Infrastructure

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It’s time for a concrete Government plan to deliver net-zero

Extinction Rebellion's actions and Greta Thunberg's rise onto the global stage have forced climate change to the top of the media and political agenda - exactly where it should be. It led to the net-zero pledge and burgeoning public awareness of the urgency of our situation and what we must do to combat it.

The new packaging purports to be widely recyclable and to contain recycled content. Image: Morrisons

Morrisons eliminates black plastics packaging

Morrisons has claimed it has completely removed hard-to-recycle black plastics from its own-brand ranges.

The report notes that technologies such as smart sensors and big data will enable EVs to integrate better with existing infrastructure and public transport, cutting traffic and improving air quality as a result

Policy gaps stifling profitability of digital revolution for clean transport

A new report from think tank The Green Alliance has warned that policy gaps and the uncertainty of Brexit is halting investment from manufacturers into the "new competitiveness frontier" of smart technology for electric vehicles (EVs), which risks pushing the UK's net-zero emissions goal out of reach.

the WorldGBC, Landsec and Workspace are forming different but collective paths to net-zero

The collaborative push for net-zero emissions in the built environment

For Net-Zero November, edie sits down with a mainstay sustainability leader, a disruptive new firm and the organisation coordinating an entire sector to see how the built environment can collaboratively transition to a net-zero economy.

It’s time for the next big step towards net-zero

A definitive line has been drawn in the sand this year; we have, as a nation, committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, E.ON UK's chief executive Michael Lewis explains.

Clarke was quizzed on net-zero timeframes, technology solutions and Brexit

Treasury's net-zero minister: Climate action will be a 'signature theme' of next government

Speaking exclusively to edie following the launch of its Net-Zero Review, HM Treasury minister Simon Clarke outlines the Government's plans to deliver on the legislation to reduce the UK's emissions to net-zero by 2050.

Around 40% of UK properties do not have off-street parking, meaning they'll need on-street infrastructure to support home charging of an EV. Image: Virgin Media

Virgin Media owner unveils plans for 1,200 on-street EV chargers

Telecommunications giant Liberty Global, the owner of Virgin Media, has unveiled detailer around a new project aiming to "revolutionise" on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging in the UK.

The webinar is now available to watch on-demand

Available to watch on demand: edie's webinar on electric vehicles

Speakers from UPS, Nottingham City Council and Centrica Business Solutions appeared on edie's webinar on Tuesday (22 October) to discuss game-changing developments to business efforts to increase the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). It is now available to watch on-demand.

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.

Irish homes to form 'virtual power plant' with solar and battery storage

Irish utility Energia and technology firm Moixa have partnered to in a bid to create a 120 kWh 'virtual power plant' (VPP), consisting of home smart batteries, rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs).

Plastic Bank plans to collect 30,000 metric tons of plastic waste over the three-year period – equivalent to stopping 1.5 billion plastic bottles from entering oceans and waterways

SC Johnson to improve recycling infrastructure in developing nation to combat ocean plastics

SC Johnson has partnered with economic development firm Plastic Bank to upscale access to recycling infrastructure in developing regions and leverage blockchain technology to stop plastic waste from entering into oceans while improving economic and social outlooks for communities.

To assist with UK forestry restoration, Shell is also launching a partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland

Shell commits £10m to offset emissions from customer fuel purchases in UK

Shell will spend £10m over the next year to offset the emissions from customers' fuel purchases at more than 1,000 service stations in the UK, following a successful trial in the Netherlands.

Dublin is one of the first European cities to use the EIE platform

Google's city emissions tool expands into Europe

Google's online emissions dataset tool to help city planners build policies to lower emissions has launched across Europe today, with Dublin, Krakow, Birmingham, and the greater metropolitan area of Manchester set to use it to assist with planning developments.

edie's guides to net-zero carbon continues with manufacturing sector

The second report in the series of edie guides on net-zero carbon has launched with a focus on the manufacturing sector.

It is estimated that 2.3 million people are currently enrolled in higher education in the UK

Universities, colleges and students urged accelerate climate action

New guidance aimed at helping universities and colleges mitigate and adapt to climate change has been released, in the same week as the launch of a new educational charity aimed at engaging students with environmental issues.

