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Amazon pledges to install 20MW solar systems across UK fulfilment centres
Amazon has this week pledged to deploy 20MW of solar panels across its UK fulfilment centres, in a move that will slash its carbon footprint by 6,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
Green Investment Group funnels £1.6bn into clean energy projects
The Green Investment Group made or arranged £1.6bn of investments in clean energy projects in the 12-months following its privatisation, according to the company's first annual progress report.
The Climate Coach: Transport
It will take you twenty minutes to get there - depending on traffic. Not an unusual statement wherever you live. People design cities and communities and yet often it is people that seem to be least considered as most of the space for movement is taken up by cars, vans and lorries. Pedestrians are pushed to the side and cyclists must brave traffic with a risk for their lives.
edie explains: Combined heat & power (CHP)
Is combined heat & power (CHP) right for your business? What are the different CHP technology options, and how do you choose the right one? This updated edie explains business guide has the answers.
Google launches new online data tool to help cities lower emissions
Google has launched a new online tool to help city planners build policies to lower emissions by targeting projects in the built environment, transport and clean energy sectors.
Sony and RBS among latest RE100 pledges
Global electronics firm Sony, management consultants McKinsey & Company, office space company WeWork and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have all pledged to transition to 100% renewable energy through the Climate Group's RE100 initiative.
40% of solar installers 'set to leave UK amid subsidy cuts'
Companies accounting for more than 40% of the UK's solar installation industry could leave the national market if the Government does not extend the export tariff and provide a replacement for the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme.
Calls for Government to 'urgently' stabilise UK solar sector amid subsidy closures
More than 200 stakeholders in the UK's solar sector, including energy companies, NGOs and city leaders, have called on the Government to continue an export tariff once the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme ends next March.
UK summer 'wind drought' puts green revolution into reverse
Britain's long heatwave threw the country's green energy revolution into reverse and pushed up carbon emissions this summer, leading experts to stress the need for a diverse energy mix.
Sadiq Khan calls for rethink on solar subsidies closure
London mayor Sadiq Khan was written to the Government expressing his concerns that a decision to let financial solar incentives expire next year could create a "cliff edge" for the wider solar market.
UK's first subsidy-free industrial solar project to power business park
A business park in Buckinghamshire is set to become the first facility of its kind in the UK to generate more solar than it requires, once the nation's first subsidy-free industrial solar installation is completed on the site.
Anglian Water to boost onsite generation with AI-powered energy storage technology
Water utility Anglian Water is set to install an energy storage machine controlled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology at one of its water treatment facilities, in a move it claims will increase the site's solar generation by 80%.
Landsec hints at energy storage to bolster Britain's biggest shopping centre solar array
The UK's largest commercial property developer, Landsec, has revealed that it is sourcing 22% less grid electricity for its White Rose shopping centre in Leeds after installing a 2,902-panel solar array on the roof.
Government to consider opening Capacity Market to renewables
The UK Government will consider opening up the Capacity Market to solar and wind generation under a newly published review into the Market's scope, objectives and the way it is regulated.
Upgrade home electricity supply systems to unlock low-carbon technologies, says REA
The single "phase" electricity supply system, which has been the norm in UK homes since before the Second World War, should be scrapped for new homes, a report has urged.
Dairy giant to power cheese plant with 100% renewable energy
Northern Ireland-based dairy manufacturer Dale Farm has announced that it is now running one of its cheese manufacturing plants with 100% renewable energy after bringing a self-consumption solar farm online earlier this month.
Big leap in corporate clean energy purchases in 2018, research shows
The business community has set a new record for levels of procurement in clean energy in 2018, research from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (Bloomberg NEF) has revealed.
Apple partners with Etsy, Swiss Re and Akamai on renewables projects
Apple is collaborating with cloud services firm Akamai, reinsurer Swiss Re and e-commerce brand Etsy to develop two new wind and solar farms that will enable the companies to increase access to renewable energy in the eastern US.
Maximising the power of onsite solar: edie launches free guide for businesses
Organisations seeking to capitalise on the sustainability benefits offered by onsite solar now have access to a new edie Explains guide which breaks down everything you need to know about deploying solar solutions across business facilities.
edie Explains: Onsite solar
What is onsite solar and how could it work for a business? What are the business benefits from installing onsite solar? And what considerations and funding opportunities need to be examined to build the business case? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
edie at 20: Looking 10 years back - and forward 10
To celebrate edie's 20th anniversary, writer and thinker, John Elkington, reflects on a decade of corporate action, the need to imagine tomorrow, and why we should clean oceans, not just fish.
