low carbon
Related content
The Low Carbon Economy – From Stick to Carrot
Britain is at risk of missing a huge opportunity. Policymakers must stop hitting firms with the big stick of ever-higher carbon taxes and levies, eroding their global competitiveness. Instead, they should be offering carrots, incentives to install energy saving equipment, invest in unexplored low-carbon technologies ahead of the curve, and become leaders in the low-carbon markets that must inevitably boom over the next couple of decades if governments around the world are to meet their climate change targets.
Macquarie finalises £2.3bn Green Investment Bank deal
Australian bank Macquarie has vowed to keep the Green Investment Bank (GIB) at the forefront of the UK's low-carbon transition, after today (18 August) completing the controversial £2.3bn takeover from the British Government.
In practice: London's largest solar retrofit project
Waste management firm Bywaters has dramatically reduced its energy usage and achieved near self-sufficiency following the delivery of a 1MW solar retrofit project at its plant in East London.
Hyundai pledges to build EV model with 500km range
As new figures show that the rise of renewables have slashed the carbon impact of electric vehicles (EVs) in Britain, South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai has unveiled plans to strengthen its grip on the market with a new model that can go 500km on a single charge.
EU to enforce new energy efficiency rules for vacuum cleaners
New EU rules on vacuum cleaners come into force next month, as Brussels looks to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
The employers’ guide to smart meters and energy efficiency awareness at work and at home
This document provides guidance and materials for running an energy efficiency awareness campaign at work, including practical advice to employees on how they can benefit from getting a smart meter and saving energy at home.
edie publishes free business guide to CHP
Organisations and professionals with an interest in deploying combined heat & power (CHP) systems to reduce emissions and save on energy costs now have access to a free 'edie explains' guide which answers all of the key questions surrounding the technology.
Clean energy stocks outpacing fossil fuel investments in Trump era, report finds
Global clean energy stocks have surged past investments in fossil fuels in the past year despite the political shockwaves caused by Donald Trump's US presidency, new research has found.
London's new Environment Strategy: Five key questions answered
As London Mayor Sadiq Khan puts forward a long-term vision to make the capital one of the greenest cities in the world, edie speaks with Khan's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues to discuss how City Hall aims to put its ambitious plans into practice.
In practice: Smurfit Kappa's £120m onsite sustainability drive
With one eye on a key carbon reduction goal for 2020, paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa recently undertook a multi-million-euro investment into new boiler and steam turbine systems at one of its major manufacturing facilities in Austria which will significantly reduce emissions.
Policymakers must embrace technology to deliver sustainable transport systems, says PwC
New planning models which adopt collaborative and tech-savvy approaches are required to create future sustainable and connected transport systems, according to a new report from PwC.
London boroughs to add 1,500 electric vehicle charging points
The Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL) have allocated £4.5m to 25 London boroughs to roll-out 1,500 new charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) across the capital.
Dieter Helm to lead cost of energy review
Professor Dieter Helm has been appointed to lead the cost of energy review promised in the Conservative manifesto and Industrial Strategy, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark has announced.
Energy industry must embrace '3D transition' to sustainable future, say former Big Six bosses
Britain's 'Bix Six' utility companies must rapidly adapt and find a new role in an energy system which is undergoing the "3D transition" of decarbonisation, digitisation and decentralisation, a new report by industry experts has concluded.
In practice: Capgemini's carbon-cutting Merlin data centre
With data centres accounting for 40% of Capgemini's total emissions and 70% of energy use, IT consulting firm's decision to develop an ultra-sustainable, energy-efficient data centre has driven great results, helping to push the company beyond a carbon goal one year ahead of schedule.
Businesses must adapt sustainable finance models to prepare for innovation flood, says Interserve
Businesses must prepare for a "flood" of technological advances by adjusting the way they assess the non-financial impacts of low-carbon investments, according to construction firm Interserve's head of sustainability and group finance director Tim Haywood.