Speaking exclusively to edie, Gamboa said that the report acts as a market signal for how companies within the built environment sector should act

Embodied carbon: WorldGBC embarks on 'radical' new approach towards net-zero

EXCLUSIVE: The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has issued a new report outlining how companies in the sector can focus on both operational and embodied carbon to reach net-zero emission buildings by 2050, warning the companies ignoring this new approach could be "outpaced by the innovators".

The webinar will take place on Tuesday 22 October at 11am and will be available to watch, on demand, afterwards.

edie's next webinar: Driving transport towards net-zero with EVs

The continuing challenge around the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and achieving a 'net zero' transport future forms the basis for edie's new free webinar, which will take place on 22 October.

Why we need a human-centred approach for a successful energy transition

A transition often implies a need for various technological, regulatory and business developments - new business models, engineering advances and cheaper, greener solutions. However, it is often forgotten that it is people who are the real drivers behind any change.

Investing $1.8trn in climate adaptation over the next decade should be made a top priority, the GCA has urged

Report: World 'gravely' unprepared for effects of climate crisis

The world's readiness for the inevitable effects of the climate crisis is "gravely insufficient", according to a new report from global leaders.

September Spending Round: Javid promises green 'infrastructure revolution'

Sajid Javid has committed to helping the Government fund a green "infrastructure revolution" during his first solo Commons speech since becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Since the London ULEZ launched in April, the number of non-compliant vehicles travelling through the capital daily has decreased by one-quarter. Image: City Hall

City-based Clean Air Zones 'would boost UK economy by £6.5bn'

By implementing designated Clean Air Zones in which polluting vehicles are fined to travel, UK cities could collectively reap economic benefits of £6.5bn.

The warning has been sent to every English council currently developing a new local plan

Dozens of councils set to miss legal climate obligations, ClientEarth warns

Environmental law firm ClientEarth has warned more than 100 local authorities that they will miss their legal climate targets without strengthening plans to decarbonise buildings and transport.

The charities argue that more funding is needed to decarbonise transport, the build environment and heavy industry in particular

UK funding to tackle climate crisis 'must double', Government warned

Britain's biggest environmental groups have warned the government that funding to tackle the climate emergency must be more than double next year to avoid an even greater cost from catastrophic ecological breakdown in the future.

The investors forming the coalition noted that 13 of the 17 banks that financed the Dakota Access Pipeline project were also signatories to the Equator Principles

Equator Principles: Global banks failing to uphold environmental and social risk agreements

An investor coalition representing more than $2.9trn has urged global banks to strengthen efforts that protect the rights of indigenous people and the environment that they rely on.

Boots UK has a van fleet of around 900 vehicles that cover more than 9,500 routes a week

Boots purchases electric vans for prescription deliveries

Boots has announced it has purchased its first electric vans and will trial them in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as part of its prescription delivery service.

(L-R) Tideway team, Philip Sellwood, chief executive,
Energy Saving Trust (middle back) and compere
Michaela Strachan

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Tideway, Mobility

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 winner of our Mission Possible: Mobility award, Tideway.

edie summarises the 10 key shortfalls and recommendations for UK clean growth

The 10 clean growth policy 'shortfalls' and how to address them, according to MPs

The Science and Technology Committee has published a new report warning that the UK isn't remotely close to reaching upcoming carbon budgets up to 2032, outlining 10 key policy areas that need to be addressed if the UK is to deliver on its net-zero ambitions.

Pictured: Women use water for washing equipment at Goolni Tea Estate in Sylhet. Photo: Abir Abdullah/WaterAid

Twinings partners with WaterAid to improve sanitation in tea supply chains

Tea brand Twinings has forged a new partnership with charity WaterAid, in a bid to tackle water infrastructure challenges and cultural norms around hygiene in tea supply chains.

The Royal Society of Chemistry's chief executive Robert Barker, pictured with some of the redundant tech gathered by staff at the organisation’s Cambridge HQ during an amnesty

Hoarding old gadgets 'preventing circular economy shift' and 'spurring rare mineral shortages'

The fact that most UK households are hoarding old digital gadgets with no plans to recycle them is a key barrier to implementing circular economy principles for e-waste, the Royal Society of Chemistry has claimed.

