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Almost two-thirds of UK businesses yet to set emissions targets, survey reveals
Almost two-thirds (61%) of companies in the UK's private sector have not yet set a specific, numerical target for reducing their emissions, a new survey from consultancy YouGov has revealed.
World 'nowhere near on track' to avoid warming beyond 1.5C target
The world's governments are "nowhere near on track" to meet their commitment to avoid global warming of more than 1.5C above the pre-industrial period, according to an author of a key UN report that will outline the dangers of breaching this limit.
Interface unveils goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040
Modular flooring firm Interface has set a new target of becoming carbon negative by 2040, building on a 2020 ambition of having “no negative environmental impact”.
Shell sets near-zero methane emissions target for 2025
Oil and gas giant Shell has made a new commitment to reduce the methane emissions intensity of its operations to below 0.2% by 2025.
The Climate Coach: Transport
It will take you twenty minutes to get there - depending on traffic. Not an unusual statement wherever you live. People design cities and communities and yet often it is people that seem to be least considered as most of the space for movement is taken up by cars, vans and lorries. Pedestrians are pushed to the side and cyclists must brave traffic with a risk for their lives.
Dude, where’s my EV?
Coinciding with government's Zero Emission Vehicles Summit, the Aldersgate Group published a briefing which sets out the major barriers to decarbonising UK road transport. Will Tricker, Policy Officer at the Group, considers what further support is needed from government to ensure UK businesses are best placed to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Extreme temperatures 'especially likely for next four years'
The world is likely to see more extreme temperatures in the coming four years as natural warming reinforces manmade climate change, according to a new global forecasting system.
One billion people without access to efficient cooling technology, says report
With the global heatwaves setting record high temperatures around the world in recent weeks, a new report warns that more than 1.1 billion people globally don't have access to some form of cooling.
The Climate Coach: Renewable Energy
I have a dream, of a society where children play safely outside in green, common areas, where there are no cars. People travel to work in electric powered trains, buses and through electric car share. They walk and cycle to school, to the local shop and to meet friends. A dream where renewable energy sources provide all the power we need - for heating, electricity and transport - in businesses as well as in homes.
Shell would support UK bringing forward petrol ban from 2040
Shell, one of the world's biggest oil and gas companies, has backed calls for the UK to bring forward its 2040 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.
Ikea gets stamp of approval for 80% science-based emissions target
The Ikea Group has had its target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its stores and operations by 80% by 2030 approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Ikea to ban single-use plastics, targets 'climate-positive' status under new strategy
Removing all single-use plastics products from its range globally, eliminating more greenhouse gas emissions than its value chain emits, and generating more renewables than it consumes are all headline goals of Ikea's updated People and Planet Positive strategy.
'High risk' meat and fish sector failing to combat climate-related business risks
More than half of global meat and fish suppliers have been labelled as "high risk", with new research warning that the sector is failing to manage sustainability issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and antibiotics stewardship.
BP's low-carbon strategy comes under fire
BP's new sustainability strategy to level-out increases to emissions during a period of business growth has been labelled as "too small" an effort to reduce the company's exposure to climate risk.
Why you need to know what the animals in your supply chain are being fed
Earlier this month, sitting in a packed room full of food and feed industry executives from around the world, we spoke together with leading retailers on why animal feed is one of the critical sustainability issue of our times.
edie Explains: Smart grids
What is a smart grid and why is it important? What are the potential business benefits of the smart grid transition? And how mature is the smart grid concept in the UK? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
Ikea, Unilever and Tesla leading on climate policy, report finds
Tesla, Apple, Ikea and Unilever are amongst the highest-performing companies advocating for strong and ambitious policies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report from non-profit InfluenceMap.
Wind and solar make more electricity than nuclear for first time in UK
Windfarms and solar panels produced more electricity than the UK's eight nuclear power stations for the first time at the end of last year, official figures show.
AB InBev places climate-science into communities with new 2025 goals
EXCLUSIVE: Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is linking science-based climate goals with a "moral" belief that it should be influencing the communities it operates in, after announcing new climate, water and supply chain goals for 2025.
Mondi Group sets science-based targets through WWF's Climate Savers
Global packaging firm Mondi Group has set new science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions across the company's operations and indirect activities, after signing up to the WWF's Climate Savers initiative for low-carbon business aspirations.
edie Explains: The circular economy
This brand new edie Explains guide breaks down everything there is to know about achieving a circular economy for your business.