No replacement for Feed-in Tariff 'major blow' for renewables
The Government has axed subsidies for new small-scale low-carbon electricity generation, sparking dismay from renewable energy bodies.
Stepping up the global energy transformation: Why Mars Australia commits to 100% renewable electricity
Major brands like ours have an opportunity to lead in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future. A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that businesses are stepping up their use, procurement and investment in renewable electricity. While this is good news, only 17% of us have a specific target for renewable electricity and a mere 134 have committed to 100% renewable electricity use.
edie at 20: The changing global energy outlook
As part of a running content series to mark edie's 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand, we have produced an infographic which explores the transformation of the global energy system over the past two decades.
IEA warns of 'worrying trend' as global investment in renewables falls
The world's energy watchdog has sounded the alarm over a "worrying" pause in the shift to clean energy after global investment in renewables fell 7% to $318bn (£240bn) last year.
Apple launches $300m fund to build 1GW of supply chain solar capacity
Tech giant Apple has announced that it has partnered with its key suppliers to jointly invest $300m (£228m) in solar power projects, as it strives to drive the uptake of renewable energy across its supply chains.
The Climate Coach: Renewable Energy
I have a dream, of a society where children play safely outside in green, common areas, where there are no cars. People travel to work in electric powered trains, buses and through electric car share. They walk and cycle to school, to the local shop and to meet friends. A dream where renewable energy sources provide all the power we need - for heating, electricity and transport - in businesses as well as in homes.
edie at 20: Is sustainability finally coming home?
It's official - edie is now 20 years old. Our 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand offers a chance to celebrate and reflect upon the tremendous achievements of the green economy - but it is also a time for us to realise the immense opportunity that now lies ahead.
On the Mission Possible sofa with the ECIU's Richard Black and RSPB's Melanie Coath
The seventh episode of our new sustainable business chat show sees the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit's (ECIU) director Richard Black joined by RSPB's senior climate change policy officer Melanie Coath to discuss whether legislation is enabling or hindering the uptake of renewables in the UK.
Tetra Pak half way to sourcing 100% renewable electricity
Packaging giant Tetra Pak has this week revealed that it now sources half of the electricity needed to power its global operations from renewables, putting it on track to meet its target of sourcing 100% green electricity by 2030.
First of many? Why Amsterdam Arena is pursuing energy independence through battery storage
As the World Cup enters a nail-biting final week, edie explores how one football stadium is using battery storage innovation to revolutionise how local communities can store and consume energy.
London Mayor extends group-buying solar scheme
Sadiq Khan has expanded a scheme for London residents and businesses to buy high-quality solar panels after a first phase saw nearly 4,000 registrations.
UK Power Networks to host UK's first 'virtual' solar power station
The UK's largest electricity distributor has unveiled its plan to create the nation's first "virtual" solar power station by the end of the year, using PV panels on the rooftops of its London customers' homes.
In Practice: SEAT's largest solar array in the automotive industry
In a move to capture the benefits of Industry 4.0 and reach sustainability targets for 2025, Spanish carmaker SEAT is showcasing its Martorell factory as hub for innovative environmental solutions - including the largest solar plant in the automotive industry.
UK solar power growth halves for second year running
New solar power installations halved in the UK last year for the second year in a row, as the fallout of government subsidy cuts continued to shake the sector.
City of London to expand onsite arrays in drive to source 100% renewable electricity
The City of London Corporation will install more solar panels on its buildings and up its investments in wind and solar farms as part of its new commitment to source 100% renewable energy by October 2018.
In practice: AB InBev's onsite energy drive at its largest UK brewery
AB InBev's recently-announced carbon reduction targets will see the global brewer lean on past best-practice examples to decarbonise facilities. One of the shining examples thus far has been the use of onsite technologies at the Magor brewery in Wales.
Ikea to ban single-use plastics, targets 'climate-positive' status under new strategy
Removing all single-use plastics products from its range globally, eliminating more greenhouse gas emissions than its value chain emits, and generating more renewables than it consumes are all headline goals of Ikea's updated People and Planet Positive strategy.
10 things you probably didn't know about a record-breaking year for renewables
As a new report reveals that 2017 was a record year for renewable power installations, edie rounds up some of the headline trends that are shaping the transition to renewable energy.
