Scotland
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planning permission given for Scotland's largest solar project
The Scottish government has granted planning permission for the country's largest solar PV project.
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.
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".
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carbon footprint of Scottish homes slashed by 25%
Scottish households have reduced their emissions footprint by an average of 25% in eight years thanks to the growth of renewables and improved energy efficiency measures, new analysis has found.
Centrica Business Solutions: Resilience
UK businesses without an energy resilience strategy are risking 17% of their revenue, equating to £2.8m each year in damages and lost opportunities. This is a key finding from Centrica Business Solutions’ research into the current state of energy resilience.
Study identifies sheer scale of opportunity for Scottish bioeconomy
A new report has highlighted the "huge opportunities" for 27 million tonnes of biomaterial such as food waste, by-products and agricultural residues to add value to Scotland's economy.
World's first floating wind farm opens off the Scottish coast
The world's first floating wind farm has today (18 October) started delivering electricity to the Scottish power grid, and will utilise an innovative battery storage system to provide power for around 20,000 households.
Scottish Government approves ban on fracking
The Scottish Government has announced an "effective ban" on the growth of shale gas in the country after a public consultation found that citizens are overwhelmingly opposed to fracking.
Global deposit return schemes
Deposit return schemes add a small deposit on to the cost of drinks which is refunded to the consumer when the container is returned. Hence, the incentive for consumers to recycle their drinks containers is much greater. Containers, such as glass, can be refilled and other such as cans can be recycled, eliminating wastage of the containers.
Scotland commits to diesel phase out and plastic bottle deposit return scheme
Scotland will phase out diesel and petrol cars and introduce a national deposit return scheme for drinks containers, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today (5 September).
Pentland Firth tidal project sets record-breaking month for electricity generation
Turbines harnessing tidal energy in the Pentland Firth have set a world record for monthly tidal stream power production, after phase one of the MeyGen marine project produced more than 700 MWh in the month of August.
In practice: Edinburgh Zoo's behaviour change drive to increase recycling
Attracting more than half a million visitors each year, Edinburgh Zoo has a significant opportunity to engage consumers on sustainability at a large scale. Here, edie charts an award-winning behaviour change drive which has helped the attraction divert 98% of its waste away from landfill.
Windfarm could boost Scottish economy by £827 million
The Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) windfarm off the Fife coast could be worth more than £800 million to the Scottish economy, according to a new report.
Report: Cross-border rail journeys slashing emissions
A major shift in travel habits among people travelling across the Scottish border over the past decade has saved almost 700,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, a new report has claimed.
In practice: London's largest solar retrofit project
Waste management firm Bywaters has dramatically reduced its energy usage and achieved near self-sufficiency following the delivery of a 1MW solar retrofit project at its plant in East London.
Scotland's largest solar farm given go-ahead
Planning permission has been granted for what will be Scotland's largest solar farm, a 20MW project in the north-east of the country.
The employers’ guide to smart meters and energy efficiency awareness at work and at home
This document provides guidance and materials for running an energy efficiency awareness campaign at work, including practical advice to employees on how they can benefit from getting a smart meter and saving energy at home.
Scotland's circular drive reaches re-use milestone
Scotland's drive for a circular economy has reached a major milestone with today's (8 August) announcement that 100 quality-certified re-use stores are now in operation.
Beatrice offshore project to provide social value windfall for UK communities
Money placed into a community fund to support the development of the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm off the coast of Scotland could create nearly £20m in social value for the communities involved in project, according to new analysis.
Building support for bioenergy in the new political climate
This year, Clearfleau is building on-site bio-energy plants for dairy, food and distillery businesses and will be doing more of these in 2018, with many new plants being built in Scotland.
UK primed to lead Europe's £46bn wave energy market opportunity
Wave power can contribute to 10% of global electricity demand by 2050 if governments and the private sector offer financial support and political stability, with the UK primed to act as the marine energy leader.
ESOS Phase 2: How to get maximum value from the compliance process
It's official: the compliance period for Phase 2 of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) is underway and qualifying organisations are now able to begin the compliance process.
