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Pictured: An earlier prototype of the Piper M-class plane. Image: Zero Avia

World's first commercial-grade hydrogen plane takes flight in UK, as government urged to grow 'green' hydrogen sector

The first flight of a hydrogen-powered, commercial-grade aircraft has been successfully completed in Bedford, while UK ministers face fresh calls to help scale up the domestic market for hydrogen produced using renewables.
PepsiCo currently powers facilities using a mix of renewable electricity of 18 countries, of which 9 are accounted for by 100% renewable electricity

PepsiCo targets 100% renewable electricity globally

PepsiCo has confirmed it has joined the Climate Group's RE100 initiative, pledging to source 100% renewable electricity across its operations by 2030, a move that could reduce the manufacturing giant's carbon footprint by 2.5 million tonnes.
Timelines for enshrining the target in law will be confirmed this week

'We can do it!': EU chief announces 55% emissions reduction target for 2030

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed plans to target a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of a broader European Green Deal programme aimed at reaching "climate neutrality" by mid-century.
The report recommends that all additional electricity generation capacity built from 2021 should be zero-carbon

Just 0.5% of global GDP needed to reach net-zero by 2050, report finds

By scaling up energy efficiency efforts and deploying renewable energy generation capacity far more rapidly, the world could "technically and economically" transition to net-zero by 2050 for the cost of less than 1% of global GDP annually through to mid-century.
ITV reaches more than 40 million viewers in the UK every week

ITV commits to net-zero emissions by 2030

ITV has built on a recent science-based targets announcement by committing to reaching net-zero emissions across the business by 2030.

BP: The world may have already passed peak oil

BP has become the first oil major to predict that global oil demand may not rebound to pre-Covid-19 levels if national governments collectively align their recovery strategies with net-zero.
Google's parent firm Alphabet recently launched a multi-billion-dollar round of sustainability bonds

Google offsets lifetime carbon emissions

Google has "eliminated" its entire carbon legacy, offsetting all operational emissions generated before it achieved carbon neutrality in 2007.
Charging infrastructure and technical advice and assistance will also be provided by ABB, Tesla and the AA

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.
There is more than 10GW of large-scale solar being planned in the next few years

Renewable and technology associations team up to drive corporate demand for clean energy

UK trade associations, techUK, the Solar Trade Association (STA) and RenewableUK are forming a new partnership to encourage companies to purchase more renewable energy in a bid to spur the net-zero transition.
The whitepaper notes that the UK’s future energy system will have to be supported by technologies still in their infancy - carbon capture and storage (CCS), energy storage and hydrogen production

UK slipping behind on build rate required for net-zero target

The UK is achieving less than half of the required build rate to deliver energy systems that will reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to a new whitepaper from engineering consultancy Atkins.
Sky recently unveiled a new commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 

Football broadcast on Sky Sports to be certified to highest sustainability standards

Sky Sports has confirmed that all Premier League and English Football League matches broadcast across its sports channels will be certified to sustainable production levels.
More than 1,200 eSprinters will be provided, with an additional 600 eVitos – a smaller zero-emission electric van – also incorporated into the fleet

Mercedes-Benz targets zero-carbon emissions by 2040, provides 1,800 EVs to Amazon

Mercedes-Benz has joined Amazon's Climate Pledge, setting an aim to become a zero-carbon business by 2040, on the same day the company confirmed it would provide more than 1,800 electric vehicles (EVs) to the e-commerce giant's Delivery Service Partners.
While the steepest decline is for offshore wind, large-scale solar is forecast to be the cheapest generation method by 2030

UK Government halves offshore wind cost forecasts

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has slashed its forecasts for offshore wind energy costs through to 2030 by more than half, in the first update to predictions since 2016.
Once the new facility comes online, Amazon will be Ireland's largest corporate renewable energy purchaser. Image: Amazon Web Services

Amazon finances 115MW wind farm to power Irish data centres

Amazon has committed to source 100% of the power generated by a new 115MW onshore wind farm in County Galway, Ireland, as it strives to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
The solar and storage facilities are due to come online by the end of 2020