Young women make up the majority of tea estate workers, but face challenges such as forced marriage and poor access to education and reproductive healthcare. Image: Abbie Trayler-Smith/Panos/Ethical Tea Partnership

'Improving Lives': How a 'people-centric' approach is transforming tea supply chains

The tea sector is the largest in India, employing three million workers - but for all the industry's economic benefits, environmental and social issues are rife on tea estates. Here, edie explores how big-name tea brands are adapting their supply chain approaches to change that.

Pictured: Castleshaw Upper Reservoir, Oldham

Water resources infrastructure policy due this Autumn

The government has completed a consultation period and is preparing to deliver its National Policy Statement (NPS) for Water Resources Infrastructure in the Autumn.

The outage was caused by a proportion of Hornsea offshore wind farm (pictured) coming offline within minutes of the Little Barford gas plant

Friday's power cut 'underscores need for flexibility'

In the wake of a large power cut which affected large parts of south England on Friday (9 August), policymakers and power generators must prioritise investments in flexible energy systems.

Over the past few years, the growth in EV sales is widely believed to have outstripped the growth in charging infrastructure installations

Government doubles funding for on-street EV charging

The Department for Transport (DfT) has today (12 August) announced that it will provide an extra £2.5m of funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on residential streets, bringing its total investment since 2017 to £5m.

Rapid EV charging rolled out across West Yorkshire

A network of 88 rapid charging points for electric vehicles is being installed across West Yorkshire as part of the local authority's drive to improve air quality in the region.

The SMMT claims that there are currently 80 "alternatively fuelled" car lines on sale in the UK, including 21 fully electric models

UK's EV registrations almost triple as diesel sales tumble

Almost three times as many electric cars were registered in the UK this July than in July 2018, research from one of the nation's largest automotive trade associations has concluded.

‘Well’ under control

In The Salmon of Doubt, author Douglas Adams writes: "We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works." These are words that we can and should apply to our experience of technology in the workplace.

The current trend means that humanity is consuming the resources of 1.7 Earths in a year

Earth Overshoot Day: Planet's yearly resource 'budget' already spent

Humanity has today (29 July) used up its annual allowance of natural resources for 2019, sparking calls for businesses and citizens to re-examine approaches to consumption and consumerism.

These stories exemplify how businesses and governments across the world are ramping up efforts in all areas of sustainable development

Coors' plastic-free packaging and solar-powered trains: 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.

The popularity of EVs is beginning to outstrip the UK’s charging infrastructure availability

UK Power Networks launches EV smart charging market trial

Electric vehicle (EV) owners across London and the South and East of England have been invited to take part in a trial to uncover the economic, environmental and social benefits of charging vehicles during off-peak hours.

In 2018, the UK generated 52% of its electricity from low-carbon sources

Ofgem and BEIS call on networks to realise £40bn flexible energy opportunity

Ofgem and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have penned a joint letter to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), calling on organisations to "evolve" to a more flexible system that could create a £40bn windfall for the UK economy.

Companies representing $900bn in annual turnover and accounting for 2.8 million employees are now covered by the EV100

UK Government announced as International Ambassador for EV100 initiative

The UK Government has been named as the first government to act as an ambassador for the Climate Group's EV100 initiative to spur electric vehicle (EV) uptake, on the same day that global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca joined the initiative.

(L-R): Awards compere Michaela Strachan, the Energy Institute's head of events and training Laura Viscione (presenting) and James Tiernan

Meet edie's Energy Management Leader 2019: James Tiernan, Unite Students

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: Unite Students' group energy & environment manager James Tiernan, our Energy Management Leader of 2019.

The first 50 chargers are due to be installed within the next three months

Mitchells & Butlers to host rapid EV charging network

Pub and restaurant chain Mitchells & Butlers is set to install up to 200 rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its UK estate, as part of a partnership with BP's Chargemaster arm.

100 of the new charging points will be installed before Christmas

UK's rapid EV charging stock 'to double by 2024'

Electric vehicle (EV) charging network firm Engenie has unveiled fresh plans for expansion, which it claims will enable it to double the number of rapid chargers in the UK by 2024.

