low-carbon
Related content
UK public want chief execs to lead on climate action, survey finds
Almost two-thirds (60%) of the UK public believe that the chief executives of corporations should be leading the national fight against climate change, a new survey has found.
Report: Electricity generation carbon prices to treble by 2050
Carbon prices for electricity generation should more than treble by 2050 and VAT rates on domestic energy use hiked to help drive emissions off the grid, according to a new report.
How can businesses harness climate warnings to drive meaningful behaviour change?
EXCLUSIVE: Amid a backdrop of school strikes, Extinction Rebellion protests, net-zero targets and Green New Deals, climate change awareness is increasing rapidly among all stakeholder groups. But how can business harness this collective emotional investment to change employee and customer behaviours?
BP shareholders demand climate action, but reject calls for hard targets
An overwhelming vote in favour of climate action at BP's annual meeting yesterday (21 May) shows how activist investors have started to move the oil and gas industry. But it also showed the limits to their appetite for change.
As it happened: edie Live 2019 (Day One and Day Two)
Relive the biggest sustainability and energy event of the year - edie Live 2019 - with our blog, which captured all the key talking points, quotes and discussions from expert speakers as they happened.
13 top tips for strengthening sustainability leadership in the face of 'Climate Emergency'
EXCLUSIVE: During Day One of edie Live 2019, a panel of expert speakers gave their top tips for businesses looking to "ride this green wave" and become more resilient climate leaders during an era of unprecedented public awareness.
BNEF: EVs to dominate buses, 'encroach significantly' on cars and trucks, by 2040
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has released its annual forecast on the future of e-mobility, predicting that electric vehicles (EVs) will penetrate the global bus, van, truck and passenger car markets faster than it envisioned in previous years.
Circular economies and scenario analysis: How Rolls Royce is innovating for zero-carbon operations
EXCLUSIVE: As the UK Government mulls over whether to adopt a 2050 target for net-zero carbon emissions, engineering and aerospace giant Rolls Royce is going beyond the "low-hanging fruit" as it continues on its pathway to zero-carbon operations by 2030.
Chubb sets global science-based emissions targets
The world's largest publicly listed property and casualty insurance firm has set new carbon emission reduction targets, in line with the 2C trajectory outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Bringing Energy Home: Labour unveils plans for solar homes and grid renationalisation
The Labour Party has unveiled fresh plans concerning how it will decarbonise and democratise energy in the UK, with headline ambitions of renationalising the National Grid and installing solar panels on 1.75 million homes.
![<p>German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Environment Minister Svenja Schulzeat the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin. Image: EPA-EFE/Michele Tantussi / POOL [Michele Tantussi/ epa]</p>](https://e2k9ube.cloudimg.io/s/width/226/https://edienet.s3.amazonaws.com/news/images/full_38445.jpg?v2=16/05/2019 09:20:00)
Merkel sends first strong message for climate neutrality by 2050
Chancellor Angela Merkel has indicated for the first time that Germany may join a European alliance to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050. At a recent EU summit, Germany was unwilling to join a similar initiative by nine EU member states.
Scottish Power pledges to make Glasgow UK's first 'net-zero' city
Scottish Power has pledged to turn Glasgow into the UK's first zero-carbon city with a mass rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Skanska UK pledges to become a carbon-neutral business by 2045
Construction and property development giant Skanska has committed to reduce the carbon emissions of its UK business to zero by 2045, without purchasing carbon credits for offsetting.
London ranked among cities leading global climate action
London has been ranked as one of the 43 global cities leading the global charge on climate action and emissions reduction in a new league table compiled by CDP.
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.
Heathrow 'on-track' for carbon-neutral expansion
Heathrow Airport has claimed that it is "on-track" to meet its flagship ambition of becoming a "carbon-neutral" facility by 2020 and achieving net-zero carbon status for its planned expansion, after increasing its investments in renewable power and beginning peatland restoration last year.
Juncker insists 2030 climate target is EU's top priority, not 2050 'net-zero' plan
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said that the EU should "concentrate on immediate and urgent" climate policies for 2030 rather than a proposed 2050 target defended by eight EU countries to reach net-zero emissions.
