Infrastructure
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IONITY: Car giants and BlackRock plan €700m investment to scale rapid EV charging network
The automakers behind the IONITY venture - which is planning to create a "super" network of rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Europe - have announced an investment package aimed at quadrupling the project's charging stock by 2025.
Boris Johnson confirms mandatory EV charging points for new buildings in England
All new homes and workplaces built in England from 2022 will need to have electric vehicle (EV) charging points as standard, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.
Integrated Rail Plan: £96bn rail extension and electrification scheme draws lukewarm reaction from UK's green economy
The UK Government has published its highly anticipated £96bn Integrated Rail Plan, stating that it will assist in delivering levelling up and net-zero agendas - but the reaction has been lukewarm at best.
Funding boost to develop EV charging infrastructure roadmap for UK's rural regions
A project working to map out the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the UK's rural regions, trialling solutions in Devon, has received grant funding from Innovate UK this week.
'Few quick wins or cheap fixes': NIC begins plotting delivery of net-zero UK energy systems
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has outlined plans for addressing some of the UK's major barriers to net-zero through to 2023, pledging an increased focus on low-carbon heating and scaling up hydrogen.
COP26: UKGBC unveils new tool to help businesses measure and reduce carbon across building lifecycles
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has unveiled its much-anticipated Whole Life Carbon Roadmap - a tool to help businesses across the built environment sector measure and cut carbon from materials, processes, operation and demolition.
Report: New funding mechanisms needed for EVs and charging to spur low-carbon transport uptake
Vehicle and charging bundles, health certification for batteries and local authority engagement are among 18 recommendations from the Green Finance Institute in order to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK.
Nico Rosberg on the EV transition and sporting role models at COP26
Retired Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has spoken to edie about the need to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, claiming that 'everything is a little too late at the moment' in relation to the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveils £3bn climate aid commitment at COP26
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled major new climate funding of more than £3bn to help developing nations embrace green growth, as he used his speech at the COP26 Opening Ceremony to call on nations to "set off on a journey to a cleaner, greener future".
A substantial step forward, or huge letdown? The green economy reacts to the Net-Zero Strategy
The UK's Net-Zero Strategy is finally here, but the reaction to the nation's blueprint to decarbonisation ranges from those believing it provides much-needed clarity for business to others claiming it does nowhere near enough to drive all parts of the economy to net-zero by 2050.
KPMG to invest $1.5bn on global ESG solutions
Professional services giant KPMG has unveiled a new $1.5bn investment plan to improve understanding of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) that helps businesses make strong contributions to decarbonisation and societal prosperity.
NABERS: New energy rating scheme for offices available in UK
A new energy rating scheme for UK offices has officially launched this week in a bid to help businesses reach net-zero targets by bridging the gap between the design and in-use energy performance of their buildings.
Plans unveiled for UK's largest low-carbon heat network, to be based in London
Energy firm Vattenfall has unveiled plans to develop a heat network that will serve up to 500,000 homes across four London boroughs, claiming the project will be the largest of its kind in the UK.
Mobility platforms commit to zero-emissions manifesto for 2035
A group of mobility platforms, including Uber, Lime and Arrival, have all committed to fully decarbonising their networks by 2035 at the latest, as part of a new collaborative manifesto to increase the uptake of low-carbon transport.
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.
UK Government calls for 'absolute zero' emissions goal for global shipping sector
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has called on the global maritime sector to agree on an "absolute zero" emissions target by 2050, as the UK looks set to host a demonstration week for the future of shipping.
Government ringfences £265m for next Contracts for Difference auction
The UK Government has today (13 September) confirmed that up to £265m will be funnelled into the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction round, a record amount of money aimed at spurring uptake in clean energy deployment including offshore wind, solar and tidal technologies.
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.
COP26 Primer: Nature-based solutions
edie’s COP26 Primer Reports are about seizing the green opportunity. Produced in the run-up to the official talks, this mini-series of reports are based on the five key themes of COP26: Clean Energy, Clean Transport, Climate Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, and Climate Finance. This report examines approaches to nature-based solutions.
