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Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Olivia Green, Wessex Water
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: Olivia Green, sustainability coordinator at Wessex Water.
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.
Climate crisis to cause mass population displacement and growth in refugees, report finds
The ecological and climate crises are on course to displace more than 1.2 billion people by 2050, as natural disasters, food shortages and water scarcity create mass disruptions to global migration trends.
The Green Recovery Business Roadmap
Much has been said about the need to deliver a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. But what new ways of working should businesses be exploring to assist with a just and low-carbon transition? This new report outlines EIGHT key considerations.
The Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook 2020
Updated in September 2020, the Sustainability Reporting and Communications Handbook provides expert advice on engaging key stakeholders with your sustainability strategy; along with fresh insights to shape, deliver and share a compelling sustainability report.
edie Explains: The Green recovery
What is the green recovery? Where does business sustainability fit into its wider context? What is happening at a policy level? And what does the future hold for green recovery efforts? This edie Explains guide answers all of these questions and more.
edie Explains: Scope 3 carbon emissions
What are Scope 3 emissions? How are they calculated? How can they be mitigated and reduced? And, what are the business benefits of doing so? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
Patagonia ups regenerative agriculture efforts
Outdoor clothing company Patagonia has launched new campaigns to highlight the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture in tackling the climate and ecological crises, having launched a new range of cotton T-shirts sourced from farms promoting sustainable agriculture methods.
Brits cut bottled water consumption by half during lockdown
The proportion of UK adults regularly purchasing plastic bottled water almost halved during lockdown, new research from YouGov has concluded.
Unilever enhances global water stewardship efforts
Unilever has joined two coalitions aimed at implementing projects in water-stressed countries to improve access to safe and clean water by 2030.
London unveils £1.5bn green infrastructure package to kick-start economy post-lockdown
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the London Recovery Board have jointly launched a £1.5bn infrastructure investment package, designed to reduce the city's emissions and water footprint while kick-starting the local economy as lockdown eases.
Sainsbury's granted water self-supply licence
Sainsbury's has been awarded a self-supply licence for water and sewerage by regulator Ofwat, as it works to become 'water-neutral' by 2040.
Cargill pledges to restore 600 billion litres of water by 2030
Food and agribusiness giant Cargill has pledged to dramatically improve water management practices across its operations and priority watersheds in its supply chain by - a move it claims will restore 600 billion litres of water within a decade.
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.
Environment Agency unveils five-year plan to bolster 2030 net-zero target
The Environment Agency (EA) has outlined its plans to boost climate resilience, improve natural resources and foster green growth through to 2025, after setting a 2030 net-zero target late last year.
England at serious risk of water shortage by 2040, MPs warn
England is at "serious risk" of running out of water within 20 years because of policymakers', regulators' and the water sector's failure to tackle leakage and align with net-zero.
Protect one-third of world's oceans and land to deliver $500bn economic boost, scientists urge
Protecting 30% of oceans and land globally would reap economic benefits five times greater than the initial costs of conservation and restoration, a major new scientific report has concluded.
Kimberly-Clark vows to halve environmental footprint within a decade
Personal care giant Kimberly-Clark has pledged to halve its global environmental footprint by 2030, under a new sustainability strategy covering issues such as emissions, forestry, water and plastics.
Yorkshire Water and Birds Eye to support carbon-capturing 'pop up rainforest'
A new business collaboration in the Humber region looks set to create a "pop up rainforest" that will help farmers plant a diverse range of cover crops that will capture carbon, reduce flooding risk and improve soil health.
edie Explains: Smart Grids
What is a smart grid and why is it important? What are the potential business benefits of the smart grid transition? And how mature is the smart grid concept in the UK? This free edie Explains guide gives you everything you need to know.
'Great British Rain Paradox': Public unaware of UK's water scarcity
The risks of climate change and population growth on water scarcity in the UK remain hidden, with a new survey of 2,000 Brits revealing that water consumption is low down on the priority agenda for environmental concerns.