Warrington Borough Council launches resident-funded green bond in bid to reach net-zero

Warrington Borough Council has launched a green bond that will see residents invest in the region's renewable energy and energy storage sectors, as it works to deliver a carbon-neutral town by 2030.
Over the next decade, IGS will aim to shift to clean energy solutions, including building on its existing solar division

Energy retailer IGS commits to net-zero by 2040

One of the US's largest energy retailers, IGS, has announced a new commitment to reach net-zero emissions for its operations and the services it provides to its domestic and business customers by 2040, pledging to provide 100% renewable electricity and carbon-neutral gas.
Output over the three-month period was 19% higher than the previous peak

Report: Europe recorded record solar output amid Covid-19 lockdowns

Solar output in Europe hit a record high of 47.6TWh in the second quarter of 2020, new analysis from EnAppSys has shown.
Viridor’s ERF generates enough electricity to power around 68,448 households and will now provide low-carbon heat to homes and businesses

Energy recovery facility to heat homes in Cardiff via district heating network

A district-heating network connected to an energy recovery facility in Cardiff had secured £15m in Government funding to start its first phase of works, with the project potentially saving more than 5,000 tonnes of carbon annually.
A particular downturn was tracked in Texas - historically the US's most active renewable PPA hub

BNEF: Covid-19 causing drop in US corporate clean energy purchases

The amount of generation backed by US-based corporates signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) was almost one-third lower in the first half of 2020 than in the first half of 2019, new analysis from Bloomberg NEF has revealed.
Britain has operated for almost 3,300 hours without coal so far in 2020 – more than 60% of the year

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.
Facebook is one of the world's largest corporate purchasers of renewable energy

Facebook backs major renewables projects in Ireland and the US as it closes in on 100% target

Facebook has made a string of new wind and solar purchases across the US and in County Tipperary, Ireland, as it strives to meet 100% of its electricity consumption with renewables by the end of 2020.
The Commission had previously recommended 50% renewables by 2030, in line with the old Climate Change Act and with historic pricing

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.
Diageo updated its goals in 2015, to align them with the SDGs. Image: Diageo

Diageo celebrates halving emissions since 2007

Beverage giant Diageo has exceeded a 2020 sustainability target of halving its direct operations since 2007, after investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Cornwall is beginning to see a resurgence of its mining industry. Image: Cornish Lithium 

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.
Clayhill solar farm generates enough energy annually to power 2,500 homes. Image: Anesco 

Gridserve buys UK's first subsidy-free solar farm to power EV forecourts

Gridserve has purchased the UK's first subsidy-free solar farm from developer Anesco as it works to bring more than 100 "electric forecourts" online across the nation.
The ‘Race Against Climate Change Live’ summit featured an array of sports stars and climate experts

Greenest team on the greenest grid: Can carbon-neutral racing energise the climate debate?

EXCLUSIVE: With Formula E team Envision Virgin Racing confirming that it has achieved carbon-neutral status, the company's managing director Sylvain Filippi believes the sport can use its platform to showcase "exciting" low-carbon solutions to inspire a broad audience.

#SustyTalk: ITV's Julia Giannini on science-based targets, supply chains and disclosure

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with content editor Matt Mace discussing ITV's new science-based carbon targets with the company's senior manager of Social Purpose Julia Giannini.
The targets form Dropbox's first climate strategy since it was founded in 2007

Dropbox targets carbon neutrality and 100% renewable electricity within a decade

File hosting firm Dropbox has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality for direct, power-related and business-travel-related emissions by 2030, as part of a sweeping new sustainability strategy.
ITV has committed to Albert certification for programmes across all of its channels, and aims to achieve this by the end of 2021

ITV commits to 46% reduction in emissions through 1.5C science-based targets

Broadcaster ITV has outlined new targets to reduce emissions by more than 46%, reach 100% renewables and certify its studios and programmes to sustainability standards.
The company operates 16 major production facilities worldwide

Novo Nordisk reaches 100% renewable electricity, sets 2030 net-zero target

Global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk has achieved its ambition to use 100% renewable electricity to power its production facilities.
Onshore and offshore wind each accounted for 10% of total domestic generation, the figures show. Pictured: Scout Moor wind farm

