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Power Forward: How the largest US companies are capturing business value while addressing climate change
The largest US companies are increasing their clean energy and energy efficiency efforts while improving their bottom lines.
Renewable generation overtakes fossil fuels in UK electricity for first time
Renewable energy sources provided more electricity to UK homes and businesses than fossil fuels for the first time since the Industrial Revolution over the last quarter, according to new research.
'We're up for it': Sky exploring its role in net-zero future
Sky's chief executive Jeremy Darroch has claimed that the company is "figuring out" how it can help push the UK to net-zero emissions before the 2050 deadline.
Labour commits to 37 new wind farms in green industrial revolution election push
Jeremy Corbyn has unveiled plans to create another 70,000 jobs in offshore windfarms part-owned by the public, as his party gears up for an election manifesto focusing on a green industrial revolution.
How closed-loop supply chains are spurring Apple's decarbonisation efforts
EXCLUSIVE: Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson believes that companies should look at the synergies between the circular economy and decarbonisation in order to create resilient supply chains.
C40: 30 cities have reached peak emissions
Thirty of the world's largest cities, including London, New York and Copenhagen, have now reached a peak in their greenhouse gas emissions, according to new analysis which has examined the climate actions of cities aiming to curb emissions by 2020.
UK universities ink £50m renewables deal
A group of 20 UK universities has agreed a £50m deal to purchase renewable energy over a 10-year period through the Energy Consortium (TEC).
Report: Less than half of global banks have sustainable energy finance commitments
Just 23 of the world's largest 50 banks have outlined commitments to invest more in renewable energy and less in fossil fuels, a new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) has concluded.
Total signs cleantech deal to produce hydrogen at refineries
French energy giant Total has signed a cooperation agreement with the Sunfire cleantech company to integrate capture waste heat and CO2 at a German refinery to create synthetic methanol and hydrogen to be used to reduce energy and transport emissions.
Brexit 'could help UK to reverse solar VAT hike', Conservatives claim
Leaving the EU with a Brexit deal could help the UK Government reverse its recent VAT hike on domestic solar and energy storage, a Conservative MP and former MEP has claimed.
'We can beat the sceptics': Boris Johnson bolsters net-zero commitment in Tory conference speech
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has used his platform at the Conservative Party conference to argue that the UK is primed to lead the global transition to net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Which? accused of defamation over 'misleading' renewable guarantees claims
The co-founder of Pure Planet has accused consumer group Which? of defamation after it claimed some suppliers were at risk of misleading customers over renewable energy.
RWE to become carbon-neutral by 2040
German utilities giant RWE has unveiled a new strategy to transform itself into a carbon-neutral company by 2040 by funnelling billions into renewables projects, decommissioning existing coal-fired plants and backing carbon capture and storage technology.
Coal drops to record low generation share in UK
Coal power generated a record low of 0.6% of the UK's grid mix between April and June, the latest official Government statistics have revealed.
Google, Ikea, make major new renewable energy investments
Ingka Group - the largest retailer within Ikea's franchise system - has confirmed that it is on track to exceed its renewable energy targets after a string of recent investments, in the same week that Google has made its biggest renewable energy purchase to date.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Business of the Year - Heathrow Airport
With entries for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020 closing on Friday 27 September, this feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Last but by no means least: The winner of our Business of the Year award, Heathrow Airport.
Unilever powered by 100% renewable electricity across five continents
Unilever has revealed that all its buildings across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America are now powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Subsidy-free solar 'coming of age' thanks to battery technology
Subsidy-free solar projects are "coming of age" thanks to the falling costs and flexibility of co-located battery storage technology, according to a new report which claims that more than 5GW of solar capacity could be deployed in the UK without subsidies by 2030.
Bristol Airport switches to 100% renewable electricity
Shortly after announcing plans to make its own operations carbon-neutral by 2025, Bristol Airport is switching to 100% renewable electricity.
Corporate PPA masterclass: Five key considerations for sourcing renewable energy through CPPAs
Last week, edie delivered a masterclass webinar with Danish renewable energy company Ørsted, covering how corporate Power Purchase Agreements can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments. Here, we round up the key takeaways.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2020: Luke Landers, University Hospitals Birmingham
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Luke Landers, energy and sustainability manager at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust.