Unilever launches €1bn climate and nature fund, targets net-zero emissions by 2039
Consumer goods giant Unilever has unveiled a new set of sustainability commitments, pledging to end its contribution to deforestation, promote regenerative agriculture, transition to biodegradable ingredients and reach net-zero emissions for products by 2039 - all supported by a new €1bn Climate and Nature fund.
Investors target Facebook, Nintendo and other business giants over climate disclosure
More than 1,000 multinational companies have been contacted by a group of more than 100 investors, calling for relevant data on environmental performance and stewardship to be disclosed to CDP.
Andrex to use 30% recycled content in plastic packaging
British toiletries brand Andrex has confirmed that its packaging will consist of 30% recycled plastic content, as it pushes forward with an ambition to reach at least 50% recycled plastic content by 2023.
Pandora to reduce emissions by sourcing only recycled gold and silver
The world's largest jewellery brand, Pandora, has announced plans to stop sourcing mined silver and gold in its products by 2025, a move that is expected to cut its emissions from the use of the materials by more than two-thirds.
Aldi toilet wipes certified as 'fine to flush' by Water UK
Supermarket Aldi has confirmed that its range of moist toilet tissues and toddler toilet wipes have been certified by Water UK as safe to flush down the toilet, citing that they won't contribute to sewer blockages or environmental waste.
Coronavirus: Is this the beginning of the end for the 'self-sabotaging' meat sector?
The coronavirus could end up being the "straw that breaks the meat industry's back" with a new report warning that almost three-quarters of the world's largest meat, fish and dairy companies are at high risk from an array of criteria that could spark future pandemics.
World health groups call for green coronavirus recovery
A coalition of global healthcare organisations, backed by more than 40 million healthcare professionals, have coordinated a written plea to governments to deliver health-based and climate-focused economic recoveries from the coronavirus pandemic.
#SustyTalk: Danone's Eric Soubeiran on Covid-19 and World Biodiversity Day
edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with Danone's vice president for nature and water cycle Eric Soubeiran discussing regenerative agriculture and food practices and climate leadership to mark world biodiversity day.
Tate & Lyle to cut emissions by 30% by 2030
Food and drink ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle has published a new set of environmental targets, pledging to reduce operational emissions by 30% by 2030 and a 15% reduction in value chain emissions.
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".
MPs to vote virtually on Agriculture Bill
The House of Commons is set to undergo its first virtual voting procedure today (13 May), with MPs given one last opportunity to amend the Agriculture Bill which is designed to safeguard agricultural processes and the natural environment.
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.
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.
Greene King reaches zero-waste-to-landfill status
Greene King has become the first UK pub chain to achieve the Carbon Trust’s Zero Waste to Landfill Standard, after diverting all waste streams away from landfill across its 1,700 managed pubs.
Wrightbus unveils plans to produce 3,000 hydrogen buses for use across UK cities
The owner of Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus has unveiled a vision to put 3,000 hydrogen-powered bus into operation across key UK cities in a bid to reduce air pollution and spur job growth.
Climate change optimism in a post-pandemic world
Nestlé UK and Ireland's head of sustainability, Anna Turrell, writes on the impact of the pandemic on a sustainable future.
Coronavirus: Fairtrade calls on G20 to provide 'urgent' support for low-income suppliers
Fairtrade International has called on G20 nations to implement a coronavirus response plan to protect low-income farmers and producers through economic support and investments that push commodity supply chains towards more sustainable practices.
John Lewis unveils sustainable womenswear collection
John Lewis & Partners has teamed up with luxury sustainable womenswear brand Mother of Pearl to launch a new sustainable clothing collection made from organic cotton and certified renewable wood fibre sources.
Net-zero: Is the UK's gas grid ready to go green?
In a week where plans were unveiled for a nationwide roll-out of farming greenhouses heated by wastewater, the UK's major gas operators have teamed up to launch a programme aimed at delivering the world's first zero-carbon gas grid.
How becoming biodiversity ambassadors can help businesses combat the climate crisis
EXCLUSIVE: Pernod Ricard's vice president of global sustainability Vanessa Wright discusses the company's approach to regenerative agriculture and biodiversity and why more people will be focusing on natural climate solutions moving forward.