Scotland eyes 90% emissions reduction target
The Scottish Government has proposed to increase its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to 90% below 1990 levels by 2050, the climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham has announced.
Executive Briefing: BS 8001 – a Guide
The world’s first standard for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations
Scotland unveils winners of £40m low-carbon innovation fund
A string of pioneering district heat networks and a battery storage project are among the biggest winners in a £43m fund announced by the Scottish Government in an effort to boost low-carbon infrastructure across the country.
Scotland viewed as ideal location for closed-loop CO2 market
As Scottish energy ministers meet with UK Energy Secretary Greg Clark to discuss "back-tracked" support for Scottish Islands renewables projects worth £2.5bn, a new report has claimed that re-using carbon dioxide could create a £500m market for Scotland.
Scotland and California agree joint climate change deal
Scotland has signed a joint agreement to tackle climate change with the US State of California, in the same week that new figures have highlighted a record month for Scottish wind power generation.
Collaboration for Impact: Insights Report
New research by Corporate Citizenship reveals that an era of collaboration is upon us. As companies aspire to achieve greater societal impact, they are moving away from traditional partnership models and seeking out new models of collaboration.
Scotland grants £10m for low-carbon rural projects
The Scottish Government has today (22 March) announced a £10m fund to support innovative low-carbon energy projects in rural parts of Scotland.
Preparations for water retail competition ramp up
The water retail market opens in just over two weeks, and preparations have continued apace, with new deals announced between water companies and a number of customers choosing to pre-switch. But at this time of revolutionary change, it is important to remember that the benefits are about more than just switching for a quick discount.
Green campaigners welcome Coca-Cola U-turn on bottle and can recycling scheme
Coca-Cola has announced it supports testing a deposit return service for drinks cans and bottles, in a major coup for environment and anti-waste campaigners.
Wind farms: the Marmite of energy generation
Love them or hate them, wind turbines are playing a role in our future energy generation. But could they be better placed?
Scotland's renewable energy schemes 'crippled' by business rates revaluation
Small Scottish renewable energy schemes could be faced with new business rates of up to 650%, rousing fears that future investment into renewables could be stunted in the country.
Recycling gets its time to shine at EFRA inquiry
The food waste debate has largely revolved around methods to cut back on the amount of waste produced, and as new initiatives are introduced on a seemingly weekly basis, it's time that recycling is seen as a viable option.
Have you heard the news about water retail competition?
With the opening of water retail competition just around the corner, awareness of the new market is beginning to increase among larger businesses. But many smaller firms are still in the dark about what the upcoming changes could mean for them.
Chemicals company applies for first Scottish self-supply licence
Earls Gate Water, a subsidiary of chemical company CalaChem, has become the first non-household water customer in Scotland to apply to provide its own retail services.
Scotland unveils 50% renewable energy goal for 2030
Scotland's new target to deliver 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 has been hailed as a "landmark moment" in the country's low-carbon transition.
Every breath you take: Population growth v CO2
The link between climate change and CO2 might not be as simple as people think. Has anyone taken into account human population, respiration and CO2 concentrations?
Scotland sets 'climate-leading' 66% emissions reduction target for 2032
The Scottish Government has put forward new proposals to achieve a 66% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2032, after surpassing its 2020 targets six years early.
Uncharted waters: Are you ready for retail competition?
England's water industry is going through a period of unprecedented transformation as it prepares to introduce retail competition for non-domestic customers in April 2017.
UK tidal energy plagued by cost discrepancies, says ETI
Tidal energy is at risk of being priced-out of an increasingly cost-competitive low-carbon market in the UK, unless a successful Contract for Difference (CfD) agreement can be implemented, the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) has warned.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2017: Meet the finalists
This report provides a unique insight into the fast- expanding green business community, summarising the businesses, initiatives, teams and individuals that have been shortlisted as finalists for edie's 2017 Sustainability Leaders Awards.
UK wind energy surpasses coal generation for first time
The UK made history 2016, with new analysis revealing that energy from wind turbines dwarfed energy sourced from coal power stations for the first time ever.
edie explains: Water retail competition
This edie explains: Water retail competition guide provides an in-depth summary of the government-led strategy which will allow all non- domestic water users to switch suppliers of water retail services.