UK broke renewable energy generation record in 2019, latest BEIS figures show

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published its latest annual energy statistics, revealing that a record 37.1% of the electricity generated in the UK in 2019 was renewable.
Apple has committed to sharing its approach and progress towards carbon neutrality through a roadmap that will be shared with other companies

Apple targets net-zero emissions across operations, value chain and products

Apple has announced major plans to become net-zero emissions across its business, supply chains and products by 2030, pledging to reduce emissions by 75% and develop carbon removal solutions for the remaining 25%.
TfL is London’s single largest consumer of electricity, sourcing as much power as is needed for 12% of the capital's homes

City Hall eyes options for powering London's tube network with 100% renewable energy by 2030

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a market test for tube networks to be supplied with renewable electricity directly from generators, as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan's commitment to deliver a zero-carbon rail network by 2030.
Image: Vodafone Italy

Vodafone on track for 100% renewable electricity in Europe in 2021

Vodafone has vowed to power its European network - spanning 11 national markets - with 100% renewable electricity by the end of July 2021.
Pictured: The Scout Moor Wind Farm is England's second-largest onshore wind array

Onshore wind and solar 'could boost UK economy by £29bn'

BEIS and the Treasury are being urged to remove barriers to onshore renewable energy projects as part of their Covid-19 recovery planning, in a new report claiming that 'shovel-ready' renewables could provide a £28.9bn boost to the UK economy.
The bond will finance the installation of five new solar arrays.

West Berkshire Council launches 'UK's first' resident-funded green bond

West Berkshire Council has launched a green bond that will see residents invest in the region's renewable energy sector, in what it claims is a UK first.
Battery storage projects are becoming increasingly common in the UK, but investment and installation had lagged in the first half of 2020

Energy storage planning regulations eased in bid to spur net-zero transition

The UK Government has moved to relax planning rules for large-scale energy storage arrays, in the hopes of speeding up the energy sector's net-zero transition and boosting investment in the sector post-lockdown.
The study calls for investment to be unlocked to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes

Government urged to spend £5bn to unlock £100bn green recovery

A group of businesses, mayors and political leaders have called on the Conservative government to spend £5bn to deliver on its promised manifesto pledges in order to unlock £100bn in capital investment on energy efficiency and create more than 300,000 green jobs.
Solar-powered carpark lighting poles will offset more than 9,000kWh of energy use annually

First zero-emission McDonald's restaurant unveiled at Disney, Florida

McDonald's has unveiled its first zero-emissions restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, with solar arrays, green walls and kinetic bikes all featuring to create enough renewable energy that the building will need each year.
Of the collective electricity generation capacity if the cohort, 60% is attributable to fossil fuel assets. Image: WBA

WBA: Less than 10% of electric utilities are taking Paris-Agreement-aligned climate action

Analysis of the decarbonisation ambitions and actions of 50 of the world's largest electric utilities companies has revealed that less than one in ten have fully aligned their business models with the Paris Agreement, despite the fact that the sector must 'enable' the global low-carbon transition.
In the UK, planning permission applications to install energy storage facilities have quadrupled since 2016

Tesla Megapacks to provide grid flexibility in Dorset

A new energy storage project located in Poole will feature six Tesla Megapack batteries that will store and transfer green energy to and from the National Grid.
The company has also committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity 

Barratt Developments sets net-zero target for 2040

The UK's largest housebuilder, Barratt Developments, has built on recently announced science-based targets by committing to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
GIG is aiming to improve the biodiversity at each site, with a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment to be carried out on each project

Macquarie issues joint venture on 1GW solar and battery project pipeline

Macquarie's Green Investment Group (GIG) has announced a new UK joint venture with Enso Energy to create one of the largest solar and battery portfolios that will enhance the biodiversity on each project site.
In total, wind power generated 30% of the UK’s electricity in the first quarter

Renewables accounted for record 47% of UK generation in first quarter of 2020

Renewable energy accounted for almost half of the UK's electricity generation between January and March 2020, it has been revealed.