Google's Project Sunroof arrives in UK
Google has launched an online tool in the UK that informs households how well a rooftop solar array would perform and how much money could be saved on electricity bills as a result.
Planning permission given for Scotland's largest solar project
The Scottish government has granted planning permission for the country's largest solar PV project.
SEAT installs air-cleaning pavement at Barcelona plant after surpassing emissions goal
After hitting its key environmental goals two years ahead of schedule, Spanish car manufacturer SEAT has installed 4,000sqm of air-cleaning paving slabs at its Martorell plant in Barcelona.
The danger of being positive
Positive things are being reported in the world of sustainability but is this a "false dawn" and we may prematurely assume success is inevitable and thereby prevent it.
Energy storage revolution within 10 years is essential, says E.ON boss
EXCLUSIVE: E.ON chief executive Michael Lewis has claimed that an energy storage revolution must happen within a decade if the world is to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Whitbread to expand onsite solar to 70 more Premier Inn hotels
The UK's largest hospitality company, Whitbread, will roll out its onsite solar array scheme to a further 70 of its Premier Inn locations this year to help it meet its "industry-leading" science-based target.
Sustainability 'imagineered': The Disney-led resort powered by geothermal energy
edie's senior reporter Matt Mace travels to the outskirts of Paris to uncover how Villages Nature Paris tapped into geothermal energy to deliver on a holistic 10-step sustainability framework.
Mayor Sadiq Khan unveils goals to make London world's 'greenest city'
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced plans to make the capital the "greenest" city in the world by 2050, with a series of targets put in place to improve air quality, boost renewables investments and halve food waste.
Subsidy cuts slow growth of independent renewables, report finds
Investment in new, independent renewable energy projects in the UK totalled £227m in 2017, down by almost 20% from 2016 figures, according to a new report published this week.
Clean Energy for All: Seven reasons why the world is falling short on SDG 7
As a new report warns that the global economy is not on track to deliver on the clean energy targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), edie rounds up some of the headline trends that are shaping the transition to renewable energy and offer a glimmer of hope that targets can still be reached.
Subsidy-free solar powers UK's renewable energy attractiveness
Despite a large drop in renewable energy investment in 2017, the UK has climbed three places in a ranking of the world's most attractive renewable energy markets for investors, thanks to a move towards subsidy-free solar PV.
UK runs without coal power for three days in a row
The UK has been powered without coal for three days in a row, setting a new record and underlining the polluting fuel's rapid decline.
Intelligent highways and underground bins: the best green innovations of the week
A number of eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations have emerged that could help businesses and nations deliver on resource efficiency, low-carbon transitions and combat climate change. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.
UK's struggle and Mexico's rise: Seven surprising stats about global clean energy investment
A new report from UN Environment and Bloomberg New Energy Finance has outlined the global trends of renewable energy investment, which grew by 2% last year. edie dives through the data to bring seven surprising statistics.
Cross-sector electric vehicle project targets energy-neutral office buildings
Companies from the energy, transport and technology sectors have joined forces to explore how electric vehicles (EVs) can facilitate energy storage solutions that link up to onsite renewable installations and building energy management systems (BEMS) on office buildings.
Wind and solar make more electricity than nuclear for first time in UK
Windfarms and solar panels produced more electricity than the UK's eight nuclear power stations for the first time at the end of last year, official figures show.
Onshore wind and solar could compete for subsidies in CfDs
Claire Perry has signalled that onshore wind and solar projects will be allowed to compete for subsidies in a future Contract for Difference (CfD) auction.
NatWest delivers £3.5bn low-carbon lending in three years
Banking giant NatWest has pledged to deliver of £10bn lending to UK renewable energy and energy efficiency projects by 2020, having provided £3.5bn over the past three years.
Energy storage investment fund to raise £100m on London Stock Exchange
The world's first listed investment fund targeting energy storage developers and projects is attempting to raise £100m after floating on the London Stock Exchange.
Energy resilience roundtable: Paving the path to a clean energy future
Energy management experts from some of the world's biggest manufacturers and retailers recently came together for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and Centrica Business Solutions to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities when it comes to building energy resilience.
Why cities are switching to renewables
Over two years after national leaders committed in Paris to keep a global temperature rise to below 2C, municipal leaders at some of the world's largest cities are stepping up to the challenge and harnessing the power of renewable energy.
Honda to play central role in V2G demonstrator project
Car giant Honda has teamed up with other firms, local bodies and academic institutions for a new project that aims to demonstrate the business case for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies across the UK.