Can Scotland continue its climate lead in 2017?
New figures show that Scotland is leading the UK in reducing the climate impact of electricity generation, but green groups are calling for the country to go further and "blaze the trail" for global pollution-free power by instilling a national 50% renewable energy target.
UK takes action to uphold sustainable fishing amid toxic chemical concerns
As the UK launches the latest phase of its proposals to help achieve sustainable fishing levels by 2020, new research has exposed a 10-fold rise in the use of toxic chemicals on Scottish salmon farms over the past 10 years.
Scotland urged to prevent £90m worth of food waste this Christmas
The Scottish population could reportedly cut more than £90m worth of food waste over the Christmas period, equating to savings of £38 for every Scottish household.
Energy giants throw financial weight behind Britain's kite energy aspirations
Three major energy firms, including E.ON and Shell, have secured a £5m investment into an innovative British company that aims to deploy the country's first high-altitude wind facility.
Report: British wind farms cut carbon emissions by 36 million tonnes
Renewable energy generated from wind farms in Britain has prevented the creation of around 36m tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the last six years, a new study from the University of Edinburgh has found.
Is it all worth it?
Are solar panels worth the expense?
States and regions putting Paris goals within reach, but only in the short-term
States and regions including California, Rio De Janeiro, Wales and Scotland are implementing "exemplary" near-term ambitions to place a 2C-world within reach, although a lack of long-term targets could stunt progress after 2030.
Scottish SMEs could save £19,000 per year through energy efficiency measures
Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are wasting £19,000 every year by neglecting simple energy efficiency improvements, according to Zero Waste Scotland.
Research underpins need for Scottish business leadership on food waste
Scottish businesses have been urged to provide "clear leadership" on food waste, as new research shows that an estimated 1.35 million tonnes of food and drink is wasted in the country each year.
INFOGRAPHIC: Energy efficiency benchmarking survey
edie, in association with E.ON, conducted a survey with selected readers responsible for energy management, asking them to identify the energy efficiency activity they had already completed or had underway.
Most Scottish businesses meet environmental compliance
The overwhelming majority of Scottish businesses are now following environmental regulations, the country's environment protection agency has revealed.
Can we re-develop old power stations for the new world?
Driving home from a ride around some local woods, I passed the now-closed Longannet Power Station on the River Forth. For those not familiar with this particular power station, it was one of Scotland's main electricity generating stations until it was closed down due to restrictions on the burning of coal.
E.ON teams up with Edinburgh City Council to reduce public building energy costs
A £2.1m partnership between E.ON's energy efficiency business and Edinburgh City Council is set to reduce on-site energy costs by 24% at nine public buildings, as part of the city's overarching aim to reduce carbon emissions by more than 40% by 2020.
BEIS adds £4m to Plug-In Van grant to encourage electric fleets
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has announced that the Government has opened up a £4m avenue for businesses to switch their large trucks and vans to electric models through the Plug-In Van grant.
Britain loves onshore wind, contrary to popular belief
Three-quarters of the British public back onshore wind power - more than double the level of support for fracking - but there remains a clear difference between perception and reality when it comes to assessing this support, a new survey has revealed.
Energy storage in the UK: An overview
The aim of this report is to increase knowledge of the industry among various stakeholders.
Wales doubles recycling rates in 10 years
Wales continues to lead the UK on waste management as new recycling figures for this year reveal that the country has doubled the amount of waste it has recycled over the past decade.
Scotland opens up 'circular regions' funding to drive SME resource revolution
Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Environment and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham has this week announced a targeted funding call to better support the nation's SMEs in embrace the shift to a circular economy.
What next for the UK as coal hits all time low but renewables falter?
On Thursday (29 September) the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) released UK energy statistics for the second quarter of 2016, but with coal and renewables generation both falling, does the Government need to adjust its energy policy?
Climate chief: UK must not use Brexit to water down environment laws
The UK must not water down its environmental laws as it leaves the European Union, one of the government's most senior advisers on climate change has warned.