45-Minute Masterclass: Accelerating the smart grid transition for your business

With distributed energy assets fast becoming a mainstream part of the UK power network, this live online masterclass will equip businesses with the insights and inspiration they need to decentralise, decarbonise and democratise their energy through smart grid technologies and systems.
Targets which permit increased production or allow Scope 3 emissions to grow are misleading, Carbon Tracker argues

Report: Most oil majors' net-zero strategies are greenwash, with US firms faring the worst

Despite a major trend towards strengthening climate commitments in recent months, oil and gas majors are broadly failing to take responsibility for their entire emissions footprint, with some on track to deliver just a 3% cut in absolute emissions by 2050.
The report notes that six million jobs are currently at risk in the global energy and transport sectors, but that most roles could be preserved for the long-term with targeted policy interventions

IEA unveils major new green Covid-19 recovery roadmap

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has set out a string of policy recommendations green Covid-19 recovery packages, which, if followed in full, could slash annual energy-related emissions by billions of tonnes, while creating jobs, improving air pollution and boosting GDP.
A full sustainability report is due next month

SSE outlines £7bn green recovery package, sets science-based climate targets

Energy major SSE will spend more than £7bn on clean energy initiatives over the next five years, in a bid to spur a green UK recovery from Covid-19 and to meet its new, stronger climate targets.
Pictured: One of BP's ofshore platforms in Trinidad & Tobego. Image: BP

BP forecasts $17.5bn assets hit, accelerates strategy restructure to prioritise renewables

BP is preparing to reduce the value of its assets by between $13bn (£10.4bn) and $17.5bn (£14bn) over the next three months and says the impacts of the Covid-19 will spur its transition to low-carbon energy.
The Milford Haven Waterway (pictured) will play host to the new marine venture

Wales to play host to Gigafactory and marine energy hub

The green light has been given to a new £60m marine energy project in Pembrokeshire, in the same week that battery giant Britishvolt has unveiled plans to build a new Gigafactory in Wales.
Of the EU's €750bn package, €100bn should be spent on renewable energy, the letter states. Pictured: Denmark's Kattegat offshore wind farm.

Corporate clean energy sourcing must form part of green Covid-19 recovery, dozens of businesses tell policymakers

Mars, Nestle, and IKEA owner Ingka Group are among a coalition of more than 50 major businesses calling on EU leaders to build the business sourcing of renewables into the bloc's Covid-19 stimulus package, hailed globally as "green".
Solar panel installation, Tetra Pak site. Image: Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050

Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.
Pictured: The Cottam coal power station, which closed permanently in October 2019. Image: EDF

Britain goes 60 days without coal-fired power generation

As of midnight today (10 June), Britain has had no coal-fired power generation on its grid for a full two months - the longest period since the Industrial Revolution.
The businesses have committed to spurring the uptake of renewables and EVs while improving energy efficiency 

Businesses commit to renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency on World Environment Day

To mark World Environment Day (5 June), a host of major companies from across the globe have announced new commitments on climate action, by signing up to the Climate Group's leadership initiatives on renewables (RE100), electric vehicles (EV100) and smart energy use (EP100).
An array of new businesses announcements are taking place on World Environment Day

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.
Wind farm in Kokkolantie ,Finland

'Records are falling like dominos': Europe delivering record renewables generation

New statistics have confirmed that Europe broke a renewables generation record during the month, with the continent sourcing more than 50% of its energy needs from green energy on May 24.
Two additional projects are expecting planning decisions in July

Government blocks Vattenfall's offshore windfarm expansion

The Government has refused to grant development consent for Vattenfall's 340MW windfarm extension off the coast of Kent, and has delayed two other planning decisions in the South East, in the same week that Total acquired a 51% stake in the £3bn Seagreen project in the Scottish North Sea.
Carbon Tracker warns that any oil or gas producers attempting to revert to “business as usual” could be risking in excess of $100trn in potential profits

Fossil fuel profits set to collapse by two-thirds

The global market value of fossil fuels is set to collapse by almost two-thirds, creating heightened economic risk for companies, financial markets and countries failing to embrace new low-carbon technology.