UK high-pressure gas refuelling station records substantial drop in emissions
The UK's biggest gas network operator Cadent has confirmed that the UK's first high-pressure gas refuelling station has reduced the emissions of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) used by the likes of Waitrose by 84% compared to diesel equivalents.
New £5 and £10 banknotes have smaller lifetime carbon impact
New £5 and £10 notes unveiled by the Bank of England earlier this month have carbon footprints 16% and 8% lower than previous paper versions, new analysis from the Carbon Trust has revealed.
Air Quality Plan: Diesel and petrol cars banned by 2040, £255m to tackle pollution blackspots
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today unveiled the Government's long-awaited Air Quality Plan, which includes a ban on all new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040 and a £255m fund to help councils crack down on emissions.
Government must seize economic opportunity of low-carbon innovation, says climate adviser
EXCLUSIVE: The UK Government must invest in low-carbon innovation now or risk significantly raising the cost of meeting the fourth and fifth carbon budgets, the chief economist of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has told edie.
ETI: UK-grown biomass can support farmers and deliver carbon savings
Planting 1.4m hectares of non-food crops dedicated to the production of bioenergy can deliver "genuine" emissions savings and provide a degree of income security for UK farmers, according to new research from ETI.
Energy storage: UK set for new battery research centre with Government funding
Business Secretary Greg Clark has announced details of the first phase of a four-year £246m investment into battery technology as part of the Government's drive towards a low-carbon industrial strategy.
CDP: Top mining firms risking $16bn in climate costs
The world's largest mining companies are producing up to $16bn in emissions costs in their value chain, according to a report released today (20 July) by climate change research provider CDP.
JLL UK targets 100% renewables and zero waste to landfill in new 2020 targets
Real estate specialists and investment management firm JLL is chasing 100% renewable electricity and zero waste to landfill offices as part of a new corporate sustainability agenda for 2020.
Shadow Energy Minister slams 'deplorable' delay of Clean Growth Plan
EXCLUSIVE: The continued delay of a long-term strategy to decarbonise the UK is a matter of "considerable shame" for the Government, according to Labour's Shadow Energy & Climate Change Minister Alan Whitehead.
Rise of EVs could add 18GW to peak demand by 2050
The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) could add up to 18GW - or 30 per cent - to peak power demand by 2050, National Grid has predicted in its latest Future Energy Scenarios report.
Global banks worth $7trn pledge support to TCFD climate disclosure guidelines
Eleven of the world's top banks, including Barclays and Santander, have jointly committed to adopt key elements of a new international framework which seeks to improve climate transparency in the financial industry.
CDP: Only 100 firms account for more than 70% of global emissions
Just 100 major companies, such as Shell, ExxonMobil and BP, have caused 71% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) since 1988, according to new research from global disclosure organisation CDP.
UK Coal Authority turns to solar to offset water treatment costs
A regulatory body of the UK coal industry has named the latest contractor for a four-year renewable energy framework to offset the costs of its 75 mine water treatment sites.
In practice: Grosvenor's highly sustainable redevelopment of a heritage building
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland's building project at 119 Ebury Street, Belgravia, is the UK's first listed building to achieve BREEAM 'Outstanding', utilising a range of low-carbon technologies that significantly reduce the site's environmental footprint.
'Investor-ready' green certification project rolled-out for district energy and street lighting
A green certification project aimed at standardising how building projects are measured and developed to accelerate investment opportunities has received backing from the Horizon 2020 programme to expand across Europe.
UK's biomass ambition: Low-cost solution or forest full of loopholes?
A new report has outlined that using waste and biomass for gasification can help the UK meet its 2050 carbon targets at a lower cost to the economy, on the same day that research condemned a biomass standard used by Drax, E.ON and DONG as a "forest of loopholes".
edie's 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards open for entries
Entries are now open for the 2018 Sustainability Leaders Awards, which recognise the incredible people, initiatives and products that are helping to deliver excellence within the green economy.