Renault EVs and battery storage used for Portuguese 'smart island' project
Automaker Renault has agreed to partner with a Portuguese utility company to transform the island of Porto Santo into a "Smart Fossil Free Island" that combines electric vehicles (EV) with renewable energy.
Renewable output rises by more than a quarter in the UK
Renewable output rose by 27% over 2017 due to windier weather and new capacity coming online, according to the latest Electric Insights report from Imperial College London.
edie Explains: ESOS Phase 2
This edie Explains guide, produced in association with Schneider Electric, will help organisations in their preparations to comply with the second phase of the UK Government's Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS).
8 global sustainability trends to watch out for in 2018
Over the past 12 months, challenges around addressing sustainability issues have featured consistently in global headlines. Despite mixed political messages about our transition to a low-carbon future, the private sector has continued to drive sustainability up the business agenda; from Science Based Targets (SBTs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to increased investor scrutiny over non-financial reporting.
BP set to 'embrace low-carbon world' with $500m investment
BP has pledged to invest $500m into low-carbon solutions after posting a strong financial performance in 2017.
From environmental expert to CEO: E.ON boss Michael Lewis reflects on his remarkable sustainability journey
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Lewis explains how his rise to the top at E.ON has intertwined with the company's transition from a fossil fuel-based power generator to a provider of sustainable energy solutions.
University of Cambridge installs 1,500 solar panels at new district
Almost 1,500 solar panels have been installed at the University of Cambridge's new 150-hectare district, with the array expected to slash energy usage by more than 298MWh a year.
Trump Administration's 'safeguard' tariff set to damage US solar sector
President Donald Trump has moved to safeguard domestic solar manufacturers by placing a 30% tariff on imported solar modules, however critics believe that it will inadvertently stifle manufacturers that are unable to scale-up to cope with demand.
Nissan unveils energy storage and solar solution for UK homes
Car giant Nissan has launched an "all-in-one" energy solution for UK homes, combining solar panels with an energy storage system.
Shell inks five-year deal with England's largest solar power plant
Shell Energy Europe has agreed a five-year supply deal to source renewable power from the second largest solar power plant in the UK.
Report: Global emissions to plateau in 2030, but Paris goals out of reach
New insight from business advisors McKinsey Energy Insights has suggested that "major shifts" in the energy landscape driven by renewables and electric vehicles (EVs) will see global emissions plateau in 2030, but progress is nowhere near close to the 2 degrees Paris Agreement target.
Clean Growth Strategy 'not enough' to meet UK's carbon targets, climate advisers warn
Urgent action is needed to flesh out current plans in the Clean Growth Strategy in order to meet the UK's fourth and fifth carbon budgets, the Government's climate change watchdog has cautioned.
All renewables to compete on cost with fossil fuels by 2020, says IRENA
A fresh report has predicted that all renewable energy technologies will compete, and even undercut, fossil fuels on price within the next two years.
The smarter sustainability reporting handbook
A new era is upon us: the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Modern Slavery Act (MSA) and the Task Force on Climate- related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) have together paved the way for an entirely new approach to corporate sustainability.
Amazon completes lucrative solar roof installation
Online retailer Amazon has had a 964 kWp rooftop solar system installed at a new logistics centre in central Italy, as the company continues its transition to source 100% renewable electricity.
Taking the lead on energy: 10 business examples of low-carbon innovation
The global energy system is undergoing a radical transition. Renewable energy costs are tumbling and new approaches to energy management such as battery storage and demand response are offering new ways for organisations to operate more sustainably.
UK strengthens green finance links in India
The UK's development finance institution has announced the formation of an independent solar and wind generation company that will focus on developing renewable capacity across India and other South Asia nations.
New £40m partnership to help UK communities take over solar farms
A £40m investment partnership has been launched with the aim of helping communities take ownership of solar farms across the country.
Integrated storage and renewables tipped to be worth $23bn by 2026
The global energy storage and renewables integration (ESRI) will be worth more than $23bn by 2026, according to new analysis from clean energy researchers.
UK enjoys 'greenest year ever' in 2017
Britain achieved its 'greenest year ever' in 2017 thanks to 13 new records across the clean energy sector, according to analysis from WWF.