What makes a sustainability leader? Inside Tideway's award-winning infrastructure project
With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: the winner of our Building/Infrastructure Project of the Year Award, Tideway Legacy.
Lambeth to host demonstration project to improve access to public EV charging
A new London-based trial will seek to demonstrate the affordability and accessibility of public electric vehicle (EV) charging points in a bid to spur uptake of EVs across all communities in the UK.
edie launches new explains guide on sub-metering
edie has today (24 August) launched a new Explains guide detailing everything the businesses need to know and consider when looking to install sub-metering solutions to assist with wider decarbonisation plans.
COP26 Action Tracker: Nations urged to respond to IPCC report as Cambo oilfield row rolls on
With less than 100 days to go until COP26, this new series from edie will provide a regular temperature check of global climate action from nations and businesses.
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.
Councils to have declared 'climate emergency' still backing road and airport expansion, BBC finds
A swathe of councils in England have made 'climate emergency' declarations in recent years, but an analysis from the BBC has found that more than one-third are still planning high-carbon infrastructure.
UK Government launches climate resilience research scheme after criticism from own advisors
The UK Government has launched a new £5m programme to accelerate research into how the nation can improve its resilience to climate-related risks, after official advisors warned that Ministers have failed to prepare for changing weather patterns in the coming decades.
Co-op launches village-wide behaviour change study for recycling soft plastics
Co-op has launched a village-wide behaviour change study in a bid to get more than 1,000 residents of a village in Somerset to understand how soft plastics can be collected and recycled.
Government outlines £5.2bn flood defence spending plans
The Government has today (29 July) outlined how £5.2bn will be spent over the next six years to improve the nation's resiliency against flooding, following the weather-related events that occurred in places such as London this week.
'Postcode lottery' of charging access and costs undermining UK's EV revolution plans, MPs warn
The UK's 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales is not yet being supported by adequate plans for improving access to electric vehicle (EV) charging or for improving electricity networks, MPs are warning.
UK Government exploring feasibility of 'electric highways' for zero-emission trucks
The Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded a share of £20m to a consortium of businesses that will explore how long-range trucks can be electrified using overhead wires on motorways across the country, to assist with the UK's net-zero emissions target.
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.
Climate impact of UK's £27.4bn roads plan 'not a matter for the courts', judge rules
The High Court has ruled that the Government did not need to assess the climate impact of its second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2), after green campaigners argued that the £27.4bn package is not aligned with the 2050 net-zero commitment.
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.
'An industry in transition': Sustainable investments now account for one-third of global market
Sustainable investment approaches that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in portfolios have grown by 15% over the last two years and now account for more than a third of professionally managed assets across all major markets.
Mercedes-Benz to go all-electric for vehicles by 2030
Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to move its entire product portfolio to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, to be supported by a £34bn investment and plans to run eight gigafactories for battery production.
UK urged to level-up regions through CCUS supply chains
The trade body for the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) industry in the UK has noted that a successful rollout of the technology could create a thriving supply chain in the UK which would deliver job growth, provided enabling policies are introduced.
Highways England seeks road to net-zero by 2050
Highways England has unveiled plans to reach net-zero across its operations by 2030 as part of a step to deliver net-zero travel across English roads by 2050.
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.
edie's latest COP26 Primer report focuses on clean transport
As part of the brand-new Countdown to COP26 Festival of digital content and events, edie has this week launched its latest "Primer Report" which provides need-to-know insights into the key themes of this year's crucial climate talks. Up next: Clean Transport.
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.
BlackRock secures $250m for climate projects in developing countries
The world's largest investor BlackRock has secured more than $250m from global investors and governments to support clean energy uptake and climate infrastructure across countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
East Coast Cluster: Teesside and Humber gear up to host CCS technologies
Energy giants and businesses operating in Teesside and Humberside look set to collaborate on the deployment of carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) technology in a bid to create net-zero industrial clusters.