Bosch targets carbon neutrality by 2020
Engineering and electronics giant Bosch has committed to achieve carbon neutrality across its direct global operations by 2020 - a move it claims will mitigate the emission of 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 within the next 12 months.
Transport 'best place to start' for hydrogen economy
Efforts to create a hydrogen economy in the UK should initially focus on delivering "quick wins" in the transport sector, a new report has argued.
MPs to scrutinise the UK Government's internal sustainability progress
As Ministers consider legislating for the adoption of a net-zero carbon target for 2050, a group of MPs are set to investigate the UK Government's internal sustainability targets and progress.
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.
UK completes first coal-free week since Industrial Revolution
The UK has just completed its first week without any domestic coal generation on the power grid since before the Industrial Revolution, marking a significant milestone in its low-carbon energy transition.
Policy gaps: What's standing between the UK and a net-zero carbon economy?
This week, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published its highly anticipated recommendations detailing how the UK economy could reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. But what policies will need to be changed to ensure that we get there?
Jet fuel must be taxed, EU citizens insist
Aeroplane fuel's tax-free status could soon be grounded after the European Commission agreed this week to register an official petition that calls for an end to kerosene's exemption.
Report: Oil and gas firms failing to disclose climate-related financial risks
The world's largest oil and gas firms must disclose more information on the financial risks that climate challenges will pose to their business, or face losing investment and stakeholder trust.
Seven tips for turning your organisation's green ambitions into ACTION
During a sustainability leadership webinar hosted by edie last week, representatives from Tideway, Business in the Community (BITC), WSP and EDF Energy gave their advice for sustainability and energy professionals looking to turn green ambitions into tangible actions. Here, we round up their key takeaways.
Drax enters EV market with launch of service for business fleets
Power generation giant Drax has launched a new service offering businesses support to make the switch to electric vehicle (EV) fleets, marking its first move into the e-mobility sector.
Corbyn launches bid to declare a national climate emergency
Labour will this week force a vote in parliament to declare a national environmental and climate change emergency as confidential documents show the government has spent only a fraction of a £100m fund allocated in 2015 to support clean air projects.
Decarbonisation by 2050 can be achieved at 'very low cost'
The UK can fully decarbonise by 2050 at a "very low cost", the first head of parliament's climate change watchdog has claimed.
London's low-emission buses and Ralph Lauren's recycled plastic shirts: 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.
Moat Homes launches 'Energiesprong' retrofit pilot to create zero carbon houses
A five-home pilot project has launched in Essex to create zero-carbon retrofit homes in the UK, fitting the buildings with solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage systems.
French football league partners with WWF to drive sustainable behaviour change among fans
France's governing body for professional football, the Lique de Football Professionnel (LFP), has partnered with WWF in a bid to make its operations more environmentally friendly and engage its audiences with sustainability issues.
UK's 'creative carbon accounting' breaches climate deal, say critics
The UK is breaching the Paris agreement on climate change by excluding international aviation and shipping figures from carbon budgets, according to a leading NGO.
Verizon targets carbon neutrality by 2035
US-based telecommunications and technology giant Verizon has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality across its Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (electricity and heat) footprints by 2035.
Zero-emission EU industry 'within reach' but costly, study finds
Bringing down emissions from heavy industry to net-zero by 2050 is possible but will require costly new production processes and a 25-60% increase in near-term capital investments to reach €40-50 billion per year, according to new research published on Thursday (25 April).
An EV revolution: Four key takeaways from Tesla's first sustainability report
On Wednesday (16 April), the world's most talked-about electric vehicle (EV) company published its inaugural sustainability report, revealing in-depth information on its environmental credentials for the first time. Here, edie rounds up the key takeaways.
PwC: AI revolution could slash global emissions by 4%
If the global agriculture, transport, energy and water sectors were to effectively embed artificial intelligence (AI) systems across their operations, worldwide greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 4% by 2030.
Mark Carney tells global banks they cannot ignore climate change dangers
The global financial system faces an existential threat from climate change and must take urgent steps to reform, the governors of the Bank of England and France's central bank have warned, writing in the Guardian.