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.
Behaviour change – the key to energy efficiency
This blog will discuss behavioural change and what can be done that will have a real impact on the triple bottom line - engaged staff, reduced costs and less impact on the environment.
Balearics launch pioneering plan to phase out emissions
The Balearic islands' government has launched a pioneering plan to phase out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, potentially setting itself on a collision course with the Spanish government.
8 global sustainability trends to watch out for in 2018
Over the past 12 months, challenges around addressing sustainability issues have featured consistently in global headlines. Despite mixed political messages about our transition to a low-carbon future, the private sector has continued to drive sustainability up the business agenda; from Science Based Targets (SBTs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to increased investor scrutiny over non-financial reporting.
BP set to 'embrace low-carbon world' with $500m investment
BP has pledged to invest $500m into low-carbon solutions after posting a strong financial performance in 2017.
Introducing the Climate Coaching Blog Series
Climate change is the most pressing and critical challenge humanity has faced in its history. We don't have the time to rely on regulators to pass appropriate climate mitigation and adaption legislation. Climate action from across all industry sectors, whatever the size of organisation is essential, required and indeed increasingly demanded by customers and consumers. To address this, I am writing a sequence of blogs called the Climate Coaching Series, here on edie.net, where I will be exploring climate action and answering the questions of what organisations can do to benefit people, profit and planet.
2017: A turning point for energy efficiency in the UK?
2017 started badly for the energy efficiency sector: no policy news and yet another shuffle in the Ministerial team. The Government's plan to deliver the 5th Carbon budget was long overdue, the energy efficiency policy landscape was full of holes, and the market was flat.
BEIS cuts projection for greenhouse gas emissions
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has lowered its projection for greenhouse gas emissions during the fourth and fifth carbon budgets.
The hot topic: Where does heating fit into a low-carbon electricity network?
The decarbonisation of the UK's electricity network is set to have significant implications for how low carbon heat is delivered to the buildings of the future. These changes will likely influence new policy from the Greater London Authority, as well as national guidance, regulations and calculation methodologies. The way that London responds to delivering low carbon heat needs to evolve over the coming months and years.
How to embed the SDGs in your sustainability strategy
Apart from the slightly strange feeling of talking into complete silence, and not seeing any response from your audience, I thoroughly enjoyed talking at the edie Masterclass on How to embed the SDGs in your sustainability strategy, sharing my knowledge and expertise on the topic. Here I offer you a short reflection on the webinar and respond to the questions that I didn't have time to answer during the event.
UK ratifies the Kigali amendment on HFCs
The UK has become one of the first nations to ratify the landmark Kigali Agreement to phase down harmful hydrofluorocarbon greenhouse gases (HFCs) commonly found in appliances such as air conditioning units and refrigerators.
Three ways to tackle climate change in FMCG supply chains
A year ago, political leaders, diplomats and scientists sealed the Paris Climate Agreement, a landmark in environmental history. While few would argue that the agreement is perfect, it did seem that we were finally driving international action on cutting carbon emissions, securing the involvement of the most important developing economies. However, there are now concerns that the US might pull out of the settlement.
Food and beverage giants agree to strengthen supply chain management
Companies such as Unilever, Mars and PepsiCo are part of a new collaborative partnership aiming to develop free science-based decision tools that improve farm-level sustainability reporting metrics and data collection.
How to expand your business sustainably: it all starts with your supply chain
The 2016 CEO Study published by Accenture and the United Nations Global Compact boldly claims that a "staggering 97% of CEO's interviewed believe that sustainability is important to the future success of their business". Despite being reminiscent of the 97% of scientists that agree on climate change, clearly, we are at a point in time where the question around business expansion is not can, but rather how, does a business grow sustainably and where should it focus its efforts?
Does the UK’s net zero future need the EU ETS?
The 2008 Climate Change Act already commits the UK to an 80% reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2050. However, the unwritten long-term target hopefully is, or at least should be, to achieve complete carbon neutrality.
Are you veg-curious? The sustainability benefits of plant-based diets at work
Vegetables seem to be having a 'moment' right now. While full vegetarianism or veganism remain off-putting for a lot of people, there is a rise in all kinds of almost vegetarian ideas and mini-movements.