Adnams: Our transition to 100% Renewable Electricity
Transitioning away from polluting, finite fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy is something that a growing cohort of responsible businesses are doing. The likes of the Sustainable Development Goals, Science Based Targets, RE100, CDP and others have brought home the importance. More directly, we have always told the business case for sustainability in three elements: business resilience, cost saving, and brand reputation
2017 green policy review: A year of progress and pleasant surprises
What a difference a year makes. Let us briefly cast our minds back to the halcyon days of January 2017 - who would have thought that a widely-ridiculed Jeremy Corbyn would soon become favourite to be the next PM; that a divorced mixed-raced American actress would be about to enter the Royal Family, or that a vastly experienced England cricket team would succumb to a humiliating Ashes defeat Down Under before the Boxing Day test?
Citu aims to 'disrupt' construction industry with low-carbon housing scheme
Urban developer Citu has unveiled the first glimpses of a timber-framed housing system that is up to ten times more energy efficient than standard UK homes, with production practices also able to reduce the carbon footprint of construction by 24,000 tonnes annually.
In practice: AccorHotels' new project targeting BREEAM excellent certification
Ahead of edie's flagship Sustainability Leaders Awards in January, edie is taking a closer look at some of the projects initiatives that have been deemed worthy of a finalist position by our expert judges. Up next: AccorHotels' new London hotel.
Everyone is talking about blockchain, so why all the hype?
When 10,000 government delegates met at COP23 to tackle climate change, the UNFCC and other sponsors brought 100 blockchain developers to Bonn with one purpose - to code for climate.
Solar Trade Association names Chris Hewett as new chief
Chris Hewett has been handed the role of chief executive of the Solar Trade Association (STA).
Budget 2017: Chancellor takes action on air quality, electric vehicles and plastic waste
Chancellor Philip Hammond has today pledged to build an economy "fit for the future" by announcing new air quality funding, tax incentives for electric cars, and measures to combat plastic waste in his 2017 Autumn Budget.
Nissan starts construction on largest community solar roof in the Netherlands
Electric vehicle (EV) pioneer Nissan has begun construction on the largest collective solar roof in the Netherlands, which will provide enough renewable electricity to power 900 homes once it is completed in May 2018.
Balancing act: Storage and flexible energy vital to UK’s renewables tipping point
The cost of generating energy from wind and solar in the UK is expected to halve by 2040, but the expected future power system volatility will lead to more economic opportunities for flexible energy sources and storage capacity.
Renewable energy in the supply chain
This new report focuses on the opportunity for companies to amplify their carbon reduction efforts by driving renewables through their supply chains. Given how easy it is to choose renewable electricity in the UK, businesses could be doing more to engage with their suppliers.
Why Net Positive can help big business achieve long-term success, and more
Businesses are facing unprecedented levels of disruption- and from so many different quarters that the dependable business models of old are being torn to shreds. In many sectors market share is being seized away from the incumbents by savvy - and very often values-driven - start-ups who are rewriting the rules of business, leaving those that fail to innovate and adapt facing a bleak future.
The Problem with Solar (and other Renewables)
Night is the Achilles Heel of solar and this leads onto other interesting problems with other domestic renewable options
Shrinking solar deployment darkens UK's record low-carbon electricity mix
Despite low-carbon sources providing more than half of all UK energy generation for the second time, the Government has been urged to address policy barriers that have "unnecessarily impeded" the development of solar technologies over the last two years.
Could Tesla's world-first hybrid energy project modernise electricity grids?
Following the deal to develop a world-first renewable energy project that combines wind, solar and battery storage in Australia, automaker and energy disruptor Tesla has been invited to showcase the "power and scalability" of its products in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico.
In practice: UK's largest landlord-funded distribution warehouse rooftop solar installation
The landlord/tenant relationship can be a barrier when it comes to sustainability and onsite generation, but both Dixons Carphone and LondonMetric will benefit from the new solar installation at a distribution warehouse in Newark.
Utility giant acquires off-grid solar specialists Fenix International
French utility giant ENGIE is continuing its transition away from fossil fuels, after announcing the acquisition of a next generation energy company that offers decentralised solar solutions to communities across Africa.
Target commits to 100% renewables as part of science-based targets approach
Clothing giant Target has unveiled a revamped climate policy that will see the retailer commit to the Science-Based Targets Initiative to reduce emissions by 25% and source 100% renewable electricity "in the coming years".
Lloyd's of London first insurer to back kWh guarantee for solar installations
Businesses can now receive a kWh performance guarantee for solar fittings after PV manufacturer Autarco launched a new assurance for its PV systems.
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