In Action: How Centrica is leading the net-zero carbon transition

Energy services and solutions company Centrica recently announced a new commitment to become a “net-zero” organisation by 2050. This edie In Action case study charts the progress that the firm is now making towards its net- zero goal.
BT has also reached some key sustainability targets

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.
The decision was agreed following consultation with 600 people, including staff members, students and alumni

University of Manchester targets net-zero investment portfolio

The University of Manchester has announced a new commitment to end investments into fossil fuel projects and organisations by 2022, in line to creating a net-zero investment portfolio by 2038 at the latest.
Concerns had been raised as to placing the storage system onto farmland. Stock image

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.
McKinsey notes that allocating funding towards climate action will cut emissions, spur job growth and generate economic returns

'Use it or lose it': Pandemic recovery a decisive moment for climate action

A new report from global analyst firm McKinsey has found that recovery packages from the coronavirus pandemic will be decisive in putting the world on course to meeting the Paris Agreement, calling for low-carbon technologies and solutions to be prioritised.
Adidas has committed to a 30% reduction in its carbon footprint by 203

Adidas and Allbirds to develop sports shoes with 'lowest recorded' carbon footprint

Sporting giant Adidas has teamed up with shoe brand Allbirds to develop solutions that would create one of the lowest carbon footprints ever recorded for a sports shoe.
The report estimates that lower prices, falling energy demand and increased cases of non-payments of bills will set energy revenues falling by more than $1trn in 2020

IEA: Coronavirus to cause largest ever drop in global energy investment

The world is on course to witness the largest ever drop in investment in global energy, with the coronavirus pandemic set to restrict spending across renewables, gas, fossil fuels and cleantech.
The partners hope the project can be replicated internationally

Copenhagen Airport spearheads green hydrogen project for transport fuel

Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital.
The developers claim that the farm would generate enough renewable electricity to power 91,000 homes and would reduce UK carbon emissions by 68,000 tonnes annually. Stock image

UK's largest solar farm expected to be approved

Development consent for what would be the UK's largest solar farm is expected to be confirmed by the Government this week, which could also see the world's largest energy storage system co-located at the site in the Kent countryside.
The fund is seeking additional private sector investment

Government launches £40m Clean Growth Fund to assist with net-zero vision

The UK Government has unveiled a £40m Clean Growth Fund to support start-up companies in the fields of low-carbon power, waste, transport and buildings, with hopes that funding could rise to £100m by 2021.
The UK could become a world leader for green hydrogen, as it could become cost competitive much faster, due to enabling policies and low-cost and highly abundant renewable

Report: Renewables to account for three-quarters of UK's power demand by 2050

The UK could source 76% of its power demand from renewables by 2050, according to a new report from RenewableUK which claims that the nation's net-zero target will spur rapid demand for green hydrogen while attracting more than £50bn to an already world-leading offshore wind sector.
The document outlines sweeping green policy changes across energy, buildings and transport

Europe's draft 'green recovery' plan leaked

The European Commission's promised green recovery plan will focus on building renovation, renewables and hydrogen as well as clean mobility and the circular economy, according to a leaked working document obtained by EURACTIV.

Purpose from passion: How UK communities can help deliver net-zero

As we continue to seek new and innovative strategies to 'Build Back Better', Anda Baumerte, Sustainability Manager and Community Energy Contact at Northern Powergrid outlines how with DNO support community energy projects can transform our energy network and play a vital role in the transition to net-zero.
The scheme will include 8MW of heat pumps that will supply more than 80% of the required heat for the regeneration site

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.
The Capacity Market will now be subjected to reporting and verification mechanisms that place a carbon emissions limit that will apply to all contracted technologies before July 2019

Government to introduce 'carbon threshold' for Capacity Market

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has outlined reforms to the Capacity Market auction system which will enable demand-side response technologies to bid for 15-year contracts while adding a carbon emissions limit to spur an increase of low-carbon assets offered contracts.
CDP has found that the average company’s supply chain emissions are estimated to be around five-and-a-half times greater than those generated by their direct operations

