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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.
Kellogg's seeks water self-supply licence for Manchester operations
Food manufacturing giant Kellogg's has applied for a water and sewerage self-supply license for its Manchester facility, in a bid to gain greater control on water usage and generate savings.
Deposit return system for plastics could generate £2bn for UK economy
An "all-in" deposit return system that accounted for all types of drinks cans and bottles in the UK could generate up to £2bn for the economy over a 10-year period, compared to £250m for an "on-the-go" system that collected less.
MPs call on business to help tackle pollutants and microplastics from road vehicles
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey and Transport Minister Michael Ellis have called on businesses to assist the Government in tackling particulate and microplastic pollution from vehicles by helping create a new international standard.
National Refill Day: How businesses are uniting against single-use plastic water bottles
Since its launch in 2017, City to Sea's Refill campaign has spurred dozens of big and small businesses to offer free water bottle refills. To mark National Refill Day 2019, edie explores the impact of the campaign to date.
Major shake-up for Adnams' award-winning sustainability team
EXCLUSIVE: Suffolk-based Brewer Adnams has lost its two-strong sustainability team, with environmental sustainability manager Benedict Orchard set to depart the company this summer, shortly after the firm's head of finance and sustainability Richard Carter moved on to take up lecturing.
How 'inclusive capitalism' can create prosperity for people, planet and profits for Firmenich
EXCLUSIVE: Fragrance & flavour company Firmenich is using an "inclusive capitalism" business model to deliver benefits for profits, the planet and people in a way that is causing others to "rally" behind the concept of sustainability.
Plastic pollution and global heating: Cross-party MPs unveil new strategy for ocean conservation
A coalition of MPs hailing from across the political spectrum have launched a new strategy detailing key policy actions they will take to champion ocean conservation, shortly after the Government's Marine Strategy was branded a "spectacular failure" by green groups.
Utility leaders support UK bid to host UN climate conference
Leaders in the energy and water sectors have pledged their support for the UK's bid to host the 2020 UN Conference of the Parties climate conference (COP26).
LIVE Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Unlocking innovation in sustainability and energy
Day Two of edie Live saw the second LIVE broadcast of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast, this time focusing on unleashing the power of innovation with industry experts from Heathrow, AB Sugar, Yellow Octopus Fashion and Mitie Energy.
Insight, inspiration and innovation continue into final day of edie Live 2019
Members of the UK's sustainability and energy management communities have descended upon the NEC in their thousands, with sessions at full capacity throughout the first day of edie Live 2019 and the action now set continue into the second and final day (22 May).
'Spectacular failure': Green groups respond to government's Marine Strategy
Conservation and environmental lobby groups have heavily criticised the government's revised UK Marine Strategy, saying that politicians need to radically revise their plans to tackle the growing emergency.
Water firms urged to collaboratively develop "net-positive" vision for the sector
UK water firms are being urged to co-develop and jointly adopt a new long-term sustainability strategy for the sector, set to have an overarching aim of the industry "having the most positive impact possible on society and the environment".
What is a 'climate emergency'?
The UK has declared a climate emergency for the national government in Westminster and devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales. But what does it mean?
AB Sugar launches global innovation challenge to address water stewardship
Global sugar producer AB Sugar has partnered with WaterAid to launch a new initiative aimed at spurring innovation that can solve the challenge of water loss in agriculture.
Yorkshire Water launches sustainability bond
Yorkshire Water has launched its first sustainability bond in a bid to raise £350m from investors.
The Nature Conservancy launches £30m Blue Bonds scheme for marine protection
International environmental non-profit, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), has set a new ambition to unlock up to $1.6bn in the restoration and conservation of marine environments, through a $40m (£30m) "Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation".
Evian unveils refillable device in bid to slash plastic waste
French bottled water company Evian is set to begin trials of a new refillable in-home water appliance next month, in a bid to gauge consumer appetite for lower-plastic alternatives to single-use bottles.
Three-course meal: How addressing food waste can deliver a triple win for sustainable business
Following the revelation that food banks around the world helped mitigate more than 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions while reducing food costs, edie explores whether the conversation on food waste needs to change to capture heightened calls for action on climate change.
Co-op to halve emissions by 2025
The Co-op has announced new goals to reduce its direct emissions by 50% and product-related emissions by 11%, after reaching a previous carbon goal three years ahead of schedule.
