Infrastructure
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Sustainability Leaders Awards open for entries ahead of virtual ceremony
edie is proud to announce that the UK's largest and most prestigious sustainable business awards scheme has opened for entries, offering organisations and individuals the opportunity to be recognised and celebrated for leading on sustainability, energy and climate action.
Retailers sign up to co-locate on UK's first electric forecourt
A host of retailers including WHSmith, Costa Coffee, Booths and Gourmade have enrolled into a new partnership with the UK's first electric forecourt, which is due to open near Braintree, Essex, this November.
Inclusive recovery: Can a post-pandemic economy shift society and sectors to greener pastures?
The world is still reeling from the continued impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, but the financial decisions that are made now will determine whether all sectors and parts of society are brought along the green recovery.
HolyGrail 2.0: Major brands sign up to explore digital watermarks to improve packaging recycling
More than 80 major European brands, including P&G, PepsiCo and Mondi will collaborate to explore the feasibility of using "digital watermarks" to improve the sorting of recyclable packaging across the European Union (EU), as part of the HolyGrail 2.0 project spearheaded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
UK needs 'significant' overhaul of infrastructure investment to reach net-zero, report claims
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has claimed that the UK Government needs to "undertake a significant programme of infrastructure investment" to enable regulators and private investment to create funding for critical net-zero infrastructure.
Report: Circular economy can halve emissions of UK infrastructure projects
Transitioning to a circular economy can assist in the net-zero transition, with a new report supported by AECOM stating that carbon reductions of up to 50% can be delivered and £35bn generated for the UK economy by using closed-loop materials throughout the design process of infrastructure projects.
Green groups outraged as government presses on with £27.4bn roads plan
The Treasury and Highways England are facing criticism after the latest string of details about the UK Government's £27.4bn road-building plan was published, with green groups arguing that the money would have been better spent on public transport and digital infrastructure.
Dixons Carphone to convert to electric and alternative fuel fleet by 2030
Dixons Carphone has signed up to the Climate Group's EV100 initiative, pledging to switch its commercial fleet to electric and alternative fuel vehicles by 2030 and to transition more than half of its medium duty vehicles.
Electric vehicle market to surpass 320 million sales by 2040
Electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to reach 45 million unit sales a year by 2040, growing 35 times its current size, with the globe's EV stock set to surpass 320 million, according to new research from Wood Mackenzie.
UK's CCS deployment lacking 'comprehensive' planning on non-cluster sites
The UK's net-zero transition is lacking a "comprehensive regulatory framework" to overcome challenges to "dispersed" sites that would be suitable for carbon capture technology (CCS) but that aren't located in industrial clusters.
Hydrogen deployment could deliver 75,000 jobs and £18bn boon for UK economy
Utilising hydrogen production could generate £18bn for the UK economy and support more than 75,000 jobs over the next 15 years, according to a taskforce backed by the likes of Shell and BP.
Heatwaves bring Britain's coal-free run to an end
Britain's run of more than 55 days without relying on coal for power came to an end this morning, with the National Grid firing up a coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire to combat low energy output during the current heatwave.
Ibstock to pilot net-zero factory
Brick manufacturer Ibstock has announced plans to pilot at least one net-zero factory, with the company outlining its intention to set a net-zero carbon goal for its operations in the near future.
National Infrastructure Commission: Renewables could meet two-thirds of UK's energy demand by 2030
The National Infrastructure Commission has stated that up to 65% of the UK's energy demand could be met by renewable generation within a decade - increasing the proportion from 50% in previous forecasts to account for falling costs.
Green recovery: Geothermal lithium recovery plant in Cornwall secures Government funding
The UK Government has awarded a share of its Getting Building Funds - designed to support infrastructure in the wake of lockdown - to a project developing a geothermal recovery plant that will extract lithium for use in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Government faces backlash over 'zero-carbon-ready' homes proposal
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has today unveiled new proposals to streamline the planning process for housebuilders, in a bid to deliver homes that are "zero carbon ready", but environmental groups have warned that the shake-up to planning could neglect the natural environment.