We Mean Business boss: Companies must 'embed' ESG to survive low-carbon transition
EXCLUSIVE: In the face of pressing climate challenges, the business and finance sectors must now collaborate to ensure that environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are embedded in all financial decisions to spur the creation of a zero-carbon economy.
UK breaks coal-free power generation record by huge margin
Coal has historically been at the cornerstone of the UK's electricity mix, but the first three months of 2019 saw the electricity grid clock up 650 hours of coal-free generation - more than was achieved during the entirety of 2017.
McDonald's boosts biofuel generation with grease recovery partnership
Fast food giant McDonald's UK has inked a deal with commercial laundry and dishwashing appliances manufacturer Miele which will see it recover more of its used grease for recycling into biofuels.
![The World Bank has argued that the study “paints a distorted picture of [its] energy sector work”](https://e2k9ube.cloudimg.io/s/width/226/https://edienet.s3.amazonaws.com/news/images/full_38293.jpg?v2=12/04/2019 15:12:00)
The World Bank accused of dodging 'no-coal' pledge by funnelling billions of dollars into fossil fuels
A large-scale study on hundreds of active energy projects commissioned by The World Bank Group has concluded that the body is currently financing $21bn of fossil fuel projects, compared to $7bn in the renewables sector.
Calls for sustainable business action mount amid school climate strikes
The global business sector is facing a new wave of calls to bolster its low-carbon and resource efficiency agendas, with the school strike climate movement now uniting staff, students, consumers and policymakers alike in climate activism.
UK forecast to miss fourth and fifth carbon budgets
The UK is on course to breach its fourth and fifth carbon budgets by 139 and 245 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) respectively, according to the latest forecast from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Extreme weather events cost Scottish farmers £161m in 2018, WWF finds
Extreme weather events such as heatwaves and the so-called 'Beast from the East' contributed to £161m in losses for farmers across Scotland during the 2017-18 financial year, new research from WWF Scotland has found.
Ikea's new Greenwich store receives highest BREEAM sustainability rating
Home improvement retailer Ikea's Greenwich store has achieved sustainable construction certification BREEAM's 'Outstanding' status, just over two months after it opened.
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.
New World Bank chief confirms commitment to environment
Donald Trump's choice to run the World Bank has moved swiftly to allay fears that his appointment will lead to a softening of the organisation's approach to climate change.
UK emissions linked to annual Arctic ice loss larger than four cities
WWF has measured the impact of the UK's carbon emissions on ice loss in the Arctic for the first time, concluding that the nation's 2018 emissions caused the loss of more than 1000km2 of Arctic sea ice.
Milk & More to add 160 pure-electric vans to its UK delivery fleet
Food and drink delivery firm Milk & More is set to add a further 160 fully electric vans to its UK fleet by the end of May, bringing its total electric van stock to more than 500 vehicles.
Renewable energy could meet 86% of global power demand by 2050, IRENA concludes
If policymakers, businesses and investors across the world collaborate to scale-up renewable energy and to electrify sectors such as transport and heavy industry, 86% of the global power demand could be met with clean energy by 2050, new research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has found.
Nine fleet operators join Clean Van Commitment as ULEZ launches in London
Siemens, Mitie and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) are among a group of nine business fleets organisations to have joined the Clean Van Commitment this week, in light of the launch of London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
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.
Everything you need to know about London's ULEZ
The world's first Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been introduced across central London today (8 April), in a bid to reduce air pollution levels and carbon emissions from transport across the capital. Here, edie rounds up what, precisely, the Zone entails, and the impact it will have on business.
Shell taken to court over climate impacts and alleged human rights 'violations'
Oil and gas giant Shell is facing legal actions over "slow" progress in reducing its emissions, improving its human rights protections and eliminating oil spills, with green campaign group Friends of the Earth's (FoTE) Netherlands arm claiming its current business model is "wrecking the climate".
The Cool Coalition: Business giants unite in drive for low-emission cooling
A coalition of more than 20 businesses, NGOs, local authorities, policymakers and higher education establishments have forged a new joint initiative aimed at spurring the global transition to low-emission cooling.