Further delay of climate plans could derail UK's low-carbon shift, warns CCC
Ministers could derail the UK's low-carbon transition unless they deliver urgent new plans to reduce emissions across the country, the Government's independent climate advisory body has warned.
TCFD: Businesses worth $2trn back final climate disclosure recommendations
More than 100 businesses including Unilever, Barclays and HSBC, have publicly committed to support the final recommendations listed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which seeks to disclose climate information as part of mainstream financial statements.
Green buildings focus helps Heathrow hit 2020 carbon reduction target
The installation of more than 100,000 LEDs and a rooftop solar system helped Heathrow Airport achieve a 14% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions from its buildings, enabling the business to hit a target that was set for 2020.
It's time for ACTION: 14 green policy priorities for the new UK Government - Part two
A decentralised energy system, more ambitious renewable energy targets and a stronger low-carbon heat and transport policy are all listed in the second part of edie's feature exploring the most critical areas of green policy that Theresa May's new Government must prioritise.
UPS focuses on renewables and alternative fuels to deliver new science-based target
Delivery firm UPS has today (27 June) unveiled a new science-based target to reduce carbon emissions by 12% by 2025, alongside goals to source a quarter of its electricity needs from renewables and a scale-up of its alternative fuels programme.
Virgin Atlantic cuts aircraft emissions by 22% in 10 years
A multi-billion-dollar Boeing fleet investment, engine taxiing and weight management have together contributed to Virgin Atlantic reducing total aircraft carbon emissions by 22% since 2007, with similar footprint reductions generated for other carbon-efficiency measurements.
Energy giants back calls to cut financial support for polluting powerplants
A coalition of thirteen energy industry firms, including Siemens, Shell and Total, have launched a new joint initiative to limit the amount of state aid subsidies that are sent to highly-polluting fossil fuel plants across the European Union (EU).
Sainsbury's commits to 100% LED lighting by 2020
Sainsbury's has become the first supermarket in the UK to make a commitment to switch to 100% LED lighting by 2020.
UK on track to miss carbon emissions target due to stalled energy policy
The UK's ambitious target of slashing carbon emissions by more than half within 13 years is at risk because of government dithering on energy policy, industry professionals have warned.
Coca-Cola European Partners cuts carbon with £39m automation investment
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has announced a £39m automation investment which the bottling company claims will save 3,867 tonnes of CO2 a year.
BEIS to invest £35m in heat innovation projects
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is to invest £35m in two heat innovation projects centred around smart systems and hydrogen gas as alternatives to conventional gas-grid connected domestic heating.
ESOS: Government begins issuing non-compliance fines as Phase 2 begins
With the second phase of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) now underway, the Environment Agency has revealed that hundreds of organisations will be hit with large fines for failing to comply with Phase 1 of the mandatory scheme.
Ofgem condemned for slashing subsidies for small-scale energy generation
Energy regulator Ofgem has faced accusations of "hammering" the financial viability of low-carbon projects, after it confirmed subsidies made to small-scale electricity generators will fall by up to 93%.
It's time for ACTION: 14 green policy priorities for the new UK Government - Part one
From environmental plans and air quality proposals through to energy efficiency schemes and low-carbon industrial strategies, edie has identified the most critical areas of green policy that Theresa May's new Government must prioritise to ensure the UK bears the fruits of a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.
Queen's Speech: Government reiterates support for Paris Agreement and low-carbon Industrial Strategy
The Queen's Speech has outlined the Government's commitment to maintain global climate change leadership, alongside proposals to ensure the electric vehicle (EV) market begins to thrive over the upcoming years.
No technical barriers for large-scale, low-cost UK CCS deployment, report finds
The UK has "more than enough" potential Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites to meet legally binding 2050 carbon targets in a cost-effective manner, which could save up to £2bn annually throughout the 2020s.