Number of companies requesting supplier environment data jumps by a quarter

The number of companies calling on their supplier to disclose environmental data to CDP has increased by 24% in a year, with more than 150 organisations now taking proactive steps to gain more understanding of the environmental impacts of their supply chains.
The strategy is focused on water stewardship, zero-waste manufacturing and powering operations and facilities with renewables

Intel targets net-positive water use and world's 'most sustainable' PC

IT manufacturer Intel has unveiled new sustainability targets for 2030, committing to achieving net-positive water use, being powered by 100% renewables and launching the "most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world".
EU green recovery plan should “build on what you already know” such as energy efficiency and renewables 

Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned

Governments in Europe and beyond should pay "utmost attention" to avoid a "jobs versus climate" confrontation in the recovery phase from the COVID-19 crisis, said Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The report explores an array of low-carbon innovations, including battery storage, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), CHP systems and integration of renewables

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.
BNP Paribas will no longer accept new customers whose share of coal-derived revenue accounts for more than 25%

BNP Paribas accelerates coal phase-out as BlackRock predicts clean energy future

Corporate bank BNP Paribas is speeding up its phase-out of support for coal projects, while BlackRock has claimed that renewables are still the course of action for the global energy mix. However, other investors that have made low-carbon commitments have been accused of supporting a tar sands oil project in Canada.
The job growth delivered by these projects will be a welcome, albeit not immediate, respite to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic

UK windfarms to spur green job growth

The firms behind the world's biggest offshore wind farm Dogger Bank have outlined plans to create 200 new jobs at the Port of Tyne, while Scottish Power plans to use its wind farms as part of an energy cluster scheme that will support 600 jobs in Scotland.
Mitie has already switched to 100% renewable energy across its business

Mitie signs up to RE100 following EP100 and EV100 commitments

Mitie has become the first facilities management firm to sign up to all three of the Climate Group's initiatives, after committing to source 100% renewables as part of the RE100 platform and having already signed up to the EV100 and EP100 initiatives.
EVBox will provide online training to Seven Trent’s installation partners on how to use the charge points

Severn Trent rolls out 350 electric vehicle charging point at UK facilities

The UK's second-biggest water company, Severn Trent, is installing more than 350 electric vehicle (EV) charge points across its sites, as part of its commitment to covert 100% of its transport fleet to electric by 2030.
During the last 10 years, the firm has reduced the absolute carbon emissions associated with its energy use by 63%

Law firm Slaughter and May's carbon goals approved by SBTi

Legal giant Slaughter and May has confirmed that a goal to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 has been approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) as aligned to the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement.
Coronavirus lockdowns have seen national energy demand fall by 15% for the month of April.

Coronavirus lockdown: UK hits coal-free month

The UK has gone more than 30 days without relying on coal for power, with gas, nuclear and renewables providing enough demand during a period of lower energy demand because of the coronavirus lockdown.
One key recommendation is the inclusion of “climate conditionalities” into stimulus packages that enable different-sized corporates to recovery through sustainable actions

Business leaders call for recovery packages to be tied to net-zero corporate targets

The chief executives from 40 global organisations including BP, Heathrow Airport, Shell and HSBC, have called on governments to focus economic recovery packages in ways that enable sectors and businesses to transition to low-carbon and resilient models of operation.
The hydrogen that is produced will need to be low-carbon, cost-effective and spur an economic recovery, the EAC notes.

MPs to probe role of hydrogen in net-zero transition

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is to seek advice on the role of low-carbon hydrogen production and utilisation in accordance with the UK's wider efforts to spur economic growth and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Total commits to net-zero emissions by 2050 following investor pressure

Global energy company Total is the latest in the sector to commit to net-zero emissions, setting a target for 2050 or sooner after extensive engagement with a climate action investor coalition.
To date, 8.2MW of solar PV has been installed across 43 Scottish Water sites, capable of generating 6.5GWh of renewable electricity annually

