lessons per academic year for climate strikes.

The Green Brexit Matrix: What do the different outcomes mean for environmental policy?

With Boris Johnson entering number 10 as the new Prime Minister, the likelihood of a no deal Brexit has increased. This download, originally published in April, explores the potential exit scenarios and the impacts they will have on UK sustainability, energy and environment policy.

(L-R) WWF UK’s Dan Murray, Thai Union’s Tracy
Cambridge, presenter Sally Uren OBE, chief executive,
Forum for the Future, and compere Michaela Strachan

Meet edie's 2019 Sustainable Supply Chain champions: Thai Union and WWF

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winners of our 2019 Sustainable Supply Chains Award, Thai Union and WWF.

An artist's impression of what Scottish Power's 'super battery' at its Whitelee wind farm will look like once complete. Image: Scottish Power

Scotland and Wales place hopes in battery power

Scotland and Wales plan to embrace battery power in order to solve their respective clean energy and employment challenges. Scotland will link a 50MW "super battery" to a wind farm, while Wales wants to invest in battery production.

edie Explains: ISO 50001

This updated ISO 50001 guide, produced in association with edie's supporting partner Centrica Business Solutions, provides an in-depth summary of the ISO 50001 Standard which can be used by an organisation to establish and maintain a continuous level of energy performance improvements.

Francesca Osowska warned of abandoned rural areas

'Radical action by 2030' needed to tackle Scotland's climate challenges

The head of Scotland's nature conservation agency has warned the country faces an "apocalyse" of flooded towns, dead forests and polluted rivers unless urgent action is taken to cut CO2 emissions.

Business Energy Barometer: April-May 2019

edie's brand-new Business Energy Barometer report maps out the key energy drivers, challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses, based on an in-depth survey of energy managers across the country.

ECC claims the target is "ambitious" and that it acknowledges the existence of a "Climate Emergency"

Edinburgh commits to become 'net-zero' carbon city by 2030

Edinburgh City Council (ECC) has pledged to ensure that the city operates on a "net-zero" carbon basis by 2030 - 15 years before Scotland's national net-zero target for 2045.

<p>Scotland is aiming to reach net-zero by 2045, but Glasgow has unveiled plans to get there sooner</p>

Scottish Power pledges to make Glasgow UK's first 'net-zero' city

Scottish Power has pledged to turn Glasgow into the UK's first zero-carbon city with a mass rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

PET bottles with a 50ml-3l capacity will be subject to a deposit fee under the system

Scottish Government unveils 20p deposit return scheme for plastic bottles

The Scottish Government has revealed the results of its consultation on implementing a national deposit return scheme for drinks packaging, confirming that it will introduce a 20p deposit fee for all PET and glass bottles as well as aluminium and steel cans.

Scotland has called on the UK Government to follow its lead in agreeing to a net-zero target

Scottish Government commits to net-zero emissions by 2045

The Scottish Government has today (2 May) announced plans to amend its Climate Change Bill and commit to a legally binding target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest – leading the rest of the UK.

£45m worth of losses were recorded in the sheep sub-sector alone during the 12-month period

Extreme weather events cost Scottish farmers £161m in 2018, WWF finds

Extreme weather events such as heatwaves and the so-called 'Beast from the East' contributed to £161m in losses for farmers across Scotland during the 2017-18 financial year, new research from WWF Scotland has found.

Pentrehafod Comprehensive School project

In 2016 Morgan Sindall were appointed principle contractor on the Pentrehafod Comprehensive School project, which completed in November 2018.

Accelerating the rEVolution: 7 business innovations in e-mobility

This insight report, produced in partnership with UK Power Networks Services, investigates some of the game-changing developments which are driving e- mobility and accelerating the sector forward into the next decade.

Mission Possible: Achieving a sustainable future for hospitality and leisure

This brand-new sector insight report provides a comprehensive overview of the steps that organisations within Britain's hospitality and leisure sector can take to achieve a sustainable future, today.

edie pulls the data to provide key trends and achievements in 2018

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.