The best retailers for the world: Driving responsible retail and one-planet prosperity
Low-carbon, resource-efficient retail is the only way forward, but we might also need to dig deeper if we are to find one-planet prosperity. Ahead of Wednesday's Responsible Retail Conference, Mike Townsend explores the real challenges and opportunities - along with evidence of an innovative shift - taking place in Sweden.
Why Scotland's leading emissions drive needs renovating
A new report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has revealed that Scotland is the exemplar Home Nation in regards to emission reductions, but with a major shift to the energy mix now integrated, the country may need to turn to other areas to keep pace with reduction targets.
World's first grid-connected tidal array deployed in the Shetlands
Scotland's efforts to become a fully-renewable nation received another boost this month, after a tidal array off the coast of the Shetlands Islands became the world's first to connect to the grid.
Join the conversation at the edie Leaders Club
The edie Leaders Club is an exclusive, member-only group for over 200 sustainability leaders, who come together to share knowledge, experience and best practice in the journey to make business more sustainable.
Waste of resources is biggest threat to planet, warns Scottish environment agency
Scotland's environment agency has warned the country's industries and farmers that their waste and inefficiency is now the biggest threat to the environment, overtaking pollution.
Scotland ranks second in Western European greenhouse gas reductions
Over the last 25 years, only Sweden has achieved bigger greenhouse gas emissions reduction levels than Scotland across Western Europe, the Scottish Government revealed on Sunday (31 July).
UK company awarded EU funding for waste electrical product recovery trials
UK-based IT disposal and asset retirement firm Re-Tek and Axion Consulting have been awarded separate trials to explore novel ways to boost the recovery process of critical raw materials (CRMs) from household waste electrical and electronic products (WEEE).
Scotland's renewables sector threatened by political 'cloud of uncertainty'
Despite successfully expanding renewable energy capacity, Scotland's renewable energy sector is in a "state of flux", with policy amendments to the Renewables Obligation (RO), Feed in-tariffs (FiT) and Contract for Difference (CfD) auctions all contributing to an uncertain future.
How will Brexit impact our involvement in the Circular Economy Package?
The Circular Economy Package launched by the EU in December 2015 has many angles to it. Its main areas of focus are the use of natural resources, the manufacture and consumption of products, their disposal, recovery and reuse, as well as the markets for secondary raw materials.
Scotland the 'prime candidate' to implement energy storage systems
The UK should look to Scotland to implement new revenue streams that account for a "modernised" grid system, which should have energy storage at its heart, in order to unlock £2.4bn in savings.
Scottish Government announces £20m investment for low-carbon infrastructure projects
A working coalition between the Scottish Government, public agencies and sector specialists has today (11 June) announced the launch of funding support aimed at the delivery of large scale transformational low-carbon infrastructure projects based in Scotland.
The Elephant in the Room
Around the World, various intriguing methods are used to source water. Take the Samburu people of Kenya, for example, who rely on wild elephants to help them find water when the rivers run dry since elephants have a natural ability to detect underground water. Tracking the elephants closely, the Sumburu are able to draw water from the shallow wells that the elephants leave open for them. Back in their village, they thank the elephants by filling troughs which they leave out for thirsty animals.
Non-compliance with the WEEE Directive: what’s the worst that can happen?
The risk of prosecution for potential non-compliance with the WEEE Directive is often of uppermost concern to companies. In our experience, most companies will weigh up this and any associated risks against the costs associated with changing their current practices. However, many fail to recognise the opportunities that an effective compliance system offers in terms of its support for cost reduction and product innovation.
UK Government urged to future-proof renewables amid Brexit 'volatility'
The vote to leave the European Union (EU) may have created a "fragile" confidence within the clean energy industry, but multiple organisations have called on the Government to build a cross-party coalition that provides wind energy with a viable route to market.
Life after Brexit: A new road for the green economy, but the destination remains the same
What a devastating week.
Scotland 'will lead England' on energy policy post-Brexit
Scotland will be the decision-maker in terms of energy policy once the British exit from the European Union is confirmed, according to the Energy and Climate Change select committee (ECCC).
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