Planet has just 5% chance of reaching Paris climate goal, study says
There is only a 5% chance that the Earth will avoid warming by at least 2C come the end of the century, according to new research that paints a sobering picture of the international effort to stem dangerous climate change.
How sustainable travel can make employees happier in economic uncertainty
The past year has been tough for business and employees with unprecedented political and economic turmoil. This uncertainty, with its constant cycles of 'bad news', is taking its toll on employees.
No technical barriers for large-scale, low-cost UK CCS deployment, report finds
The UK has "more than enough" potential Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites to meet legally binding 2050 carbon targets in a cost-effective manner, which could save up to £2bn annually throughout the 2020s.
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.
Speaking out on sustainability
Recently, my son's school invited me to come in and give a presentation on what I do as the global sustainability director at Mars. I've spoken with business leaders inside and outside of Mars, policy makers, NGOs and journalists on multiple continents. But I've never had to tell that story to 30 kids between the ages of 8 and 13 (with my son watching, no less...)
UK leads the way on emissions reductions, despite overall increase across the EU
The UK recorded the largest decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) in 2015, although new research has found the emissions from the bloc increased for the first time in five years.
Donald in Wonderland - US withdrawal from the Paris agreement
Trump just wishes that climate change would go away. We would all like climate change to be a dream. Some hard choices could be avoided, and we could keep environmentally damaging luxuries, such as fast cars and golf resorts.
Aldersgate Group manifesto 2017: A healthy environment, a competitive economy
The Aldersgate Group's manifesto includes calls for the prompt publication of both a detailed Clean Growth Plan and 25-Year Plan for the Environment, and a strong Industrial Strategy which enables the green business community to flourish.
Waitrose rolls out Europe's first 500-mile biomethane trucks
As part of an ongoing transition towards alternatively- fuelled trucks and lower fleet emissions, Waitrose has spent the early months of 2017 trialling Europe’s first 500-mile biomethane trucks, with plans to scale-up the project over the coming years.
Trump aides abruptly postpone meeting on whether to stay in Paris climate deal
Donald Trump's aides have abruptly postponed a meeting to determine whether the US should remain in the Paris climate agreement, with an unlikely coalition of fossil fuel firms, environmental groups and some Republicans calling on the president to stick with the deal.
Planning for a circular economy
The Environmental Services Association, the voice of the UK’s resource and waste management industry, has set out a number of recommendations to more closely align the planning system with the strategic objectives of the circular economy.
UK leads G7 on 'decoupling' emissions reduction from wealth creation
The UK has been more successful than any other G7 nation at decoupling emissions growth from that of the economy over the past 25 years, according to a new report.
Industrial strategy fit for the future: perspectives on building a competitive UK economy
This publication brings together the views of respected thinkers from politics, business, trade unions and academia on the kind of economy the industrial strategy should be building and the role low carbon and resource efficiency can play.
Thousands of pollution deaths worldwide linked to western consumers
Western consumers who buy cheap imported toys, clothes and mobile phones are indirectly contributing to tens of thousands of pollution-related deaths in the countries where the goods are produced, according to a landmark study.
Statoil vows to slash carbon emissions by a fifth
Just one day after it was revealed that eight of the world's largest fossil fuel companies were responsible for pollution levels equal to that of the US, Norwegian oil and gas firm Statoil has pledged to reduce its own emissions by three million tonnes by 2030.
UK carbon emissions fall by 5.8% in 2016, analysis finds
A huge decline in coal use saw national carbon emissions in the UK fall by 5.8% in 2016, reaching its lowest recorded levels in almost 100 years, analysts have claimed.
Reaching the UK’s 2020 renewable energy targets by utilising the power of AD
Kicking off edie's Resource Management month, I wanted to start this new series of vlogs by discussing my vision for creating a resource-efficient farming industry that has the potential to lead the world in closed-loop food and energy systems.
Corporate governance reform: time for change
The UK Government's Green Paper on Corporate Governance Reform brings into sharp focus the need to rebuild trust in companies.
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.
2016 hottest year ever recorded - and scientists say human activity to blame
2016 was the hottest year on record, setting a new high for the third year in a row, with scientists firmly putting the blame on human activities that drive climate change.