The Too Good to Waste boxes first hit Lidl’s shelves in August 2018

Lidl set for national roll out of 'Too Good to Waste' fruit and veg boxes

Supermarket chain Lidl UK has confirmed that it will roll out its 'Too Good to Waste' produce boxes across all stores, after a trial across 122 locations last year proved successful.

The trial scheme launched today (18 March) and will run for six weeks

Aldi removes plastic packaging from fresh vegetable lines

Aldi has removed the flexible plastic wrapping from five of its fresh vegetable lines in its Scottish stores, in a bid to explore consumer attitudes to loose produce.

The scheme will fund large-scale conservation and restoration activities across Scotland's forests, lakes and coastline

'The £1bn challenge': Natural capital investment project launched in Scotland

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Scottish Wildlife Trust have teamed up to launch a new project aiming to attract £1bn of investment in protecting the nation's natural capital.

Sustainability experts from an array of businesses came together in London to discuss the potential solutions to energy and waste issues related to the circular economy

Circular roundtable: How can businesses accelerate the resource revolution?

Sustainability and corporate responsibility managers from a range of businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and EDF Energy, to discuss how organisations are stepping up efforts to accelerate a circular economy.

UK wind energy generation smashes record again

Wind energy in the UK set another record last week, with new figures revealing that more than 15GW of renewable energy was generated by wind technologies on Friday (8 February).

Build a better future: the built environment and the Sustainable Development Goals

An audit of Glasgow's waste last year found that 48% of its drinks waste was accounted for by coffee cups

Scotland's first coffee cup recycling scheme launched in Glasgow

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has launched what it claims is the nation's first coffee cup recycling initiative in Glasgow, where 95 million disposable cups are used annually.

Scotland is widely regarded as a global leader of the low-carbon transition, having halved its carbon footprint since 1990 and abated its industrial sector at a faster rate than the rest of the UK

High-profile businesses ramp up pressure on Scotland to make carbon-neutral pledge

The likes of Coca-Cola, Tesco and Sky have today (14 January) called on the Scottish Parliament to "seize the chance to renew their position as climate leader" by achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050.

An artist's impression of what the innovative new turbine could look like. Image: Scotrenewables

UK's first floating tidal stream turbine to be built in Scotland

The UK's first floating tidal stream turbine is set to be deployed off the coast of Scotland in 2020, after £7m of funding to build the device was secured earlier this month.

Scotland is on course to meet its 2020 Climate Act target

Scottish industry's greenhouse gas emissions lowest since records began

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by Scotland's industrial sector fell to an unprecedented low in 2017, the latest official figures have confirmed.

Scotland receives green light for large-scale water source heat pump project

Scotland is set to welcome its first large-scale water source heat pump scheme, that will take heat from the river Clyde to provide heat and hot water for a nearby district heating network.

The Scottish Government committed to delivering 50% of energy from renewables in 2017

Wind power breaks 100% threshold for Scotland's electricity demand

Wind farms in Scotland generated enough power to account for more than 100% of the country's electricity demand last month, according to new figures from WeatherEnergy.

Webinar: The sustainable business power hour: Preparing to lead in 2019

This live, interactive webinar will see a range of sustainability leadership experts offer advice, share real-experience cases studies and reveal the key trends to watch out for that will help sustainability professionals hit the ground running in 2019.

edie Explains: Energy-from-Waste

Is Energy-from-Waste (EfW) right for your business? What are the different EfW technology options, and how do you choose the right one? This edie explains business guide, produced in association with phs Group, has the answers.

JUMP has launched as a six month pilot to 200 employees at Glasgow Sheriff Court (pictured)

Scottish Courts to trial gamification in staff behaviour change scheme

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has partnered with facilities management provider Atalian Servest to trial a six-month behaviour change pilot aimed at reducing environmental impacts and boosting employee wellbeing.

Webinar: Sustainable manufacturing: Learning from the leaders

Following the publication of two edie insight reports which investigated the future of sustainable manufacturing, this one-hour webinar brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss the various challenges and opportunities facing low-carbon, resource-efficient manufacturing.

edie Explains: Onsite generation

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The best day (23 October) saw 105.9MWh generated, powering 8.72 million homes

Wind power delivered 98% of Scotland's electricity demand in October

Wind turbines across Scotland generated enough power to account for 98% of the country's electricity demand last month.