Sustainable manufacturing roundtable: Turning challenges into opportunities
Sustainability and energy management experts from some of the world's biggest businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and British Gas, to explore the role of the manufacturing sector in shaping the future of energy.
Global carbon emissions flat for third straight year, BP study shows
Global carbon emissions remained flat for the third consecutive year, according to a BP study, which shows the fuel mix shifting away from coal towards low-carbon sources and energy efficiency.
Bridging the gap: How Capgemini's new CSR head has gained valuable insight into boardroom buy-in
EXCLUSIVE: Global IT consultancy Capgemini has appointed its former chief financial officer, Christine Hodgson, as its head of group corporate social responsibility. edie took the opportunity to sit down with the new promotee to discuss the key challenge of securing funding for sustainability projects.
Scotland eyes 90% emissions reduction target
The Scottish Government has proposed to increase its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to 90% below 1990 levels by 2050, the climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham has announced.
Report: Britons willing to pay £1bn to tackle air pollution
Coinciding with the UK's first ever National Clean Air Day (15 June), new research has shown that the general public want to ringfence £1bn a year to tackle air pollution.
Energy industry launches low-carbon innovation platform
A group of utilities giants including Centrica, DONG Energy and SSE have teamed up to launch a new innovation platform which aims to solve the barriers to a low-cost, low-carbon energy system.
Electric cars accelerate past 2 million mark globally
The number of electric cars in the world accelerated past the two million barrier last year, as prices fell and manufacturers launched new models.
Driving change: How can businesses increase efficiency for a greener fleet?
Whether it's the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), the use of telematics, or the strategic positioning of distribution centres, there is now a multitude of options available to businesses looking to reduce fleet emissions. But which is the best route to take? edie's George Ogleby investigates.
Paul Polman: Businesses must champion sustainability in era of 'short-sighted' politics
Unilever's chief executive Paul Polman has called on the business community to deliver the low-carbon transition during a period of "short-sighted" politics, while business leaders from McDonald's, SC Johnson and C&A have advised that consumer trust must be at the heart of action.
'Weak' Tories have broken environmental promises, says Lib Dem peer
EXCLUSIVE: The Conservative Party's environmental policy record since the 2015 General Election will be remembered as a period of broken promises, the Liberal Democrats' Deputy Leader in the House of Lords has told edie.
The great green policy survey: Last chance to tell us the issues that matter most
The countdown to the General Election is on and tension is beginning to mount among the green business community as to which political party to vote for. Take edie's short survey to tell us which areas of energy and environment policy you want the next UK Government to prioritise.
Greener UK debate: Parties trade blows over environmental ambitions ahead of election
Environmental representatives from the UK's major political parties clashed last night (30 May) over international climate change leadership and other key green policy issues at a General Election hustings event in London.
World's first liquid nitrogen hybrid bus makes breakthrough
The world's first hybrid bus to run on both liquid nitrogen and diesel has moved one step closer to being rolled out across the streets of the UK after completing a series of rigorous trials.
Power sector urged to adopt world's first investment-grade carbon pricing mechanism
Financial heavyweights including Bank of America, Barclays and Hermes Investment Management have teamed-up to introduce the world's first investment-grade carbon pricing system for the power sector, aimed at aligning company operations with a 2°C pathway.
Battery storage: A 'next level' opportunity for energy management?
There's no "one size fits all" approach to energy storage, but businesses that can use the technology alongside energy reduction schemes and onsite renewables can take their energy management to the "next level".
edie Live 2017: Last chance to register as doors open on Tuesday
The countdown is on and edie Live 2017 opens its doors at 9.30am on Tuesday 23 May - and there's still time to register for your free two-day pass to the show.
Conservative manifesto: Energy efficiency focus, oil and gas support and 'fracking revolution'
The Conservatives have pledged to maintain the UK’s climate change commitments through enhanced clean technology and energy efficiency funding, but the Party's manifesto also proposes continued support for the North Sea oil and gas industry and an additional focus on fracking.