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.
edie Explains Water Retail
What are the benefits to your business? How do you switch? Which company should you choose and what happens if you don’t act when the market opens in April next year?
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.
AD sector doubles in 2016 as Ecotricity targets fracking sites for new green gas plants
Britain now has almost 90 plants injecting green biomethane into the gas grid - nearly double the number in operation this time last year, according to a new report.
Polluting industries stand to gain from EU ETS reform, report claims
A reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which is being voted on by the European Parliament next week, could end up giving more than €230bn in subsidies to polluting industries, a new report has claimed.
Is the cement industry undermining the Emissions Trading System?
Research by UK-based non-profit InfluenceMap has found that, despite the European cement industry seeming to embrace the Paris Agreement on climate change, many companies within the sector continue to oppose ambitious science-based climate policy.
Leaked biofuel plan set to increase European transport emissions
A leaked draft of the European Commission's (EC) Renewable Energy Directive (RED) has revealed that a promised phase-out of food-based biodiesels will not be met, with new proposals set to increase European transport emissions by 219 million tonnes by 2030.
Britain's biomass generation carries big emissions risk, report claims
The UK's renewable energy industry has hit back at new economic analysis which finds that biomass power could be causing more carbon pollution than burning coal or natural gas, claiming it is "distorting the facts".
Harley-Davidson fined $15m for polluting 'super tuners'
American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has reached a settlement with US authorities to pay $15m (£11m) and stop selling an aftermarket tuning product that exceeds national pollution limits.
3D printing and the race for sustainable business
In the run up to the COP22 climate change conference in Marrakesh, Damian Hennessey, commercial director of Proto Labs, discusses how 3D printing can help all areas of industry achieve sustainability goals.
UK's carbon footprint rises 3%, what happens next?
New figures published by Defra have revealed that the UK's carbon footprint grew by 3% between 2012 and 2013. With ambitious international and national carbon reduction targets now in place to enshrine low-carbon actions into law, is this a mere blip on the radar, or does the UK need radicalise its approach to emission goals?
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).
World's largest carbon producers face landmark human rights case
The world's largest oil, coal, cement and mining companies have been given 45 days to respond to a complaint that their greenhouse gas emissions have violated the human rights of millions of people living in the Phillippines.
Decoupling emissions from economic growth: the Interserve success story
With a number of global reports recently highlighting that national carbon reductions are being achieved while economies are growing, one of Britain's biggest construction firms is proving that sustainability and profitability can also go hand-in-hand for businesses.
Member states slash EU emissions by 24%
Ahead of the European Union (EU) referendum date later this week, new figures have revealed that total EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have plummeted to record lows, with the UK accounting for a significant proportion of the overall reductions.
Scotland exceeds 'world-leading' emissions target six years early
Scotland has exceeded its 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% six years early and confirmed plans to establish a "new and more testing" objective, new Government figures have revealed.
Truck emissions limits crucial to achieving EU climate goals, report finds
Introducing EU-wide CO2 standards for trucks would bring significant savings and place Europe on track to fulfil its Paris climate commitments to cap global warming, a new study has found.
Campaigners threaten legal action over fracking decision
Campaigners have written to North Yorkshire County Council, threatening to take legal action over its decision to approve Third Energy's plans for fracking near the village of Kirby Misperton.
Humans damaging the environment faster than it can recover, UN finds
Degradation of the world's natural resources by humans is rapidly outpacing the planet's ability to absorb the damage, meaning the rate of deterioration is increasing globally, the most comprehensive environmental study ever undertaken by the UN has found.
Getting over peak delusion: Four strategies for sustainable prosperity within planetary boundaries
Our aspirations for sustainable growth and prosperity have little chance of being realised, if we don't manage within all our planetary boundaries. Mike Townsend explores how we need to get over our delusions, and find a new course for business success.
Tory MPs tell Cameron to accept steep cuts needed for UK's fifth carbon budget
Twenty Conservative MPs have written to the prime minister urging him to accept the steep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions required by the UK's 'fifth carbon budget'.
Biodiesel worse for the environment than fossil fuels, warn green campaigners
Instead of reducing levels of pollution, the use of biodiesel in transport will increase emissions by 4% - the same as putting an extra 12 million cars on the road in 2020 - green campaigners have said.