In October last year, Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, opened the world’s first floating windfarm located 25 kilometres off the coast of Aberdeenshire

Floating wind capacity could reach 20GW by 2050

Floating offshore windfarms could provide up to 20GW of generation capacity by the middle of the century, a study commissioned by the Crown Estate Scotland has found.

Scotland's draft climate change strategy has a headline target of achieving a 100% reduction in carbon emissions

Scottish Government seeking advice on net-zero carbon target

Scotland's climate change minister Roseanna Cunningham has confirmed that the Scottish Government will set a net-zero emissions goal if the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) can set out a "pathway" for the nation to achieve carbon neutrality.

Glasgow City Council is developing initiatives to implement closed-loop practices across the built environment, food, textiles, plastics and energy

Glasgow unveils ambition to become Scotland's first 'circular city'

Glasgow City Council has this week outlined a plan to become Scotland's first "circular city", by reducing its domestic and commercial waste footprint and implementing measures to encourage reuse and recycling.

The construction and built environment, energy infrastructure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors could all reap economic benefits by implementing closed-loop solutions

Scotland's cities can unlock £1bn circular economy boon, says report

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scotland's largest cities to transform waste processes and operations to capture a £1bn economic growth opportunity highlighted by a new Zero Waste Scotland report, released today (31 October).

According to PwC, the global economy could see a potential contribution of $15.7trn from AI by 2030

9 ways AI is enhancing sustainability for business

With Google announcing a new £19m fund for businesses using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address environmental and social issues, edie looks at nine projects that have already delivered notable benefits for business.

Zero Waste Scotland claims that SMEs could cut their energy bills by 24% by installing technologies such as modern boilers, building insulation and LED lighting

Scottish Government launches 'cashback' scheme to help SMEs bolster energy efficiency

The Scottish Government has partnered with Zero Waste Scotland to launch a "cashback" scheme which offers interest-free loans to small businesses that install energy efficiency measures.

Green groups said the deal showed the government should back renewable energy firms rather than fossil fuel and nuclear companies

Scottish Power shifts to 100% wind generation after £700m Drax sale

Scottish Power has ditched fossil fuels for electricity generation and switched to 100% wind power, by selling off its last remaining gas power stations to Drax for more than £700m.

The Scottish bill has set a target of cutting emissions north of the border to 90% of 1990 levels

Scotland continues to beat rest of UK in reducing emissions

Scotland is outperforming the rest of the UK on reducing greenhouse gas emissions but needs fresh measures to meet its own recently introduced targets, according to parliament's climate change watchdog.

Those involved in the facility hope it will help balance intermittent generation and deliver a better cost to consumers

Scotland flicks switch on country's largest battery

Scotland's first utility-scale battery facility has opened this week, a move which experts hope will help pave the way for an energy storage boom in the UK.

Clean energy projects will benefit from increased investment alongside schools, hospitals, transport and digital connectivity

Scottish clean energy projects to get increased investment

Clean energy has been promised a share of an extra £1.5 billion per annum pledged by Nicola Sturgeon for infrastructure in Scotland.

The University of Strathclyde is the latest UK university to implement the project, joining seven other higher education establishments in rolling out the scheme

University of Strathclyde widens sustainability behaviour change programme

The University of Strathclyde is rolling out an organisation-wide behaviour change project to boost sustainable habits among staff, after a five-month pilot saw the institution reduce its carbon emissions by 15,000kg.

Brewster Bros anticipates that by selling recycled products made at the facility, the plant will achieve an annual turnover of £3m

UK's largest recycling centre opens in Scotland

The UK's largest recycling centre has officially opened in Livingston, Scotland, on the same day that waste experts called on the UK Government to scrap weight-based recycling targets post-Brexit.

The unit supplied the equivalent annual electricity demand of 830 UK households. Image: Scotrenewables

Orkney tidal turbine generates record level of power

A Scottish tidal turbine has generated more power over the past year than the entire wave and tidal energy sectors in Scotland in the 12 years prior to its launch in 2016.