UK's carbon capture and storage market could create 50,000 jobs
The UK could become an early mover in the global carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) market and create up to 50,000 jobs if new enabling policies are introduced.
Report: Built environment failing to account for lifecycle emissions of projects
Businesses operating in the built environment sector have been called upon to adopt a whole lifecycle approach to assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a new report finding that less than 1% of global building projects currently calculate and report on lifecycle emissions.
Cement industry plots path to net-zero through new global platform
Some of the world's largest cement and concrete businesses have joined a new collaborative platform aimed at transforming the sector to enable the delivery of carbon-neutral concrete by 2050.
50 new EV 'supercharging' hubs planned for UK
Gridserve, the company behind the UK's first "electric forecourt", has announced plans to launch a UK-wide network of rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points in a bid to help combat range anxiety.
UK Government taken to court over climate impact of £27.4bn roads plan
The High Court is this week hearing a challenge to the UK Government's second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2), with opponents claiming that the £27.4bn package is not aligned with the 2050 net-zero commitment.
UK's waste management sector targets net-zero emissions through £10bn infrastructure overhaul
The trade body representing the UK's resource and waste management industry has unveiled a sector-wide commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, through a £10bn investment into new recycling infrastructure and a focus on zero-emission vehicles.
UK's 'poorly mixed cocktail' of policy driving biodiversity decline, MPs warn
The UK is not treating biodiversity loss with the same urgency as the climate crisis, according to a group of MPs that have warned that current Government policies are inadequate to address a sharp decline in nature-based losses.
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.
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.
UK's National Infrastructure Bank launches, with tackling climate change as key objective
The UK's National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) is launching in Leeds today (17 June), with Chancellor Rishi Sunak promising that it will funnel billions of pounds into the UK's net-zero transition.
'Less talk and more action is needed': Green economy reacts to major climate adaptation report from the CCC
Environmental charities, think tanks and business groups are urging the UK government to take the Climate Change Committee's (CCC) new advice on building resilience to risks including floods, heatwaves and international supply chain disruption.
Cost of climate damage to UK could triple without better adaptation plans, CCC warns
Climate risks to the UK are increasing in number and magnitude more rapidly than expected, with billions of pounds worth of infrastructure at risk in the coming decades.
UK Government commits to 'nature-positive' future following landmark biodiversity review
Following the publication of the landmark Dasgupta Review, which argued the case for biodiversity considerations to be embedded in all economic decisions by the government, a new commitment for all large infrastructure projects to be 'nature positive' has been made.
UK's ultra-rapid EV charging stock to triple with new £300m funding package
The UK's energy networks have jointly pledged a further £300m in funding for low-carbon technologies across 200 projects, including almost 1,800 new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
UK climbs energy investment rankings, but concerns persist over green finance availability
The UK has climbed one position to fourth in the rankings for EY's national attractiveness of renewable energy investment, but the organisation has warned that global green finance efforts need to improve considerably to meet clean energy demand for existing climate commitments.
In action: Skanska's rollout of EV charging with Pod Point
Skanska is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045 and is committed to converting its fleet of company cars to electric. This "In action" guide explains how working with Pod Point on the integration of EV charge points is helping with these goals.
UK water sector outlines £2.8bn green recovery plan
The UK's major water companies have outlined plans to collectively funnel almost £3bn into environmental projects and sustainable infrastructure and processes, with the support of regulator Ofwat and the UK Government.
Road to net-zero: UK business giants team up to accelerate investment in low-carbon transport
Uber and Lloyds Banking Group are among the founding members of a new business coalition working to unlock investment into low-carbon road transport systems.
Cities need $72bn boost to protect residents from climate change, CDP reveals
An analysis of the climate mitigation and adaptation plans of 800 major cities has found that one in four does not have the budget to protect their residents from climate impacts like floods.
Green jobs primed to replace all jobs lost to Covid-19
New research has found that more than 800,000 job losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the UK could be replaced by new green jobs, provided government and private investment is mobilised to push towards the 2050 net-zero target.
