Infrastructure
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Climate activist turns down Siemens board role over Australian mine deal
German climate activist Luisa Neubauer has declined an offer from Siemens' chief executive Joe Kaeser to sit on a supervisory board off the firm's new energy business, following controversy over an Australian mining project.
Massive rise in EV charging points needed to reach EU climate goals, analysis finds
Europe needs a fifteen-fold increase in electric vehicle public charging points by 2030 to support the EU's goal of becoming "climate neutral" by mid-century, according to new research published Wednesday (8 January).
Chancellor vows to prioritise the environment as Budget date set
Chancellor Sajid Javid has confirmed that the UK's next Budget will be held on 11 March, promising fresh spending across the nation's green economy.
Net-zero cities: Nottingham's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2028
edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Nottingham plans to become the UK's first carbon-neutral city by 2028.
To energy efficiency and far beyond
Businesses are under pressure to minimise business energy costs, cut carbon emissions and improve resilience, so it comes as no surprise that 90% of large company CEOs are engaging with energy efficiency.
OVO Energy and Mitsubishi forge net-zero transport partnership
OVO Energy and Mitsubishi Motors have announced a new UK partnership to help accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector in order to assist with the legally enshrined net-zero target for 2050.
Plans submitted for subsidy-free solar farm at Gloucester army barracks
Plans have been submitted by a subsidiary of Swindon Borough Council to build a subsidy-free solar farm at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks in Gloucestershire that would generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 350 homes for the year.
Water companies take first steps on net-zero 2030 commitment
The UK's major water companies have this week (2 December) launched the first major project to develop a roadmap that will help the sector achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Hydrogen: a critical piece of the net-zero jigsaw?
Earlier this year the UK Government committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the amended 2008 Climate Change Act (CCA). Professor Joe Howe, chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) and executive director of the Thornton Energy Institute, looks at how hydrogen is a vital part of the solution.
Northern Powergrid urges businesses to sell flexibility services
District Network Operator (DNO) Northern Powergrid has opened an online auction aimed at procuring 100MW of flexible energy capacity across, largely from businesses.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eleanor King, AECOM
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Eleanor King, sustainability consultant at AECOM.
ENA calls for mandatory hydrogen boilers as CBI outlines new sustainability vision
Replacing existing gas boilers with hydrogen-ready devices should be mandatory when they reach the end of their life, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) has urged in its general election manifesto.
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.
Morrisons eliminates black plastics packaging
Morrisons has claimed it has completely removed hard-to-recycle black plastics from its own-brand ranges.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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