Severn Trent to make entire transport fleet electric by 2030
The UK's second-biggest water company has joined the Climate Group's EV100 initiative, pledging to convert 100% of its transport fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.
British American Tobacco targets carbon neutrality by 2030
British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced a new ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics by 2025, having slashed emissions by almost 50% since 2000.
Parts of England could run short of water within 20 years, NAO warns
Unsustainable water abstraction processes and infrastructure, compounded by climate change and population growth, will result in parts of southern England running out of water within 20 years.
Business giants including Coca-Cola pledge to deliver 'net-positive' water impact
The chief executives of 11 large corporations, including The Coca-Cola Company, Microsoft and AB InBev, have signed a new joint commitment to have a net-positive impact on water resources throughout their supply chains and operations.
UN: 4.2 billion people without sanitation amid coronavirus - and climate change set to worsen the problem
A continuing shortfall in water infrastructure investments from national governments and the private sector has left billions exposed to the Covid 19 pandemic and will make the climate crisis worse in both the short and long-term.
UK water industry criticises 'unclear' Government approach to efficiency
The trade body representing the UK's water sector has criticised the Government's previous action and planned moves for water efficiency in homes and business, as water use is set to rise amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
Greenpeace proposes 70% meat consumption reduction by 2030
Three burgers a week: that's the maximum amount of meat Europeans should get used to eating, according to NGO Greenpeace, which has been looking at Europe's eating habits. EURACTIV France reports.
'Another step towards net-zero': Anglian Water invests in onsite solar at key site
Anglian Water has unveiled plans to install an 11.6MW solar array at one of its key operational sites, as part of its plan to become a net-zero business by 2030.
Nestlé signs up to European Plastics Pact to push for 100% recyclable or reusable packaging
Food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced that its European business is following in the footsteps of its UK operations by signing up to the European Plastics Pact to help achieve its goals of ensuring packaging is 100% reusable or recyclable by 2025.
WaterAid: Global climate finance insufficient to 'save lives and livelihoods'
Half of all countries receive less than £4 per person, per year, to spend on climate mitigation and adaptation, with developing nations facing the earliest and worst climate impacts among the most underfunded.
Danone Waters closes in on 100% recycled plastic and carbon-neutral goals in the UK
Danone has announced that Evian bottles will be made using 100% recycled plastics in the UK, while also achieving carbon neutrality in the UK for Evian and Volvic brands.
UK water sector targets renewables and efficiency improvements for net-zero 2030 goal
UK water companies will focus on self-generated renewables, energy efficiency improvements and the roll-out of low-emission vehicles as part of a new roadmap to help the water sector reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Environmental net gain: An enduring development concept for resilient legacies
Chair of the Environmental Industries Commission's Natural Capital taskforce on why we should move towards environmental net gain.
Andrex wet wipes certified as 'fine to flush' by Water UK
British toiletries brand Andrex has today (27 February) announced that its washlet wipes range has achieved Water UK's 'Fine to Flush' certification, which symbolises that flushing them won't contribute to damage to UK sewers.
Global brewers team up to provide 100,000 people with clean water access
A group of 250 global brewers have pledged to collectively improve clean drinking water access for 100,000 people in Africa, by raising £250,000+ to invest in infrastructure.
Are businesses ignoring climate resilience on the net-zero journey?
From the flooding caused by Storm Dennis in the UK to the wildfires that have plagued Australia, the damage caused by climate change is becoming more tangible and frightfully frequent. But is the business response of pledging to deliver net-zero emissions enough?
Cheltenham retirement complex to slash emissions with ground source heat pumps
A retirement development in the heart of Cheltenham looks set to reduce the carbon emissions from heating by up to 75% following the installation of ground source renewable heat pump technology.
Britvic signs for £400m sustainability-linked loan
Beverage manufacturing giant Britvic has signed for a £400m loan, whereby it will pay lower margins if it delivers progress against its plastics, emissions and nutrition targets.
Business guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)
Almost a year since it was introduced, this business guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), provides energy and sustainability professionals with everything they need to know about the legislation and how to comply.
Nature loss to rock global economy by £8trn by 2050
The UK is set to take an annual economic hit of at least £16bn through the destruction of natural ecosystems, with global costs set to spiral to almost £8trn by 2050, a new WWF report has warned.