Waitrose eyes 50 biomethane trucks by end of 2017
EXCLUSIVE: British retail chain Waitrose aims to have 50 100% biomethane gas-fuelled trucks operating in its fleet by the end of year, in an effort to lower emissions from its distribution fleet.
Waitrose rolls out Europe's first 500-mile biomethane trucks
As part of an ongoing transition towards alternatively- fuelled trucks and lower fleet emissions, Waitrose has spent the early months of 2017 trialling Europe’s first 500-mile biomethane trucks, with plans to scale-up the project over the coming years.
Tesco commits to 100% renewables by 2030
Tesco has pledged to deliver 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, as the supermarket giant unveils tougher Science-Based Targets to help achieve its long-term emissions reduction plan.
Aldersgate Group manifesto calls on next Government to capitalise on green economy
Green business alliance the Aldersgate Group has today (16 May) launched a General Election manifesto report which makes the case for the next Government to prioritise a more ambitious low-carbon and environmental policy.
UN chief: Climate-aware businesses will dominate economy of tomorrow
The new Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) has said that businesses that invest in low-carbon technologies to reduce emissions will become the future leaders of the global economy.
UK financial markets exposed to embedded fossil fuel reserves
UK businesses and investors may be inadvertently sitting on more than 15,000 tonnes of stranded fossil fuel asset emissions that could impact how the nation commits to a 2C energy scenario, new research has found.
'An inspiring vision for the natural world': Green Party unveils environment manifesto
The Green Party has today (11 May) made a swathe of green promises in its General Election environment manifesto, which aims to build a "prosperous, thriving future" for UK businesses and citizens.
Clean energy revolution 'locked in' by business aspirations, says Obama
The former US President Barack Obama has dismissed fears that the Trump administration could scupper clean energy growth in the US, but suggested that no country could afford to "sit on the sidelines" when combatting climate change.
Whitbread now powered by 100% renewable electricity
Britain's biggest hospitality can now stake claim to being powered by 100% renewable sources after striking a deal for green electricity to be supplied to its hotels, restaurants and coffee shops across the country.
Scotland unveils winners of £40m low-carbon innovation fund
A string of pioneering district heat networks and a battery storage project are among the biggest winners in a £43m fund announced by the Scottish Government in an effort to boost low-carbon infrastructure across the country.
edie Live 2017: Registrations hot up with two weeks until show doors open
The destination event for sustainability and energy managers is set to be more popular than ever: registrations to attend edie Live 2017 are now up by around 10% on last year. And there's still time to get your free ticket to join your peers at the NEC Birmingham on 23-24 May.
H&M pledges to double energy productivity by 2030
Clothing retail giant H&M has this week become the first international fashion retailer to sign up to The Climate Group's EP100 campaign, pledging to double its energy productivity within the next 13 years.
Next Government must prioritise renewables to boost economy, says RenewableUK
As the Conservatives confirmed plans for a price cap for energy bills, RenewableUK has launched its manifesto for the General Election and called on the next Government to embrace renewables and flexible energy to match the needs of the UK economy.
UK's £350m coal subsidies clash with Government's phase-out pledges
The UK is providing £356m annually in coal subsidies, despite the UK Government denying that it provides financial support for fossil fuels, a new report has claimed.
Toyota drives 'Digiman' project to develop 50,000 fuel cell stacks by 2020
Japanese carmaker Toyota will be responsible for best practice requirements in a £3m programme created by several public and private bodies which aims to create a platform for fuel cell production for zero-emission cars.
Business input key for success of new efficiency standards, claims property sector
EXCLUSIVE: The UK's real estate industry needs to work with Government in the upcoming months to iron out the remaining issues of a new energy efficiency standard for privately rented commercial buildings, a representative from industry body the British Property Federation (BPF) has said.
Sustaining the thrill: How Merlin Entertainments is conjuring up big carbon cuts
EXCLUSIVE: International theme park operator Merlin Entertainments has achieved almost half a million pounds in energy savings over the past two years following the deployment of 'sustainability champions' across the business to drive behaviour change.