Bloomberg: Global renewable energy boom driven by business community
Global investment in low-carbon energy is set to hit $2.6trn by the end of this year, with large corporates driving this trend, new analysis from Bloomberg has concluded.
Energy managers cynical about Government's net-zero targets, edie's new survey reveals
The second edie Business Barometer of energy managers, supported by Centrica Business Solutions, revealed a sector that was cynical of the Government's policy objectives - but are not concerned about Brexit.
Green groups joined by 17,500 citizens in calls to overturn domestic solar VAT hike
More than 17,000 UK citizens have signed a petition calling on the UK Government to scrap proposed plans to increase the VAT on household solar and storage from 5% to 20%.
45-minute masterclass: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)
This live, online masterclass offers sustainability and energy professionals a unique opportunity to experience how Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments – all in under an hour.
REA: Bioenergy must double UK mix share to safeguard security
The Government must ensure that bioenergy generation doubles to 16% of the UK's energy mix by 2032, if energy security is to be safeguarded and climate targets to be met.
Available to watch on-demand: Free Corporate Power Purchase Agreements online masterclass
With businesses having doubled the record for annual power purchase agreements (PPAs) in 2018, edie hosted a 45-minute masterclass that is now available to watch on-demand to explore how Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can push businesses towards their clean energy goals.
Scottish government unveils swathe of green initiatives
The Scottish government has pledged to ensure that, by 2024, all new homes must use renewable or low-carbon heat.
Scotland's first subsidy-free onshore windfarm to be operational by 2020
A 46MW onshore windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway, in south-west Scotland, has joined the race to become the first in the country to become operational without the support of Government subsidies.
Government sets aside funds to explore low-carbon hydrogen
The government has awarded 20 projects a share of £7 million to explore innovative ways of making and using low-carbon hydrogen.
Coal generation becoming a 'distant memory' as share of energy mix falls to 0.7%
The amount of energy generated from coal sources in the UK has fallen to a record-low output of 0.7% - a 63% decline on the same period the year prior - with low-carbon making up more than half of the UK's energy mix.
Civic and business leaders publish 12-point plan for Scotland to address climate emergency
A group of civic and business leaders, including representatives from Scottish Land & Estates, Changeworks and Scottish Renewables, has called on the Scottish Government to champion healthy diets, fix land use and target low-carbon vehicles and buildings to address the climate emergency.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Carbon Reduction - Norwich City Council
With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Carbon Reduction award, Norwich City Council.
The 10 clean growth policy 'shortfalls' and how to address them, according to MPs
The Science and Technology Committee has published a new report warning that the UK isn't remotely close to reaching upcoming carbon budgets up to 2032, outlining 10 key policy areas that need to be addressed if the UK is to deliver on its net-zero ambitions.
The Barker Plan: How a former UK Energy Minister used sustainability to transform a sanctioned Russian aluminium firm
EXCLUSIVE: Over the course of a year, Russian aluminium and hydropower firm EN+ Group has gone from being banned on the US market to launching a new sweeping sustainability strategy and having those sanctions lifted. Here, edie speaks to former UK Energy Minister Greg Barker, who has been the surprise driving force behind this transformation.
Catholic churches and schools sign major British Gas renewables deal
The Catholic Church has signed one of the UK's largest green energy contracts, which has seen more than 4,500 churches and schools switch to renewable gas and electricity supplied by British Gas.
MPs join calls for onshore wind policy overhaul
A coalition of 130 MPs, including 35 from the Conservative Party, has called on Boris Johnson to alter the UK's planning and energy policies to better support the growth of onshore wind.
Mark Lewis: Businesses 'underestimating' speed of low-carbon transition
EXCLUSIVE: Businesses seeking to future-proof themselves against the physical and societal impacts of climate change must set aside resources for scenario analysis - and treat the results of this process as real, rather than "hypothetical".
Renewable energy sourcing by US-based corporates set for record high in 2019
US-based corporates have collectively signed contracts for 5.95 GW of renewable energy so far in 2019, compared to 6.2GW during the whole of 2018, new analysis has found.
Gap targets 100% renewable energy by 2030
Fashion giant Gap Inc has made a new commitment to meet 100% of the energy consumption of its owned and operated facilities globally with renewable energy by 2030.