From transport to the built environment, its clear that policy efforts to date have made the net-zero target nothing more than "warm words"

Green economy wishlist: How to turn the net-zero pipedream into a low-carbon pipeline

With the latest Committee on Climate Change (CCC) progress report revealing that no UK sector has showcased "good progress" to managing climate risk, the green economy has unanimously called for a net-zero philosophy to steer the nation towards its climate targets.

The CCC has highlighted particular challenges in the agriculture, built environment and conservation spaces

CCC: Policy gaps leaving business unable to manage climate risks

None of the UK's largest 33 sectors have made good progress in improving the way they manage climate risk over the past 12 months, largely due to poor policy support.

Sales of pure EVs are up - but wide-scale adoption is slow and some plug-in vehicle registrations have declined in 2019.

Government injects £37m into innovative EV charging projects

Plans have been outlined by the government to invest £37m into twelve projects to drive forward growth in ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).

Concerns over charging infrastructure have repeatedly been cited as a barrier to EV uptake in the UK

UK 'lags behind' mainland Europe on EV infrastructure

The UK "lags behind" other European countries on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, research from consultancy firm Delta-EE has concluded.

More commitments are expected across the course of the week

JD Sports joins RE100 as business pledges roll in for London Climate Action week

Four firms including JD Sport, The City of London Corporation, Apcoa Parking, and Intu, have joined The Climate Group's initiatives on renewable energy and electric transport - the RE100 and EV100.

A 7kW home V2G charger could earn £436 a year by providing services to support the power network

V2G 'could cut £270m a year off cost of running UK power system'

Plugging electric vehicles (EVs) into the grid could cut £270m a year off the cost of running the UK power system by 2030, a new report has claimed.

The site will have dedicated zones for both private and fleet vehicles

Planning application sent for first electric forecourt in Braintree

Planning applications have been submitted to build an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables In Braintree, the first of more than 100 planned sites by green technology firm Gridserve.

This weekly round-up details how businesses are ramping up their ambitions and actions across all areas of sustainable development

Calls for clean power and cheese-waste-powered heat: 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.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has also argued that the UK's homes could jeopardise progress towards its legally binding emissions targets

UK-wide homes retrofit project needed to hit 2050 net-zero goal

The task of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 presents a "vital role" for engineers, including the potential for a massive retrofitting programme across the UK's housing stock, a trade body has claimed.

Click on the link to download the report

SDG Spotlight report: What is the role of business in creating clean energy for all?

edie has launched its latest SDG Spotlight report, looking at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help achieve the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), with the latest focusing on Goal 7: Clean Energy.

Two expert panels discussions outlined how the debate on plastics has moved on from target setting to holistic action

The Big Business Plastics Debate (Part One): Are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater?

Over two days at edie Live 2019, sustainability and resource efficiency experts from across the country gathered for the Big Plastics Debate - a live, on-stage panel discussion about the drivers, challenges and opportunities behind eliminating single-use plastics. Here, we summarise the first part of what was a highly provocative discussion.

The UK's EV market grew by a record-breaking 19% in 2018

Public EV charge points outnumber petrol stations in the UK

The number of public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK has surpassed the number of petrol stations for the first time.

<p>£1.4bn of the financing for Tideway's £4.3bn 'super sewer' project is accounted for by green bonds</p>

How SDG alignment helped Tideway engage key investors

EXCLUSIVE: Several companies to have aligned their strategies with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have claimed that doing so has improved communications and created a more joined-up approach - but for Tideway, a further benefit has been gaining investor buy-in.

<p>The commitment has been dubbed the 'most ambitious' from a carmaker to date. Pictured: Mercedes-Benz's fully-electric SUV, the EQC</p>

Mercedes-Benz targets 'carbon-neutral' car portfolio by 2039

Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler has committed to making all cars across the brand's portfolio carbon-neutral within the next two decades, in a move it has described as a "fundamental transformation" for the company.

The NIC is calling on the Treasury to devolve £43bn to cities for transport improvements by 2030

NIC: Treasury must commit to 'major' infrastructure upgrades on path to net-zero

The National Infrastructure Commission's (NIC) chairman Sir John Armitt has called on Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond to make a "genuine commitment to change" through the upcoming National Infrastructure Strategy, in order to spur the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

The evidence session was the first to discuss the CCC's net-zero advice, with Energy Minister Claire Perry set to take part in a future meeting

CCC boss: Net-zero before 2050 would be 'very risky' for UK economy

The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) chief executive Chris Stark has defended the body's decision not to advise the Government on pathways which could create a net-zero carbon economy before 2050, arguing that doing so would be "very risky" from a social and economic perspective.