Scotland outpaces rest of UK in carbon reduction, halving emissions since 1990

Scotland has met its statutory annual climate change target for the third consecutive year, achieving a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions against a 1990 baseline.

The plant will generate enough electricity to meet annual demand of just over 10,000 households in Scotland

Planning permission given for Scotland's largest solar project

The Scottish government has granted planning permission for the country's largest solar PV project.

The latest move from Scottish Parliament follows on from the plastic straw ban it implemented in its own cafes, bar and canteens in February

Scottish Parliament bans single-use coffee cups

Disposable coffee cups are set to be banned from the Scottish Parliament's main buildings next week in a bid to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste from its operations.

The fact that the strategy has not set a date for the net-zero goal has left several environmental groups unsatisfied

Scotland proposes 90% emissions reduction target

Scotland has published its draft climate change strategy, which has a headline target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050 and achieving a 100% reduction "as soon as possible".

Scottish ministers recently published plans to reduce emissions 90% by 2050

Scotland smashes onshore wind record

Experts have hailed the "incredible amount" of power produced by Scotland's onshore wind turbines in the first quarter of 2018, which is up 44% on the first three months of last year.

Business Stream claims its customers have saved more than £160m on their water bills

Greggs builds appetite for water efficiency with service switch

On-the-go food retailer Greggs has chosen water retail company Business Stream to supply services to all of its managed outlets and major production sites across the UK.

World Water Day - How we can ensure resilience of our water supplies

Peter Simpson, CEO, Anglian Water, discusses the action we can take together on World Water Day to ensure the resilience of our water supplies

Historic Environment Scotland worked with Royal Household to reduce carbon emissions at the Palace of Holyroodhouse by 40%

UK charities and heritage sites saved £7m through onsite renewables in 2017

More than 100 not-for-profit organisations, including the National Trust, RSPB and Oxfam, have collectively saved almost £7m on energy procurement costs from fossil fuel sources, after generating more than 48GWh on renewable energy to power estates in 2017.

Chancellor Hammond has set aside £20m for an innovation fund that will help businesses and universities discover new solutions to tackle plastic waste

Spring Statement: Chancellor unveils consultation on plastic tax

Phillip Hammond has launched a public consultation on a tax system for single-use plastics, vowing to tackle the “threat to our oceans" in his inaugural Spring Statement.

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.

Are reuse and refill missing pieces of our sustainable packaging jigsaw?

Last week the Church of England and Members of Parliament pledged to go single-use plastic-free for the 40 days of Lent, while the BBC plans to be similarly plastic-free in its operations by 2020. These are the latest (at time of writing at least) in an ever-growing list of sustainable packaging commitments being made at an almost breakneck pace.

The war on plastic waste has this week been taken up by the Royal Family

Could Scotland be on the verge of becoming the first European country to ban plastic straws?

The Scottish Government could introduce a ban on plastic straws as early as next year, it has been reported.

How business can play a part in the new Northern Forest

The Government has announced £5.7 million to kick start the planting of 50 million trees across the North of England through an ambitious new plan by the Woodland Trust and Community Forests. The project is set to deliver huge benefits, and businesses and large organisations will have a vital role to play.

The 30% cashback offer can generate up to £10,000 for SMEs, while the energy efficiency improvements could create savings of up to £8,000 on average each year

Scottish SMEs offered 'cashback' loan for energy-efficiency projects

Small businesses in Scotland have been encouraged to take advantage of a new "cashback" scheme that could enable them to cut annual energy usage by a quarter and save up to £10,000 in the process.

The LCITP programme has already supported 16 low-carbon projects, backing them with more than £40m in collective funding

Scotland launches £60m business fund for low-carbon innovations

Businesses in Scotland can now access a £60m fund to scale projects that can help deliver the nation's low-carbon heat, energy and vehicle solutions.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) insists that new policies will be required to close the remaining “emissions gap”

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.

Campaigners believe the move to eliminate plastic-stemmed cotton buds will cut Scotland's marine plastic pollution by half

Scotland pledges to ban plastic cotton buds

Scotland has unveiled plans to become the first UK country to ban the sale and manufacture of plastic stemmed cotton buds, in its latest bid to tackle marine plastics pollution.