Five key takeaways from edie's net-zero energy masterclass
Last week, edie undertook a masterclass with Smartest Energy on evolving your energy strategy for net-zero, which included a case study with property giant JLL.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020: Meet the Winners
Find out the full detailed profiles of our winners at the 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards in our special report following our glittering ceremony on 5 February.
Sustainable Business Covered: Igniting a decade of climate action at the Leaders Forum (Part One)
The edie podcast is brought to you live from our Sustainability Leaders Forum, as content editor Matt Mace speaks to leading sustainability experts from Interface, Diageo, WaterAid and WWF to ask, how will business leadership be redefined during a decade of deliverance?
Sustainable Business Leadership Survey 2020 - The results...
This second annual survey reveals what "business leadership" looks like for sustainability, CSR and energy professionals across the UK, following our inaugural report in 2019.
UK Government's 'gold standard' Environment Bill reintroduced
The UK Government's long-awaited Environment Bill has finally been reintroduced to Parliament, outlining powers to stop the exports of plastic waste to developing countries, and revamped governance systems on clean air and biodiversity and two-yearly reviews to update the Bill if required.
Sainsbury's commits £1bn to become net-zero by 2040
Supermarket retailer Sainsbury's has pledged to invest £1bn over the next 20 years in order to become a net-zero business across its own operations.
Worcester and London universities to trial sustainable diets behaviour change programme
Students at the University of Worcester, City and the University of London will take part in a new European trial designed to change behaviours and promote sustainable diets and climate-friendly meals.
Starbucks to halve environmental impacts as part of 'resource-positive' strategy
Global coffee company Starbucks has announced new preliminary targets to halve carbon emissions, water use and waste sent to landfill by 2030, as part of a new long-term mission to become resource positive by storing more carbon than emitted, eliminate waste and replenishing freshwater.
Priceless Planet: Investor coalition pledges to plant 100 million trees
A group of global investors, including Mastercard, Citibank and Santander UK, have launched a new coalition focused on making investments that preserve and restore the environment, starting with a pledge to plant 100 million trees in the next five years.
Government urged to target one million heat pumps a year by 2035
The UK must invest in ground source heat pump infrastructure in the 2020s, just as previous generations ploughed money into the gas and water grid, in order to help kickstart the fledgling sector.
UN draft plan sets 2030 target to avert Earth's sixth mass extinction
Almost a third of the world's oceans and land should be protected by the end of the decade to stop and reverse biodiversity decline that risks the survival of humanity, according to a draft Paris-style UN agreement on nature.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eilidh Johnston, Laing O'Rourke
This 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: Eilidh Johnston, environmental advisor at Laing O'Rourke.
Ofwat unveils £13bn climate package for UK water companies
Regulator Ofwat has unveiled its investment package for 2020-2025, including a £13bn package to help water firms with climate adaptation and mitigation.
Four green policy concerns Boris Johnson must address immediately
After achieving a Conservative Party majority in the 2019 General Election, Boris Johnson will now forge ahead with his Brexit plans. But, with climate and environmental standards featuring throughout the Party's manifesto, the returning Prime Minister will need to quickly address some key green policy concerns.
1.9 billion people at risk from water shortages, study shows
A quarter of the world's population are at risk of water supply problems as mountain glaciers, snow-packs and alpine lakes are run down by global heating and rising demand, according to an international study.
Hilton launches soap recycling initiative across UK hotels
Hilton is launching the largest UK initiative to recycle used soap and distribute 700,000 new bars to communities in need.
Europe's environment 'at a tipping point', EU agency says
Europe faces environmental challenges "of unprecedented scale and urgency," according to a comprehensive overview of air, land and water ecosystems published on Wednesday (4 December) by the European Environment Agency.
Water companies take first steps on net-zero 2030 commitment
The UK's major water companies have this week (2 December) launched the first major project to develop a roadmap that will help the sector achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
'Prosperity for All': Wales unveils new short-term climate vision
The Welsh Government has published its much-anticipated climate roadmap for 2020-2025, which includes a commitment to plant 2,000 hectares of woodland annually.