Bridging the gap between sustainability and finance
The role of an environmental professional on big infrastructure projects has changed dramatically during my career. Now we are approaching a period where sustainability and finance professionals engage on the crucial decisions that will shape the green future.
London unveils £1.5bn green infrastructure package to kick-start economy post-lockdown
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the London Recovery Board have jointly launched a £1.5bn infrastructure investment package, designed to reduce the city's emissions and water footprint while kick-starting the local economy as lockdown eases.
The 'Sustainability Innovators' mindset
What is the right mindset for sustainability innovation? This blog introduces four characteristics to help innovators adopt the right mentality and approach for a sustainable future.
Gas grid operators unveil plan for 'backbone' of Europe's hydrogen infrastructure
A group of eleven European gas infrastructure companies from nine EU member states have presented plans to create a dedicated hydrogen pipeline network of almost 23,000 km by 2040, to be used in parallel to the natural gas grid.
Environment Agency unveils five-year plan to bolster 2030 net-zero target
The Environment Agency (EA) has outlined its plans to boost climate resilience, improve natural resources and foster green growth through to 2025, after setting a 2030 net-zero target late last year.
Government threatened with legal action over coronavirus recovery package
The UK Government is facing another court challenge over climate-wrecking policy decisions, with UK-based Plan B threatening legal action over the recent coronavirus recovery package, calling it a "new deal for polluters".
Brits believe a non-green Covid-19 recovery would be bad for the economy, cross-party survey reveals
A survey of more than 2,000 UK voters, in which all major political preferences were accounted for, has revealed that the majority of Brits want a "green" recovery from Covid-19, in which measures designed to boost the economy also serve to reduce pollution and emissions.
'A false start': Green groups express disappointment in Boris Johnson's 'New Deal' recovery package
Key members of the UK's green economy have been offering their thoughts on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Covid-19 recovery package, the fundamentals of which have now been unveiled. The general feeling is one of dismay, following months of campaigning.
Boris Johnson's New Deal for Britain yet to align with green recovery calls
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a multi-billion-pound "New Deal for Britain" that prioritises jobs and infrastructure growth to respond to the economic crash caused by Covid-19, but following months of calls for a "green recovery," the environment is largely absent from the plan.
Policy wishlist: What does the UK's green economy want from the coronavirus recovery package?
After weeks of speculation, Boris Johnson is set to outline the fundamentals of the UK's Covid-19 recovery plan on Tuesday (30 June). Here, we round up nine of the specific measures which green economy experts are urging for inclusion.
MPs to probe whether Covid-19 recovery package is truly 'green'
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry into the environmental and social implications of the UK Government's Covid-19 recovery package, just one day before the plan's key aspects are due to be unveiled by Boris Johnson.
Amazon to invest $2bn in low-carbon innovations
Amazon will invest at least $2bn (£1.6bn) in smaller firms creating technologies or services aimed at reducing carbon emissions to net-zero, the e-commerce giant announced on Tuesday (23 June).
Rapid EV charging points to be installed at 10 major UK shopping hubs
Retail estate developer Brookhouse Group has opened rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points at seven of its busiest retail parks and unveiled plans to install chargepoints at three more locations by the end of 2020.
World's biggest liquid air battery under construction in Greater Manchester
Construction on the world's largest liquid air battery is beginning in Trafford this week, after the project secured a £10m grant from the UK Government.
NatWest's carbon calculator and Wilko's plastic pledge: The World Environment Day success stories
To mark World Environment Day (5 June) edie's Sustainability Success Stories arrive early, outlining fresh new commitments to sustainability across renewables, resources, the built environment and more.
Princes commits to no export waste
Food and drink firm Princes has committed to ensuring that all of its packaging is recycled and handled solely by UK re-processors, rather than exporting the waste abroad, to gain more certainty that its packaging is recycled or dealt with appropriately.