London businesses turn to cargo bikes ahead of Ultra Low Emission Zone
Businesses in central London have been encouraged to switch delivery services to cargo bikes as part of preparations for the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on Monday (April 8).
Deliveroo launches electric scooter rental scheme in London
Food delivery service Deliveroo has partnered with electric moped rental firm Elmovo to launch a zero-emission scooter hire scheme for its London-based riders.
Virtual power plants and 'super hubs': Four smart UK energy systems projects launched by Claire Perry
Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry has today (3 April) launched four smart energy systems demonstrator projects across the UK, in a bid to help towns and cities become "hubs" to spur the low-carbon transition across the electricity, heat, cooling and transport sectors.
Rolls-Royce and ABB partner to develop microgrid solution for business
Rolls-Royce's Power Systems arm has secured a partnership with robotics and technology firm ABB, which will see the companies collaboratively developing a new microgrid solution for commercial and industrial applications.
Ryanair becomes first non-coal company to rank among Europe's top ten carbon emitters
Irish airline Ryanair was the EU's ninth highest corporate carbon emitter in 2018, making it the first corporate without holdings in coal-fired power plants to ever rank within the bloc's top 10 most emitting firms.
SC Johnson to power US headquarters with geothermal energy
US-based consumer goods giant SC Johnson has revealed plans to use geothermal energy for the heating and cooling of its headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.
How are big oil and gas firms approaching the low-carbon transition?
Faced with increased stakeholder pressure, the world’s largest oil and gas firms are beginning to realise the need to radically decarbonise their businesses. Here, edie explores the differing levels of ambitions of these companies and whether they are spurring or hindering the low-carbon transition.
Electricity North West launches zero-carbon plan
Electricity North West has announced plans to decarbonise the entire region within the next 20 years.
Ikea reveals mixed progress towards 'climate-positive' and circular economy goals
The world's largest furniture retailer has revealed that 70% of the materials used to make its products during 2018 were either renewable or recycled, as it strives to reach the 100% mark by 2030.
Danone's ultra-sustainable factory and Hilton's soap recycling: 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.
Report: UK oil and gas industry 'responsible for £44bn of damage each year'
The UK's oil and gas sector is causing £44bn worth of costs through environmental damage, negative social impacts and healthcare spending, a new Friends of the Earth (FotE) report has concluded.
EU on track for 50% emission cuts by 2030, study says
While Germany and Eastern European countries continue to oppose raising the EU's 40% emission reduction target for 2030, a new analysis insists the bloc will actually manage at least 50% cuts under a business-as-usual scenario taking into account the latest coal phase-out pledges.
CCC calls for stamp duty and winter fuel payment reform to help decarbonise homes
Members of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) have called on Ministers to alter the Government's fiscal policies for winter fuel allowances and stamp duty on homes, in a bid to help decarbonise the UK's housing stock.
Target supports suppliers to set science-based emissions aims after having own goals approved
US-based retail giant Target has pledged to ensure that 80% of its suppliers set science-based emissions-reduction targets by 2023, after it was given the Science Based Targets Initiative's (SBTi) stamp of approval for its own carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) ambitions this week.
BNEF: Battery storage costs have 'plummeted' in past year
The average costs associated with building and operating large-scale lithium-ion battery storage arrays has fallen by 35% since last June, paving the way for more government and business support for the technology.
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.
Michael Bloomberg to launch decarbonisation tracker for utility firms
Businessman and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has unveiled fresh plans to utilise his firm Bloomberg LP and its charitable arm, Bloomberg Philanthropies, to help the utility sector to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Old Toyota manufacturing plant set to re-open as hydrogen 'hub'
A decommissioned manufacturing plant, previously used by Toyota to make combustion engine vehicles, is set to re-open as a hydrogen production and fuelling facility, the carmaker has confirmed.
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.
John Lewis Partnership targets 'net-zero' operational carbon emissions by 2050
Retail giant John Lewis Partnership has today (20 March) pledged to achieve "net-zero" carbon emissions for its direct operations by 2050, without purchasing carbon offsets.
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.