The solutions should enable the UK to further decarbonise the power sector, while making progress in heat and transport

UKRI allocates £30m for smart energy systems innovation

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has outlined intentions to allocate £30m in funding for innovation and solutions for smart local energy systems in the UK.

The VPP will be hosted across Shoreham-by-Sea (pictured) and Worthing

West Sussex virtual power plant 'could save UK £32bn' if replicated nationally

The developers of a new virtual power plant (VPP) system set to come online across West Sussex in stages from autumn have claimed that the model could cut the UK's energy costs by 10% if it is rolled out nationally.

30% of the buildings JLL manages for clients have now been switched to a 100% renewable electricity contract. Pictured: The 3 Hardman street office complex in Manchester

JLL 'on track' for 100% renewables target by 2020

Real estate giant JLL's electricity mix consists of 90% renewables, putting the firm on track to power its direct UK operations solely with renewable sources by 2020.

Engenie currently hosts 16 EV chargers at Marston's pubs and is targeting 400 by the end of 2020. Image: Engenie

Marston's to power rapid EV chargers with 100% renewable electricity

Pub chain and brewer Marston's has inked a deal which will see it power the 400 electric vehicle (EV) chargers it is installing across its UK estate with 100% renewable energy.

At least 10 large-scale schemes will be chosen as winners, meaning that Starbucks will funnel a minimum of £500,000 into the initiative

Starbucks and Hubbub launch joint fund championing coffee cup recycling programmes

Environmental charity Hubbub has today (11 April) launched a new funding initiative aimed at helping local authorities and other organisations launch or scale-up coffee cup recycling schemes, after receiving funding to launch the scheme from Starbucks.

The founding water firms are urging other companies to join the Fund, after its launch this morning (9 April)

UK water firms join global funding alliance helping sector to champion green innovation

UK-based water companies Severn Trent and United Utilities are among a group of 10 global water firms to have jointly launched a new innovation fund aimed at supporting green solutions to the sector's biggest sustainability challenges.

Amazon to support three major new wind power projects

E-commerce giant Amazon has signed a trio of agreements to support three new large-scale wind energy projects, as it strives to meet its long-term aim of sourcing 100% renewable power globally.

Photo: National Renewable Energy Laboratory

'Historic breakthrough': Norway's giant oil fund dives into renewables

Norway's $1tn oil fund, the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, is to plunge billions of dollars into wind and solar power projects.

The Aldersgate Group believes that the net-zero target could bolster opportunities for UK businesses

Government urged to focus on lifecycle emissions as part of net-zero target

Any plans to enshrine a net-zero carbon target into UK law will need to examine the lifecycle emissions of new infrastructure, technology and products - a move the can spur rapid growth for new low-carbon market standards.

Lithium-ion batteries, the technology of choice for electric vehicles, are not produced at the same scale in Europe as in other regions, particularly China

Europe risks 'second mover' status on battery tech, auditors warn

Europe could be left behind in the international battery-building race, the EU auditors have warned in a report and stressed that better storage is needed if the bloc is to hit its climate and energy targets.

The bottles will have a shorter and more transparent outer sleeve

Ribena bottles to be redesigned in bid to boost recycling rates

Beverage giant Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) has unveiled plans to redesign its range of Ribena bottles so that they can be easily recycled within the UK's existing waste management facilities.

Gridserve has secured sites for 80 forecourts

Battery storage and solar farms to power 100 UK 'Electric Forecourts'

Green technology firm Gridserve has unveiled a £1bn programme to construct more than 100 "Electric Forecourts" across the UK, which combine renewable energy, battery storage and rapid chargers to meet the needs of electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

Green Party MP and co-leader Caroline Lucas presents the Decarbonisation and Economic Growth Bill

Have politicians fired the starting gun for a Green New Deal in the UK?

A Private Members Bill in the House of Commons yesterday (26 March) could mark the day in history that serious discussion began on bringing a "Green New Deal" (GND) into UK legislation.