BT launches innovation platform and UK electric fleet alliance
BT has today (1 June) launched two new platforms to help accelerate green innovation in the UK and drive the adoption of electric vehicle (EV) fleets, both of which the tech giant believes will contribute to a green post-Covid19 recovery for the UK.
BEIS approves UK's largest solar farm
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has this week approved what is set to be the UK's largest solar farm, located in Kent.
National Infrastructure Commission calls for climate resiliency planning and stress tests
The UK Government has been urged to set "clear resilience standards" that enables energy and water networks, transport, essential services and all infrastructure sectors to stress test and plan against hidden climate challenges on the horizon.
West Sussex's £31m 'smart' local energy system to progress during lockdown
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) project in West Sussex which is aiming to streamline how low-carbon energy is generated, stored, traded and consumed is still running "at full speed" despite the economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Zero-carbon Humber cluster to rollout carbon capture and hydrogen production
Plans to create the world's first zero-carbon industrial cluster in the Humber region reached another milestone this week, as Phillips 66 and Uniper signed an agreement to deploy a carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen production facility.
Vattenfall agrees to 8MW district heating scheme in Barnet
Vattenfall Heat UK will deliver an 8MW districting heating system to heat homes, schools and businesses in Barnet, with a view to removing all carbon-emitting sources from the system.
Government taskforce sets out tools to unlock £65bn investment into green housing
The UK Government's Green Finance Institute (GFI) has found that scaling up green retrofitting of the UK's existing housing stock would require investments of up to £65bn while supporting the economic recovery, as the Green Alliance calls for policy amendments to retrofitting in the UK.
Carbon scorecards and working groups: Engineers gear up to support UK's net-zero ambition
The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) has outlined the steps that the engineering sector can take to assist with the UK-wide decarbonisation to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, while WSP has led an economy-wide call for strengthened net-zero policies.
Christiana Figueres: Businesses must put net-zero at heart of green recovery
EXCLUSIVE: Governments and businesses have an "enormous opportunity" to build decarbonisation principles into the Covid-19 recovery process, the former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres has told edie.
Northern Powergrid unveils community engagement decarbonisation plans
The distribution network operator (DNO) for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire has unveiled a new community energy engagement strategy outlining steps to use community-based consumption and power to respond to the climate emergency.
edie launches free Decentralised Energy Toolkit for businesses
edie has today (13 May) launched a new toolkit, in association with UK Power Network Services, to outline and showcase how businesses large and small can explore distributed energy solutions to assist with decarbonisation strategies and give them more control over energy usage.
Green buildings on the BBC: Is the built environment about to have its 'Blue Planet' moment?
The aftermath of BBC's Blue Planet 2 series sparked an unprecedented public outcry against single-use plastics, where businesses were firmly in the crosshairs. The nature document skirted around the issues of plastic waste in the ocean, but even just a fleeting lock at its impact sparked global change.
World GBC's 'Paris proof' buildings and Abu Dhabi's low-cost solar: 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.
Government-funded Vehicle-to-Grid project completes grid balancing trials
A Government-funded Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) project has successfully participated in a trial aimed at providing real-time control of when and how electric vehicles (EVs) are charged and discharged to help balance the grid.
Hitachi pours millions into Gridserve's electric forecourts project
Hitachi Capital UK has announced a multi-million-pound investment to support Gridserve's ambitious project to develop more than one hundred electric forecourts across the UK to spur the low-carbon transition.
CCC boss: Green and resilient economic recovery can push UK towards net-zero target
EXCLUSIVE: The Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) chief executive Chris Stark believes the UK Government should prioritise a green and resilient economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic that doesn't lock in fossil fuels and puts the nation on an upwards trajectory towards a socially just net-zero transformation.