Amazon installs more than 800 EV chargers at UK sites
Amazon has confirmed that more than 800 electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed across its UK sites with "hundreds more" scheduled, as part of an ongoing partnership with Suffolk-based EO Charging.
Europe risks €87bn in stranded fossil gas assets, report reveals
Europe is already building or planning to build €87bn worth of fossil gas infrastructure in a continued expansion of pipelines and LNG terminals, despite the need to halve emissions by 2030, according to a new report published on Thursday (8 April).
Crypto Climate Accord aims for 100% renewables and net-zero digital currency by 2040
A new global accord has been set up to align the swelling cryptocurrency market with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement by ensuring that blockchain and energy-intensive currency mining systems are powered by renewables and reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
UPS invests in electric aircraft for zero-emission deliveries
Logistics giant UPS had unveiled plans to purchase electric aircraft models to assist with time-sensitive deliveries while limiting emissions associated with transportation.
edie launches new business guide on net-zero carbon heating
edie has today (7 April) launched a new guide detailing everything businesses need to know and consider when looking to decarbonise heating in line with the net-zero movement.
Why the circular economy is primed to improve social sustainability and value chain resiliency
EXCLUSIVE: The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the fragility of both society and the sprawling value chains that the economy relies on. Shifting nations to a circular economy could be key in delivering a green recovery that champions sustainable income and environmental stewardship.
'Outrageous hypocrisy': Government condemned over £16bn oil and gas sector 'bailout'
Green groups have expressed their anger at the Government's new £16bn sector deal that pledges to align the oil and gas sector with the national net-zero target, while also ending financing for overseas fossil fuel projects, with many frustrated by a refusal to end oil and gas licensing.
Government unveils new Industrial Strategy to spur decarbonisation and create green jobs
The UK Government has today (17 March) revamped the Industrial Strategy to align manufacturing and construction efforts to the national net-zero target, with more than £1bn to funnelled into industry, schools and hospitals.
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.
Government confirms 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars, unveils £20m electric vehicle package
The Government has officially confirmed that the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars has been moved forward to 2030, while also announcing a new £20m funding pot for electric vehicle (EV) innovation.
Ed Miliband criticises Government decision to 'axe' Industrial Strategy
Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband has criticised a decision from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to archive the flagship Industrial Strategy, joining concerns from green groups that the decision could dent business and policymaker relations.
New report details how businesses can help deliver sustainable cities and communities post-Covid-19
edie has launched its latest SDG Spotlight report, looking at how businesses can transform to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) post-lockdown, with the latest focusing on Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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.
600 business giants form new network on climate resilience and adaptation
Businesses with combined annual revenues of more than $3trn, spanning a range of the global economy's biggest sectors, have formed a new network aimed at helping the private sector work with cities and governments to build climate resilience.
Green skills gap 'could derail net-zero', major UK construction firms tell Government
Representatives from more than a dozen major construction organisations have urged the Government to do more to close the existing green skills gap and to improve the skills pipeline, lest it risk missing its 2050 net-zero target.
Green groups call for assurances over National Infrastructure Bank
A host of green groups have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, urging for the implementation of a UK National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) to de-risk private investment into low-carbon solutions.
Premier Inn turns to flywheel energy storage to assist electric vehicle charging
Whitbread-owned Premier Inn has installed a kinetic energy storage system for electric vehicle (EV) charging at its Leipzig hotel in Germany to help overcome poor grid balance.
Treasury 'not planning mandatory net-zero stress tests' for major government investments
Treasury representatives have said that the government won't make it mandatory for all projects to prove they can comply with the 2050 net-zero target in order to secure funding.
Legal & General plots course to net-zero real estate across £21bn UK portfolio
Legal & General's Real Assets arm has outlined plans to reach net-zero across its UK real estate portfolio by 2050, including new investments in onsite renewable energy and carbon offsetting.
Major gas grid companies team up to outline hydrogen deployment plans
Britain's five major gas grid companies have launched a major collaborative plan to create the UK's first hydrogen town by 2030 as well as creating a network of hydrogen refuelling stations for transport and helping to decarbonise industrial clusters.