The first chargers will be installed at select Morrisons supermarkets by the end of April 2019

Morrisons to install 100 rapid EV chargers in 2019

Rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed across 100 Morrisons supermarkets over the course of the year, as part of the retailer's plan to install charging infrastructure nationwide.

SSE will also require all senior management to be judged against the delivery of the 2030 strategy

SSE launches new corporate strategy aligned to SDGs

UK energy firm SSE has unveiled a new sustainability strategy for 2030 aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that will deliver a 50% cut in carbon intensity, trebling its renewable electricity output and facilitating the uptake of 10 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK.

The facility consists of 166 cloud-enabled charging outlets

Jaguar Land Rover installs UK's largest 'smart' EV charging facility

Carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has installed what it claims is the UK's largest "smart" charging facility for electric vehicles (EVs) at its Warwickshire engineering centre, after partnering with charging infrastructure firm NewMotion.

IONITY's first UK chargers are currently being installeed in Gretna Green, Scotland, and Maidstone, Kent

IONITY one year on: How carmakers are delivering on Europe's 'super' EV charging network

EXCLUSIVE: Just over a year ago, a group of the world's largest carmakers launched IONITY - a joint venture with the single aim of creating a pan-European "super" network of rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers. But with its 2020 deadlines now looming, edie explores how the firms are progressing towards this aim.

How to lead the way in low-carbon infrastructure development

If the economy is to grow, infrastructure improvement projects are a necessity. Yet, as the fight to slow the effects of climate change becomes more urgent, it is essential that the potential impact of these schemes is considered right from the start.

107 UK councils say they have no plans to expand their charging network, largely due to funding cuts

Councils stall on adding charging points for electric vehicles

At least a quarter of local authorities in England and Wales have put a brake on the expansion of charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), the Guardian has revealed.

A discussion between (L:R) John Lewis Partnerships' Justin Laney; Johnson Matthey's Andy Walker; Michelin Tyre's Alexander Law; Ramboll's Chris Fry; Siemens's Justin Moss and Tesco's Christina Downend is chaired by Aldersgate Group chair Joan Walley. Image: racoon photography

How can policy help decarbonise transport's most challenging areas?

While the electric revolution is gathering pace within the UK's passenger vehicle market, emissions from the wider transport sector continuing to rise steadily. With this in mind, edie explores how harder-to-abate areas such as freight can be decarbonised.

David Adams of Melius Homes (left) and David Thomas of Barratt Developments (right) giving evidence at the BEIS evidence session on energy efficiency

MPs question housebuilders on energy performance of new homes

Housebuilders and energy firms have been grilled in a parliamentary evidence session yesterday (12 March) on the energy performance of housing portfolios, with a lack of enabling policies highlighted as a major barrier for the sector.

The document calls on the Government to help local authorities as they strive to invest in low-carbon public transport

Public Health England: Cities should be 'redesigned' in fight against air pollution

Public Health England (PHE) has urged the UK Government to introduce more ambitious policies aimed at reducing air pollution and minimising its health impacts in cities, including a "redesign" of key urban areas and a ban on drivers idling outside school gates.

The RAC though said that its own findings suggested the UK was “still some distance” from the “tipping point” where consumers would buy electric vehicles as their first choice

Government urged to rethink road taxation policy to spur EV uptake

Motoring tax needs a rethink if it is going to be fit for the twenty first century and the increase in electric vehicles (EVs), according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

The report warns that drivers may be put off switching to an EV due to the array of different charging networks they must navigate

Report: EV industry must make charging network more accessible

Concerns over access to the electric vehicle (EV) public charging network across the UK have been raised by the Renewable Energy Association (REA), which has said "interoperability" should become an industry priority.

The Council has invested in 40 new EVs to support the infrastructure trials

Nottingham gears up for EV rollout with EU-backed vehicle-to-grid trial

Nottingham City Council is set to trial new electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, including battery storage and bi-directional chargers, as part of an EU-funded vehicle-to-grid (V2G) project.

CISL's findings indicate that in some developing nations, 100% of losses caused by natural disasters were not covered by insurance

Reports: Policy support for climate adaptation investments 'insufficient'

Insufficient policy support has left investors and lenders across the world struggling to identify, measure and adapt to climate challenges relevant to their portfolios, a pair of new reports have found.