Report: Economics of petrol and diesel in 'irreversible decline'
Oil production costs must fall to $10-20 per barrel for petrol and diesel to compete effectively against renewable power in the transport sector, a new report has claimed.
Diageo to invest £180m in renewable energy and water stewardship
Diageo has unveiled plans to invest £180m in clean energy generation and water recovery across 11 of its brewing facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
IRENA partners with UN to spur renewable energy uptake
The UN's climate change arm and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have forged a partnership aimed at helping businesses and nations ramp up their renewable energy ambitions.
Utility giants urge stronger onshore wind policy support on road to net-zero
Scottish Power and SSE are among the big-name utility companies to have signed a letter urging the UK Government to implement greater policy support for onshore wind in light of its new net-zero target.
ITV commits to 1.5C science-based target after reaching carbon-neutral status
Months after it became a carbon-neutral business, broadcaster ITV has unveiled a plethora of new sustainability pledges, including committing to a 1.5C science-based target, purchasing 100% renewables and removing all single-use plastics in operations, productions and the supply chain.
Amazon continues investment in renewable energy projects
Amazon has confirmed plans to expand its portfolio of energy assets with investment in two renewable energy projects in the US and Europe.
Better Beer: Inside Molson Coors' $20m mission to climate-proof its supply chain
Over the past decade, Molson Coors has spent more than $20m on initiatives to bolster supply chain stability, with the ultimate aim of 'future-proofing' its key resource - barley. Here, edie explores how that funding has redefined best practice for the US-based brewing giant.
Report: Energy storage to smash 1,000GW milestone by 2040
Energy storage installations are poised for a 122-fold increase between now and 2040, as the uptake of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) and falling costs of technology provide an ideal platform to drive demand for storage solutions.
edie Explains: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)
What are Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in the context of renewable energy? Which organisations are most suited to adopting CPPAs, and what are the business benefits of doing so?
edie launches business guide to Corporate Power Purchase Agreements
Organisations looking to understand the benefits of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) for renewable energy now have access to a free 'edie Explains' guide which breaks down everything you need to know about them.
Virgin Media targets 100% renewable electricity by 2020
Virgin Media has pledged to source only renewable electricity for the entirety of its operations by 2020, after joining The Climate Group's RE100 initiative.
Clark: UK may need 40GW of new baseload generation by 2050
Whether from nuclear plants or power stations equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS), the UK will need up to 40GW of new low-carbon baseload generation to meet the net-zero emissions target, Greg Clark has warned.
UK set to miss renewable energy target despite breaking records
Despite 2018 being another record year for renewable generation, official figures on energy consumption across the UK last year suggest that national 2020 renewable energy targets will be missed.
BEIS and Defra's new look: What we know about Leadsom and Villiers' views on the environment
And breathe. In what has been the biggest political reshuffle since the 1960s, Andrea Leadsom has been appointed Business Secretary at BEIS, while Theresa Villiers has become Defra's new Environment Secretary. So, how well do the pair match up with their respective briefs?
Energy regulator 'out of touch over climate crisis', say businesses
The UK energy regulator is under fire for failing to prioritise the climate emergency as it draws up plans for Britain's energy system.
Coors' plastic-free packaging and solar-powered trains: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Flexible Futures: edie launches smart business blueprint for energy
With a radical shift currently occurring in the energy sector, edie has launched its Flexible Futures report into the key issues for energy and sustainability professionals, preparing businesses for the technological revolution.
Ofgem and BEIS call on networks to realise £40bn flexible energy opportunity
Ofgem and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have penned a joint letter to the Energy Networks Association (ENA), calling on organisations to "evolve" to a more flexible system that could create a £40bn windfall for the UK economy.
National Grid ESO joins Powering Past Coal Alliance
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has announced it is joining an international group, called the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), which is working on the transition away from coal power.
How Burberry joined the business elite in setting a 1.5C science-based target
EXCLUSIVE: As Burberry became the latest corporate to set a science-based target aligned to the Paris Agreement's most ambitious pathway, the company's vice president of corporate responsibility outlined how the goal was set, and what happens next.