#SustyTalk: Colas Rail's Claudia Dommett-Nöhren on how coronavirus is driving social sustainability
Next up in our series of at-home video interviews with sustainability leaders: Claudia Dommett-Nöhren, head of sustainability and innovation at railway infrastructure firm Colas Rail UK. In this 13-minute chat, Claudia discusses how the coronavirus pandemic is increasing the need to focus on the 'social' elements of sustainable business.
Net-zero: Is the UK's gas grid ready to go green?
In a week where plans were unveiled for a nationwide roll-out of farming greenhouses heated by wastewater, the UK's major gas operators have teamed up to launch a programme aimed at delivering the world's first zero-carbon gas grid.
BNEF: Green hydrogen could slash energy, transport and industry emissions by one-third
Large-scale, global deployment of renewable hydrogen across the energy, transport and industrial sectors could reduce their annual emissions by up to 34% by 2050 - at a "manageable cost".
REA and UK EVSE merge to deliver unified voice on electric vehicle infrastructure
The REA has announced that members of the UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association (UK EVSE) will join its 75-strong group of companies involved in the delivery and operations of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and services in the UK.
Government presses forward with plan to align 'every single mode of transport' with net-zero
The Department for Transport (DfT) has said it is on track to deliver a policy roadmap for decarbonising "every single mode of transport" in line with the UK's 2050 net-zero target this year, despite fears that the coronavirus pandemic would slow progress.
Parts of England could run short of water within 20 years, NAO warns
Unsustainable water abstraction processes and infrastructure, compounded by climate change and population growth, will result in parts of southern England running out of water within 20 years.
World's wind power capacity up by fifth after record year
The world's wind power capacity grew by almost a fifth in 2019 after a year of record growth for offshore windfarms and a boom in onshore projects in the US and China.
UN: 4.2 billion people without sanitation amid coronavirus - and climate change set to worsen the problem
A continuing shortfall in water infrastructure investments from national governments and the private sector has left billions exposed to the Covid 19 pandemic and will make the climate crisis worse in both the short and long-term.
Collaboration can transform how businesses look at sustainability
Businesses are increasingly aware of the role they need to play in sustainability, but often find it daunting. This article looks at key learnings for how businesses can effectively collaborate together to be more sustainable.
Triodos Bank joins Tesco in funding Pod Point's EV charging rollout
Ethical finance firm Triodos Bank has joined Tesco and Volkswagen in providing funding to Pod Point to accelerate access to electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the UK, including 600 supermarket locations.
UK water industry criticises 'unclear' Government approach to efficiency
The trade body representing the UK's water sector has criticised the Government's previous action and planned moves for water efficiency in homes and business, as water use is set to rise amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
Biffa to halve emissions and quadruple plastics recycling under new strategy
Waste management firm Biffa has announced a new sustainability strategy that will aim to quadruple the group's plastics recycling capacity and halve its emissions by 2030.
Does the Budget put the UK on course for net-zero emissions?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak's first Budget was brimming with green funding for natural climate solutions and carbon capture and storage (CCS), but key spending reviews and strategies on the horizon will clarify whether these will act as the launchpad for a net-zero carbon economy.
'A mixed picture': Key green economy figures react to the Budget's environmental provisions
After Chancellor Rishi Sunak opened his red budget box to reveal fresh funding for natural climate solutions and carbon capture and storage (CCS), edie rounds up what key green economy leaders make of the new financial measures for the net-zero transition.
Businesses call on Prime Minister to accelerate climate action
Business giants including Unilever, Tesco, Sky and Coca-Cola have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to develop a clear strategy that will set out a pathway to achieving the net-zero emissions target for 2050 that enables businesses to understand their role in delivering the national ambition.
National Infrastructure Strategy delay could spark net-zero planning focus
Reports have emerged that the Government's long-awaited 30-year National Infrastructure Strategy (NIS) is to be delayed again, citing beliefs that the £100bn strategy could be revamped to account for the UK's net-zero emissions target.
Environmental net gain: An enduring development concept for resilient legacies
Chair of the Environmental Industries Commission's Natural Capital taskforce on why we should move towards environmental net gain.