UK recycling rates for plastic packaging have stagnated at between 38% and 45% for several years

Plastic budgets: Climate Change Act model could solve UK plastics crisis, MPs claim

Ahead of the Government's Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) consultations, MPs are calling for the "urgent" introduction plastic waste legislation which follows the framework of the Climate Change Act, setting ever-stricter and legally binding recycling targets.

The plastic recycling system in the UK has been in the spotlight since China banned imports of plastic

Plastic waste: UK should not pass buck to world's poorest, say MPs

A cross-party group of MPs is calling for a ban on the export of plastic waste over concerns the UK is passing the buck to the world's poorest people to clean up its rubbish.

Brighton & Hove's Big Lemon bus fleet will be one of seven to receive funding under the scheme

Government launches £48m scheme to help electrify UK bus fleets

The UK Government has unveiled plans to purchase 263 new ultra-low emission buses for transport schemes across the nation, doubling the UK's existing e-bus stock.

The Climate Group is aiming to electrify two million vehicles by 2030 under the scheme

EV100: Corporate demand for green fleets now outstripping charging infrastructure improvements

More than 30 big-name companies have pledged to electrify their fleets under the Climate Group's EV100 initiative since 2017, with corporate demand for low-carbon transport beginning to outstrip charging infrastructure provisions, a new report from the non-profit has concluded.

This week's best innovations could drive significant change across the fashion, transport and energy storage sectors

Eggshell energy storage and lab-grown leather: The best green innovations of the week

Each week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations that could help businesses and nations deliver on resource efficiency, low-carbon transitions and combat climate change emerge. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.

Fossil fuel output fell almost 7% to 131TWh

Renewables forecast to overtake fossil fuels in 2020

Renewables will overtake fossil fuels in 2020 to become the "dominant" source of power in Great Britain, EnAppsSys has predicted in a new report.

Sutherland argued that firms would need to champion whole-systems circularity, considering the resource efficiency of all products at every stage

A Plastic Planet: Businesses must do more than recycle to stay relevant

EXCLUSIVE: In an era of unprecedented consumer demand for plastic-free packaging and products, companies making their offerings recyclable are no longer doing enough - they must radically transform their business models to stay relevant and retain consumer trust.

VW is creating a portfolio of power tariffs, charging stations and stationary and mobile storage solutions to increase the appetite for its EV models

VW enters energy supply market with new charging and renewable energy firm

German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) has announced the creation of a new company within the group that will focus on charging solutions and renewable energy offerings.

VW will trial the first mobile station in the first half of 2019 at its home city of Wolfsburg in Germany

VW unveils mobile charging station using second-life EV batteries

Volkswagen (VW) has unveiled a glimpse of what it claims is the "first power bank for the e-car", a mobile rapid charger consisting of second life electric vehicle (EV) batteries that can charge up to four vehicles simultaneously.

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.

In 2019, businesses will need to embrace sustainability, or risk being left behind

What would you do if you only had 12 years to stop catastrophic climate change? At COP 24 in Poland earlier this year, 200 nations formed plans to collectively tackle this issue, and their message is clear: as nations, we will go beyond our commitments and ambitions from the 2015 Paris Agreement to further reduce emissions and tackle one of the world's greatest challenges.

The Government scheme has funded the installation of more than 60,000 EV chargers since it was launched in 2014

Government to fund network of 'smart' domestic EV chargers

The UK Government has this week launched a new mandate requiring all domestic electric vehicle (EV) chargers supported by its EV Homecharge Scheme to include "smart" technologies such as remote charging and demand-response capabilities.

The participating companies will measure the cost savings brought about by the installation of

UK network operators unveil new measures to boost flexibility

The UK's six local electricity network operators have jointly committed to set new requirements for all new network infrastructure to include "smart" flexibility services, as more renewable arrays come online nationwide.

Mars seeking ‘industry-wide’ recycling solution after pet food packaging scheme launch

EXCLUSIVE: Consumer goods giant Mars is exploring the possibility of developing nationwide packaging takeback schemes for its food and drinks packaging, after successfully developing such a programme for its petfood pouches.