Shell invests in peer-to-peer energy trading blockchain platform
The venture fund arm of oil and gas giant Shell has invested in a US-based company that uses blockchain to enable peer-to-peer energy sharing and trading over networks.
Green economy wishlist: How to turn the net-zero pipedream into a low-carbon pipeline
With the latest Committee on Climate Change (CCC) progress report revealing that no UK sector has showcased "good progress" to managing climate risk, the green economy has unanimously called for a net-zero philosophy to steer the nation towards its climate targets.
Scottish Power boss: Onshore wind and energy storage policy key to net-zero transition
EXCLUSIVE: Following the success of its Offshore Wind Sector Deal, Scottish Power's chief executive would now like to see the UK Government implement similar policy frameworks for onshore wind and energy storage.
E.ON now supplying all customers with 100% renewable electricity
Big six supplier E.ON has announced that all of its domestic customers now have an electricity supply matched by renewable sources.
Onsite generation: UK businesses primed to become 'power plants of the future'
More than 80% of UK businesses generating renewable energy onsite plan to increase capacity over the next five years, according to a new survey.
UK's liquid gas sector targets 100% biofuel by 2040
The trade body representing the UK's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry has unveiled a new vision of helping the sector transition to 100% biofuel by 2040.
London business giants and landlords call for clean energy collaboration
Canary Wharf Group (CWG), Landsec and RBS are among a coalition of big-name businesses to have joined forces with commercial landlords to accelerate the clean energy transition in tenanted buildings – less than a week after edie published an exclusive report on the issue.
Five key considerations for businesses attempting to reach net-zero emissions
Last week saw edie host a webinar on the UK's 2050 net zero carbon ambitions. Here are five key takeaways from the live question and answer event, which featured Skanska, Nottingham City Council, Business in the Community, and sponsor Ørsted.
JD Sports joins RE100 as business pledges roll in for London Climate Action week
Four firms including JD Sport, The City of London Corporation, Apcoa Parking, and Intu, have joined The Climate Group's initiatives on renewable energy and electric transport - the RE100 and EV100.
Co-op's 1.5C target and India's 500GW renewables goal: 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: 69% find it challenging to speak to landlords about renewable energy
A survey by edie, in association with Big Clean Switch and The Climate Group's RE100 initiative, has found that four out of five businesses in rented properties are struggling to switch to clean energy.
Going 100%: How landlords hold the key to corporate renewable energy targets
This brand-new edie report developed in partnership with Big Clean Switch and The Climate Group's RE100 campaign sheds light on the relationship between landlords and tenants on the big issue of renewable energy.
Kingfisher products improved customer energy efficiency by one-third last year
Home improvement retailer Kingfisher helped customers save an estimated 43TWh of energy - more than the annual consumption of Hong Kong - through energy efficient products such as LEDs and insulation.
Planning application sent for first electric forecourt in Braintree
Planning applications have been submitted to build an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables In Braintree, the first of more than 100 planned sites by green technology firm Gridserve.
SDG 7: How business is acting as a market shift for renewable energy
Despite the devastating evidence of the IPCC report last year on the impact of 1.5°C of global warming, the findings have not sparked a downward trend in global carbon emissions. The news just hasn't been met with appropriate levels of urgency and immediate action from national governments.
UK's offshore wind sector spurred by £100m initiative
A 10-year, £100m industry-funded programme has been launched today (24 June) to spur the growth of the UK's offshore wind sector and benefit UK businesses.
UK to use more electricity from renewables than coal for first time in 2019
2019 will be the year that the UK's electricity system distributes more power generated from zero-carbon sources than from coal-fired power stations for the first time, new data from National Grid has concluded.
HP unveils revised science-based targets, 100% renewables aim and 35% sustainable revenue growth
Revamped science-based targets, a 35% year-on-year growth in revenue through sustainable impact and commitments to source more recycled plastic content and 100% renewables have all been outlined in HP's latest sustainability report.
UK to be left with five coal power stations after Fiddler's Ferry closure
The UK's race to increase renewable energy sources has intensified with the announcement of plans to close another coal-fired power station.
Record 11 million people now employed in renewable energy sector
Renewable energy now accounts for more than 11 million jobs worldwide, according to the latest set of official figures on the sector.