Hydrogen: a critical piece of the net-zero jigsaw?
Earlier this year the UK Government committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the amended 2008 Climate Change Act (CCA). Professor Joe Howe, chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance (NWHA) and executive director of the Thornton Energy Institute, looks at how hydrogen is a vital part of the solution.
'Blue finance': World Bank and Credit Suisse partner for sustainable water bond
Swiss finance giant credit Suisse has partnered with The World Bank to issue a $28.6m (£22.2m) bond aimed at financing the protection and restoration of fresh and saltwater resources and habitats.
Thames Water switches to 100% renewable electricity in bid to meet net-zero by 2030
Thames Water has revealed that it is now using 100% renewable electricity across its operations, in a mix which is partly self-generated and partly sourced through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Territorial emissions: ONS data shows 35-year difference in UK peak emissions
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found that the UK's emissions peaked in 2007, rather than 1972, if territorial emissions from imports abroad were taken into account.
Deposit return schemes and biodiversity net-gain: Raft of new policies unveiled in Environment Bill
The UK Government has launched its new governance system on issues covering clean air, waste management and plastics pollution, natural capital approaches and water stewardship, in the form of the long-awaited Environment Bill.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Ross Houghton, Atalian Servest
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: Ross Houghton, CSR manager at global facilities management (FM) firm Atalian Servest.
PepsiCo prices $1bn green bond to assist with plastics phase-out
PepsiCo has priced its first ever green bond at $1bn, which will be used to fund initiatives to reduce plastic content in packaging, improve supply chain engagement and management and boost water stewardship.
P&G to donate 500,000 litres of clean water across the globe
Procter & Gamble (P&G) has launched a new campaign to donate up to half a million litres of clean water to in-need communities around the world, and is encouraging UK citizens to take part by watching and sharing a new docuseries.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Katie Leggett, innocent Drinks
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: Katie Leggett, innocent Drinks' sustainability manager.
Post-Brexit threats to green policy intensifying, think tank warns
UK think tank Greener UK has warned that threats to environmental regulations related to climate change, waste, air quality and natural resources are escalating due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.
edie explores what net-zero carbon looks like for UK utilities in new sector insight report series
Following the UK's world-leading commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, edie has launched a brand-new series of insight reports which investigate how particular industries can achieve rapid decarbonisation, starting with the utilities sector.
Context, community and collaboration: Inside Levi Strauss' updated water action strategy
EXCLUSIVE: In revamping the water strategy for its global supply chain, Levi Strauss hopes to further embed a science-based and community-focused approach to its sustainability work, the firm's vice president for sustainability Michael Kobori has revealed.
Yellowhammer: No-deal Brexit would undermine domestic oil industry, official document reveals
A no-deal Brexit would likely result in the closure of two UK oil refineries, along with petrol shortages and higher electricity prices, the Government's so-called Yellowhammer dossier has revealed.
Exclusive: PwC to hit Mission Possible pledge target
Accountancy firm PwC has revealed to edie that it is only 1% off its Mission Possible target following extensive work on sustainable, healthy food options within its staff restaurant facilities.
John Lewis applies for water self-supply licence in first for UK retail
John Lewis & Partners has become the first UK retailer to apply for a water self-supply licence, in a bid to reduce water use and deliver savings.
Levi Strauss takes fresh steps to eliminate gender-based violence, water misuse, in supply chains
Fashion giant Levi Strauss Co. has launched two new supply chain initiatives - one focused on protecting female supply chain workers, and the other centred around water stewardship - after an investigation uncovered systemic gender-based harassment at supplier facilities.
Report: Move water to top of political agenda to deliver environmental and social wins
With more than half of the world's populations set to live in water-scarce regions by 2050, a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has called on policymakers to place water stewardship at the heart of regional and bilateral policy decisions to create various economic, environmental and societal benefits.
Twinings partners with WaterAid to improve sanitation in tea supply chains
Tea brand Twinings has forged a new partnership with charity WaterAid, in a bid to tackle water infrastructure challenges and cultural norms around hygiene in tea supply chains.
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.