Scottish Water switches on latest solar array at Dunfermline wastewater facility

A wastewater treatment facility in Dunfermline is the latest Scottish Water facility to be fitted with onsite solar technology, as the water company progresses towards its net-zero carbon target for 2040.
Because of the coronavirus, more than 1.5 billion children globally are unable to attend school

New kids on the block: How Minecraft is shaping the next generation of green workers during lockdown

With 1.5 billion children globally unable to attend school during the lockdown, companies including TEDEd, EIT InnoEnergy and the makers of gaming sensation Minecraft have rolled out engaging online content aimed at harnessing the momentum of the 2019 climate strikes.
The project will now focus on bringing more parties into the LEM

Local energy trading market launched on Orkney islands

A trial focused on delivering real-time trading between renewable generation and local grid flexibility on the Orkney islands has been successful, with project lead Electron noting that more than 1,300 trades have been completed as part of a demonstration projected.
The report states that the global transition would impact every economy, while severely changing business models and societal habits

McKinsey: Reaching 1.5C a ‘daunting’ and unparalleled transition for all sectors

The global transition to limiting global temperature increases to 1.5C by 2050 has been labelled as a "daunting task", that would require unprecedented levels of decarbonisation for key sectors, with the world currently on course to exceed its carbon budget by 2031.
The project has secured planning permission for more than 80 sites across the nation to date. Image: Gridserve

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.
Coal is set to be hit particularly hard by the pandemic

IEA: Global emissions in 2020 to plummet by largest margin ever recorded due to Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic is set to deliver the biggest disruption to the energy system since the 1930s, with global electricity demand to fall by 5% while the level of emissions for 2020 are set to fall by 8% - the largest annual decrease in emissions ever recorded, according to the IEA.
The company has developed a Life Cycle Assessment tool with third-party experts to evaluate the carbon impact of every process across the value chain

Allbirds running shoe made from renewable materials to feature 'carbon count' label

B Corp Allbirds has debuted a new running shoe made from renewable and natural materials and is the first product from the company to feature a physical "carbon count" label, detailing the lifecycle emissions of the product to consumers.
Yorkshire Tea worked with TIST (The International Small Group and Tree Planting Programme) to encourage smallholder tea farmers to plant fruit and nut trees around tea gardens

Yorkshire Tea achieves carbon-neutral certification for operations and products

Yorkshire Tea has announced that all its products are carbon neutral from field to shelf, following a five-year programme to reduce emissions across its supply chain and operations.
The LCOE of battery storage has fallen to $150 per MWh for systems with a four-hour duration, almost half of its LCOE cost recorded in 2018

Onshore wind and solar 'cheapest' form of energy for two-thirds of global population

Utility-scale solar PV and onshore wind are now the cheapest forms of new-build energy generation across two-thirds of the global population, according to new analysis from BloombergNEF (BNEF) that shows that costs for renewables and battery storage have plummeted in recent years.
Nestlé UK is Ørsted’s second PPA customer after Northumbrian Water. Image Ørsted

Nestlé UK reaches 100% renewables following 15-year Ørsted PPA

Nestlé UK has signed a 15-year corporate power purchase agreement with Ørsted meaning that from next month, all of the company's power consumption will be covered by renewable energy.
The four weeks of April has seen coal account for less than 1% of electricity generation

UK sets new record for coal-free generation

The UK has this morning broken its existing record for coal-free power generation, surpassing 18 consecutive days and counting.
A Lifesaver power bank has a capacity of 5000mAh, which will charge most phone models on average size to two full charges.

Businesses provide NHS workers with renewably powered smartphone chargers

A new initiative has been set up to provide more than 850 pre-charged power banks using 100% renewable energy to help NHS workers charge smartphones and stay connected during shifts on the Covid-19 frontline.
Each of these success stories exemplifies how businesses are ramping up ambitions and actions in all areas of sustainable development 

Google's green software and New York's innovation drive: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
The studies explored public attitudes to living more sustainable during lockdown and potential emissions savings 

In numbers: Public attitudes and pollution impacts of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK

A survey has explored how public attitudes towards sustainable living have changed during the UK's Covid-19 lockdown, while separate analysis has examined the potential carbon reductions that a 12-week lockdown would generate in the UK.

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