Industrial Strategy not supporting clean growth in 'neglected' sectors, MPs warn
Sector Deals developed under the UK Government's Industrial Strategy must be bolstered to ensure that "neglected" industries such as steel and retail are supported throughout the low-carbon transition.
Sharp rise in Arctic temperatures now inevitable, UN warns
Sharp and potentially devastating temperature rises of 3C to 5C in the Arctic are now inevitable even if the world succeeds in cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris agreement, research has found.
Shell starts paying top execs in line with low-carbon progress
Royal Dutch Shell is to link the pay of its 150 most senior executives with its progress towards its carbon reduction aims with "immediate effect", following months of pressure from investors.
Study charts six scenarios for fossil-free energy by 2050
Cutting energy use in buildings, ramping up renewable electricity and developing large-scale storage with hydrogen are clear options in bringing energy emissions down to zero by 2050, according to a new study.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone given green light by Government
Plans for a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Birmingham have received Government approval following the submission of its full business case last month.
VW pledges to achieve climate neutrality, starting with EV acceleration
German carmaker Volkswagen (VW) has committed to launch at least 70 electric vehicle (EV) models by 2028, as part of its newly-unveiled ambition to become 'climate-neutral' by 2050.
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.
Resource extraction responsible for half world's carbon emissions
Extraction industries are responsible for half of the world's carbon emissions and more than 80% of biodiversity loss, according to the most comprehensive environmental tally undertaken of mining and farming.
Spring Statement: What can the green economy expect from Philip Hammond's announcement?
Investment in a national net-zero target? New energy efficiency measures for homes? edie previews the green-related announcements likely to be included in the Spring Statement on Wednesday (13 March).
Arla Foods aims for 30% cut in emissions from milk as part of net-zero vision
Plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% per kilo of milk in the next decade have been developed by Arla Foods as part of its sustainability strategy.
Inside Forest Green Rovers – the world's greenest football club
With the Football League approaching its nail-biting climax, edie pays a matchday visit to Forest Green Rovers to explore how the Ecotricity-owned outfit is uniting sport and environmental consciousness.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Switch Lists, International Women's Day and energy management excellence
The edie podcast returns to uncover what energy management excellence looks like with both E.ON and our Energy Leaders Club members, before discussing International Women's Day with RenewableUK's Emma Pinchbeck and domestic sustainability with One Home's Angela Terry.
Honda to only sell electric vehicles in Europe by 2025
Japanese car manufacturer Honda has launched ambitious plans to only sell vehicles using electric powertrains in Europe within six years, which will be complemented by new energy management partnerships.
Formula E revs up for return to London in 2020
The ABB FIA Formula E Championship has announced that it will host a London event in 2020, after a four-year break from running electric mobility events in England.
Report: Airlines warned of investment losses over lack of climate action
The climate efforts of 20 of the world's largest airlines will not suffice if the aviation sector is to align with the aims of the Paris Agreement and the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
3M pledges to source 100% renewable electricity
Multinational consumer goods, healthcare and industry firm 3M has become the latest corporate to join The Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations.
Amazon launches box 'grouping' service to slash packaging and emissions
Online retailer Amazon has launched a service that enables customers to choose a set delivery day and 'group' their orders, which will help the company reduce its packaging footprint and optimise its delivery routes.
Swiss Post and Austrian Post pledge to fully electrify fleets by 2030
National post firms Swiss Post and Austrian Post have committed to switching 100% of their respective fleets with fully electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, after joining the EV100 initiative.
Shell to buy virtual power plant firm Limejump
Oil and gas major Shell has agreed to buy UK-based energy start-up Limejump, a move which will see the firm acquire one of the nation's largest battery storage networks.
How to green your office: edie launches free guide for businesses
Sustainability and energy professionals wishing to implement a 'green office' programme within their organisation now have access to a comprehensive guide outlining practical tips for implementation.
DeepMind: Google uses AI technology to boost wind energy efficiency
Google has boosted the value of the wind energy it produces by 20% after installing its own artificial intelligence (AI) software across its largest renewable energy facilities in the US.
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.
Help on making an RSS Feed