Shipping industry urged not to 'miss the boat' on emissions reductions
Calls for the global shipping industry to reduce its carbon emissions intensified this week as a coalition of companies from across the sector have demanded climate action from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ahead of a forthcoming committee meeting.
WRI: 21 countries are reducing emissions while growing economies
The UK is listed among 21 nations that have achieved annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions while experiencing continued growth in GDP since the turn of the century, in a new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Manufacturing a sustainable future
Despite its relatively small size, the United Kingdom has the 11th largest manufacturing industry in the world, employing 2.6 million people and accounting for more than 10% of annual GDP.
On wings of waste: Plane fuelled by recycled plastic wins Attenborough's approval
A plan to fly across America in a plane powered by recycled plastic has been welcomed by legendary broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough as a "sign of hope in a very depressing world".
Early signs of climate progress as emissions stall for second year running
The battle to reduce global warming received a welcome boost today (16 March), with new data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealing that international energy-related emissions stalled for the second year running in 2015.
New sustainability roadmap launched as shipping industry hits troubled waters over emissions
A coalition of businesses and NGOs including AkzoNobel, Unilever and WWF is introducing a 2040 roadmap and set of shared commitments to help the shipping industry navigate the 'significant challenges' it faces on reducing emissions.
Global initiative introduces first proposal to reduce airplane pollution
International Civil Aviation Organisation plan of 4% fuel reduction of new aircraft starting in 2028 not enough to halt emissions, environmental groups say
From 'zero deforestation' to lasting solutions: Beyond COP21, what is needed to save forests?
Following a spate of global zero-deforestation initiatives and commitments at last month's Paris climate conference, environmental campaigner and Forum for the Future founder Jonathon Porritt investigates the practical, sustainable solutions needed to mitigate and eliminate tropical deforestation.
What didn't happen in Paris
The Paris agreement is important. But, it's just as important to note those elements that were dropped. Just how important Paris is, though, will be judged on what happens next.
Corporate giants adopt 'science-based' carbon targets in Paris
Some of the world's biggest brands including Coca-Cola Enterprises, General Mills, Sony and Procter & Gamble are among a new wave of 114 companies that have adopted science-based carbon reduction targets that would save almost 800 million tonnes of CO2.
Smart is beautiful: Low-carbon cities, as if people mattered
In 2015, humanity reached a significant tipping point with over 50% of people now living in cities, yet this half of the population account for as much as three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions (depending on what you include in the measurement).
Investor pressure helps cut corporate emissions by 641 million tonnes
Influential investors with $22trn in assets have helped reduce global corporate emissions by 641 million tonnes through collaboration with CDP's Carbon Action initiative.
Last chance for the world's forests: Collaboration is the only way forward
This week, many of the world's leaders are gathered in Paris as part of the COP21 climate negotiations to discuss the role of forests within the broader climate debate.
Water - a sector brimming with opportunity
"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognise the opportunity." - John F. Kennedy.
Report: Current climate change solutions can cut a quarter of global emissions
A new report supported by world-leading institutions has found that global emissions could be reduced by up to 25% by using already-established climate solutions that do not need to be supported by new inventions or vast amounts of capital.
British Airways ranked as least efficient major transatlantic airline
British Airway has ranked last in a new analysis of the fuel efficiency of the 20 largest airlines that fly transatlantic routes.
WWF launches line of sustainable meals
Conservation charity WWF has teamed up with facilities manager and food services provider Sodexo to launch a new range of 10 'sustainable' meals.
Branson's B Team calls for long-term climate goals beyond Paris
An environmental coalition of 22 business leaders including Sir Richard Branson and Unilever's Paul Polman have penned an open letter ahead of the crucial Paris talks calling for an 'actionable' global commitment of 'Net-Zero by 2050'.
MEPs fail to boost EU renewables, efficiency targets before COP21
The European Parliament's energy committee today (10 November) rejected a push by MEPs to increase the EU's 2030 climate and energy targets and to make them legally binding.
World only half way to meeting emissions target with current pledges
Current global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions leave about half of the reductions needed still to be found, according to a new analysis by the UN.
G20 could deliver 40% of 2C target with better energy standards, report claims
Raising and normalising energy efficiency standards across the G20 group of rich countries could deliver 40% of the emissions cuts needed to limit global warming to two degrees, a major new report has found.
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