Hydrogen gas grid for Leeds moves a step closer
Plans to convert the gas grid in Leeds to run entirely on hydrogen have moved a step closer to becoming reality after Northern Gas Networks opened an office in the city dedicated to the endeavor.
In practice: Costa's new low-carbon coffee roastery
What makes Costa Coffee’s new £38m roastery in Basildon "one of the most sustainable buildings in the world"? This free case study provides an overview of all the low-carbon and resource-efficient features of the retailer's flagship sustainability project.
'The scales have tipped': Majority of investors taking action on climate change
The number of the asset owners recognising and acting on the risk of climate change has risen by almost a fifth in the last year, with 60% of the world's biggest investors taking steps to protect their portfolios, a new report has revealed.
Report: Fortune 500 firms showcasing the business case for energy efficiency
Major US businesses are reaping economic benefits from energy-efficiency projects implemented to meet broad sustainability targets, with 190 Fortune 500 companies collectively generating $3.7bn in annual energy savings.
London ranked second for low-emission transport transition
London has been ranked second for cities leading the push to decarbonise its transport sector, making it a "likely candidate" to become the world's first zero-emissions city, according to a new report.
Report: Halving global emissions by 2040 achievable if businesses act now
Businesses must act now to halve global emissions by 2040 and "set the stage" for further reductions required in the second half of the century, according to new research from a diverse group of investors, companies and NGOs.
Energy efficiency must be Industrial Strategy priority, engineers say
The engineering industry has today (24 April) called for the Government's Industrial Strategy to prioritise energy efficiency to ensure limited energy costs for businesses.
One month until edie Live 2017 - get your ticket now
With just one month to go until doors open for edie Live 2017 we take a look at why it is the destination event for sustainability and energy managers.
AkzoNobel launches sustainable cities coalition to manage rapid urbanisation
Dutch paints manufacturer AkzoNobel has brought together an alliance of major businesses, NGOs and government representatives to focus on building sustainable cities and communities across the world.
Learning from LightStay: How Hilton saved £600m through in-house sustainability
EXCLUSIVE: Hilton Worldwide is continuing to achieve significant environmental and financial savings and driving behaviour change across the business through its state-of-the-art bespoke sustainability measurement platform, the hotel chain's energy and environment manager has told edie.
Britain set for first coal-free day since the industrial revolution
The UK is set to have its first ever working day without coal power generation since the industrial revolution on Friday, according to the National Grid.
Green Investment Bank sold to Macquarie in £2.3bn deal
The UK Government has completed the sale of the Green Investment Bank (GIB) to Australian investment bank Macquarie today (20 April) for a sum of £2.3bn.
Green Alliance: UK energy system unprepared for EV and solar growth
The UK could suffer from an overloaded grid at peak times unless rapid action is taken to design a smarter power system, a new report from thinktank Green Alliance has found.
What will the 2017 General Election mean for green business?
With the nation set to undergo yet another major political decision after the shock announcement to call a snap election, edie investgates how the outcome of the poll on 8 June could impact sustainability and environmental professionals.
Energy UK joins calls to back 'pot one' technologies
Energy UK has called on ministers to support established renewable technologies, like onshore wind and solar, in order to provide a better deal for customers.
Calls for low-carbon Industrial Strategy mount as Theresa May seeks snap election
A host of industry bodies have called on the Government's forthcoming Industrial Strategy to support business efforts to embrace renewable technologies, on the same day that Prime Minister Theresa May has made a surprise announcement to call a snap general election in June.
Electric vehicle energy storage provides 'perfect opportunity' for UK
EXCLUSIVE: The UK's expanding low-carbon vehicle market offers the "perfect opportunity" for businesses to export surplus energy to the grid, according to the new head of electric vehicles (EVs) at the Renewable Energy Association (REA).
Help on making an RSS Feed