Ralph Lauren pledges to set approved science-based targets by 2020
Ralph Lauren has vowed to pledge to source 100% renewable electricity for its operations by the end of 2019, before setting approved science-based emissions targets in 2020.
Scotland and Wales place hopes in battery power
Scotland and Wales plan to embrace battery power in order to solve their respective clean energy and employment challenges. Scotland will link a 50MW "super battery" to a wind farm, while Wales wants to invest in battery production.
What is the role of business in delivering a net-zero carbon future?
The evidence is in. The case is made. The Government has acted. The time for talking is over and we need to act now to avoid the worst impacts of climate breakdown. But how can business successfully transition to a net-zero future?
Energy industry's carbon emissions rise at fastest rate in nearly a decade
Carbon emissions from the global energy industry rose at the fastest rate in almost a decade in 2018 after surprise swings in global temperatures stoked extra demand for fossil fuels.
MPs call for halt on support for fossil fuels in developing nations
Of the £2.6bn which the UK's export credit agency spent supporting energy exports abroad between 2013 and 2018, 96% was funnelled into fossil fuel projects, mostly in developing nations.
UK Government's Smart Export Guarantee to stabilise small-scale renewables market
The Government's replacement initiative for the Feed-in Tariff (FiTs) scheme for residential and business-owned solar has been introduced today (10 June), ensuring that users will be paid for electricity they send to the grid.
Ikea's recycled rugs and AB InBev's solar deal: 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.
SDG Spotlight report: What is the role of business in creating clean energy for all?
edie has launched its latest SDG Spotlight report, looking at how businesses can transform operations, services, supply chains and strategies to help achieve the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), with the latest focusing on Goal 7: Clean Energy.
Barclays pledges to source 100% renewable electricity by 2030
Transatlantic banking giant Barclays has pledged to source 100% renewable electricity by 2030, with an interim goal of 90% by 2025.
Government urged to set 2040 net-zero target for Humber
The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has unveiled a new ambition to reduce the region's carbon emissions to net-zero by 2040 - 10 years ahead of the Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) recommended 2050 deadline for the UK.
SDG Spotlight: How businesses can achieve Goal 7 - Clean and affordable energy
This edie report, sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions, sets out exactly how the business community can collectively achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, within the next decade.
Bioenergy a 'no regrets solution' to reaching net-zero, report says
Increasing the deployment of bioenergy renewable sources by more than 10% would enable the UK to affordably meet future carbon budgets while also overcoming an "impending nuclear gap", a new report from the Renewable Energy Association (REA) has found.
Facebook invests in large-scale solar project
Social media giant Facebook has made its first direct investment in a renewable energy project, as it strives to source 100% clean power by 2020.
UK celebrates first coal-free fortnight for electricity grid
The UK's electricity grid will have operated without coal-fired power for a fortnight at 3.12pm today (31 May), marking a first since pre-industrial times.
UK goes 11 days coal-free (and counting)
The UK has set another energy-related record in 2019, with the National Grid confirming on Tuesday (28 May), that the UK has gone 11 days without relying on coal for power generation.
IEA: Developed nations should support nuclear to reach climate goals
Governments across North America, Europe and Asia are phasing out nuclear at a faster pace than they are increasing their respective renewable energy capacities, and therefore running the risk of reversing the low-carbon power transition.
Report: World falling short on SDGs' clean energy agenda
Despite "notable" global progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, Clean Energy for All, in recent years, policies, investment and physical infrastructure are still not sufficient to deliver on its 2030 targets.
MPs apply pressure on pension funds over fossil fuel holdings
More than one third of MPs have called on pension fund trustees to halt investment in fossil fuels to support a move to a net-zero carbon economy.
No 'low hanging fruit' left for energy innovation, M&S says
There is no longer any 'low hanging fruit' and innovation is going to be required to help with sustainability challenges in the future, according to Marks & Spencer's research and development manager Oliver Knowles.
Paul Polman: Courage and collaboration will help business accomplish Mission Possible
EXCLUSIVE: This year's Mission Possible: 2019 report has just landed, and edie is offering a sneak preview by way of the rousing report foreword penned by revered sustainability leader and ex-Unilever chief executive Paul Polman, in full.
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