The Heathrow domino: Is Government nearing the promised land of joined-up climate policy?
The Government has long been urged to approach climate change through the lens of coherent, joined-up thinking and during a 'year of climate action' in the UK the first Heathrow-shaped domino may just have fallen to kickstart a new approach to climate policy.
NIC calls for 'decisive action' to deliver flexible electricity system
The government's infrastructure advisor has told ministers that ensuring there are "no barriers" to future interconnector projects should be prioritised as the UK exits the EU.
TODAY AT 1PM: register for edie's business fleet electrification masterclass
Readers have a few hours left to register for edie's next masterclass webinar, focusing on how businesses can move from petrol and diesel to fully-electric vehicle (EV) fleets.
Peterborough unveils plans for UK's largest low-carbon 'smart-city' regeneration project
Peterborough City Council has unveiled a plan to host the UK's largest smart, low-carbon city energy system including renewable electricity generation, energy storage and heat networks.
Heathrow commits to becoming zero-carbon airport by mid-2030s
Heathrow Airport has announced its intention to become a zero-carbon airport by the mid-2030s, after reaching carbon-neutral status for its buildings and infrastructure today (21 February).
Sadiq Khan sets up £50m fund to bring London to net-zero
London mayor Sadiq Khan is to spend £50m on a Green New Deal for London as part of a pledge to make the UK capital carbon neutral by 2030.
RBS's climate goals and Aldi's plastic bag crackdown: 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.
EDF takes over EV charging giant Pod Point
Energy giant EDF has acquired a majority stake in one of the UK's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging firms, Pod Point.
Cabinet reshuffle: Is the promised 'green budget' in doubt?
Earlier this week Chancellor Sajid Javid was said to be reviewing a string of new subsidies to assist with the UK's net-zero transition. With Javid today (13 February) resigning from the position, doubts have been caused as to whether the UK Government can prioritise the green economy in the March Budget.
Can HS2 comply with the UK's net-zero target?
With Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving the green light to the £100bn HS2, edie examines whether the controversial high-speed rail project can align with the UK's net-zero emissions future.
Why 2020 is the year of the collaborative circular economy
"The moment of crisis has come. We can no longer prevaricate." Naturalist and veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough pulled no punches in a recent BBC interview. If we are to keep global warming below 1.5C, greenhouse gas emissions must almost halve by 2030.
Lack of vehicle supply stifling corporate uptake of EVs
Corporates are spurring demand for electric vehicles (EVs) across the globe, but concerns persist about a lack of vehicles supply, according to an annual update from the group behind the EV100 initiative.
Five key takeaways from edie's net-zero energy masterclass
Last week, edie undertook a masterclass with Smartest Energy on evolving your energy strategy for net-zero, which included a case study with property giant JLL.
Northern Powergrid and OVO Energy make fresh bids to spur EV uptake
Northern Powergrid has launched a new digital tool to help business customers install electric vehicle (EV) charging points, in the same week that OVO Energy partnered with Mitsubishi to offer free EV miles to individual customers.
Heathrow Airport launches flight offsetting tool for passengers
Passengers on flights to and from Heathrow Airport now have the option to offset the emissions of their journeys, after Heathrow.com announced a new partnership with the CHOOOSE 'climate streaming service' offsetting platform.
Businesses team up to launch net-zero infrastructure taskforce
Industry bodies representing hundreds of firms across the engineering and environmental technologies sectors have partnered to analyse how the UK's infrastructure should be redesigned to meet net-zero by 2050.
Investment in infrastructure must take centre stage to drive growth in renewables
2020 will undoubtedly be the year that businesses see the true potential in renewables investment.
National Grid: 400,000 energy jobs must be filled to hit net-zero
More than 117,000 roles will need to be filled in the energy sector by 2030, and a further 283,000 by 2050, if the UK is to meet its net-zero target.
Government boosts funding for on-street EV charging
The government has doubled its funding for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers on residential streets to £10 million.
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.