Developed nations accused of over-reporting climate adaptation finance by billions
Wealthy nations have exaggerated figures around how much finance they have provided to developing countries for climate adaptation, with up to $20bn less spent than promised between 2013 and 2017.
Heinz removes plastics from canned product packaging
Heinz is replacing plastic shrink-wrap packaging across its multipack canned products for sustainably certified paperboard, a move which will reduce the company's plastics footprint by 550 tonnes.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2020: Chris Landsburgh, Wills Bros Ltd
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: Wills Bros Ltd's environmental and sustainability manager Chris Landsburgh.
Report: UK could recycle three times as much plastic by 2030
The UK could recycle 3.5 times as much plastic in 2030 as it did in 2019, if the government works with the private and public sectors to accelerate investment in collection and processing infrastructure.
Centrica: UK will only host 35 EV chargers per council by 2025
Local authorities in the UK will play host to just 35 on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargers on average by 2025, new research from Centrica has concluded.
Six ideas to achieve your flexible energy future on the road to net-zero
This report showcases the output of edie's SPARK! event, where expert energy professionals from a range of sectors discussed the role that smart and flexible energy technologies and systems will play in the net-zero transition.
Gatwick Airport under fire over 'callous' runway expansion plan
Green groups have criticised the decision from Gatwick Airport to transform its emergency runway into a fully functioning second runway, claiming that the organisation is "ignoring" noise and emissions issues.
Five EU countries object to bloc's latest hydrogen 'manifesto'
Austria, Denmark, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain have issued a joint letter calling on the EU to clearly prioritise renewable energies under an EU-led project aiming to accelerate hydrogen deployment, research and infrastructure.
Global decarbonisation efforts need to be five times greater to reach 1.5C pathway
Global efforts to combat the climate crisis will need to be five times greater than current levels, with new research warning that the rate that carbon emissions are decoupled from economic growth slowed in 2019.
Net-zero impact on UK economy to be 'relatively small', Treasury finds
The HM Treasury has published a final report in the build-up to a Net-Zero Spending Review, claiming that the transition to meeting the UK's long-term climate goals could deliver "slightly positive or slightly negative" economic growth for the UK, depending on how decisive policy action is.
Five things you need to know about the Energy White Paper
After months of delays, the UK Government finally unveiled its Energy White Paper on Monday (14 December) detailing how an overhaul to transport, energy and infrastructure will deliver an "overwhelmingly decarbonised power in the 2030s" on the road to net-zero by 2050.
An 'undisputed urgency to act': Green economy reacts to the Energy White Paper
The Government has unveiled the long-awaited Energy White Paper today (14 December), with green groups welcoming the focus it provides to both job growth and rapid decarbonisation in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Energy White Paper: Government confirms £6.7bn warm homes package and UK ETS
The UK Government has finally released its Energy White Paper, detailing steps to deliver "overwhelmingly decarbonised power in the 2030s", with a new £6.7bn support scheme to be set up to tackle fuel poverty and a UK variant of the Emissions Trading Scheme to be introduced.
UK ramps up climate adaptation plans in build up to COP26
The UK has become one of the first countries to publish an official plan setting out how the nation is responding to the climate crisis through adaptation and resiliency plans that focus on flood prevention and rewilding.
WRAP: UK's biggest businesses have cut unnecessary plastic packaging by 40%
Businesses signed up to WRAP's UK Plastics Pact, which is supported by the likes of Unilever, Nestle and PepsiCo, collectively produced 40% fewer non-recyclable and unnecessary pieces of plastic packaging this year than in 2018.
UK's largest battery storage project receives planning consent in Essex
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has granted planning consent for one of the world's largest battery storage projects to be delivered on the banks of the Thames in Essex.
Skanska's EV policy and the UK's largest community solar park: 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.
MPs set out vision for net-zero Northern Powerhouse
Conservative MPs representing the North of England believe that the Government's Ten Point Plan and the net-zero target can contribute to a levelling up agenda that would create thousands of green jobs in the North.