UK water firms join global funding alliance helping sector to champion green innovation
UK-based water companies Severn Trent and United Utilities are among a group of 10 global water firms to have jointly launched a new innovation fund aimed at supporting green solutions to the sector's biggest sustainability challenges.
Why Refill is turning to transport 'hubs' to slash plastic bottle use
EXCLUSIVE: Since its launch in 2017, City to Sea's Refill campaign has spurred dozens of independent businesses and high street chains to offer free water bottle refills. But as it strives to meet its 2021 ambition of having locations in every town and city, its key focus will now be engaging the transport sector.
Pernod Ricard targets SDGs and regenerative agriculture as part of 2030 goals
Beverage giant Pernod Ricard has today (3 April) launched a new sustainability roadmap aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that commits to ambitious new targets relating to regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, recyclable packaging and a science-based carbon target.
Is it time for the hospitality sector to align to the SDGs?
The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) has called on the food industry to follow the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to achieve the innovation required to accelerate climate action.
Why General Mills want supply chains to become regenerative stewards of the environment
Faced with a growing global population and strains on depleted natural resources, US food producer General Mills plans to equip its supply chain farmers with the knowledge and tools to move from practices that mitigate environmental degradation to regenerative approaches.
Panasonic's zero-carbon factories and Ford's $850m EV plant: 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.
World Water Day 2019: The supply chain has a huge role to play
Today marks the United Nation's (UN) World Water Day, an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important role each of us can play in protecting our global water supply - for ourselves and future generations.
Why Heineken is championing water circularity as its contribution to the SDGs
EXCLUSIVE: Brewer Heineken has called for more collaborative and circular approaches to water use, after launching a new 2030 strategy aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: ZEDpods, World Water Day and the 12 goals of Exeter
Episode 59 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees Matt, Sarah and newcomer James Evison deliver interviews discussing World Water Day, low-carbon buildings and a 12-step plan to improve health and sustainability in the city of Exeter.
Alpro and WWF pilot new nature-focused science-based target scheme
A pilot project has been set up to take science-based targets to the next level and "respect planetary boundaries" by WWF and food and drink firm Alpro.
SDGs In Action: How Thai Union is achieving Goal 14 - Life Below Water
Welcome back to edie's new editorial series which breaks down exactly how businesses are turning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into action. Up next: seafood-based food producer Thai Union outlines how it is creating healthy oceans by changing seafood for good.
England could run short of water within 25 years
England is set to run short of water within 25 years, the chief executive of the Environment Agency (EA) has warned.
Built environment sector calls for biodiversity focus in upcoming Environment Bill
A group of UK built environment businesses have penned a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, calling on future legislation to boost economic growth through restorative planning that benefits the environment.
Northumbrian Water seals UK's first offshore wind PPA deal with Ørsted
Northumbrian Water has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with energy giant Ørsted, the first deal of its type in the UK to secure procurement from an offshore windfarm.
Manmade coral reefs and Seabins: The best green innovations to mark the World Ocean Summit
As delegates head back from a three-day World Ocean Summit in Abu Dhabi, edie has pulled together six of the best innovations that can improve the health of the world's oceans.
The SDGs In Action: How Diageo is achieving SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Welcome back to edie's new editorial series which breaks down exactly how businesses are turning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into action. Up next: global drinks firm Diageo outlines how it is improving its water efficiency to the benefit of the communities it operates within.
Water sector works with Defra to prepare for 'no deal' Brexit
The government has been "working closely" with water companies to prepare for all scenarios of the UK's exit from the European Union, including a "no deal" Brexit.
Circular roundtable: How can businesses accelerate the resource revolution?
Sustainability and corporate responsibility managers from a range of businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and EDF Energy, to discuss how organisations are stepping up efforts to accelerate a circular economy.
Network Rail partners with water firms to tackle chemical contamination
A collective environmental stewardship programme from Network Rail and several of the UK's largest water companies is now protecting more than 600 vulnerable drinking water sources from herbicides, the rail infrastructure manager has announced.
Thames Water launches cashback scheme to incentivise water savings
Thames Water has launched a new "cash boost" scheme to retailers that can deliver measurable water savings across London and the Thames Valley area.
Supermarkets warned over ethical and environmental impacts of hand car washes
The Environment Agency will write to major UK supermarkets to call on them to ensure that hand car washes operating in their car parks take appropriate efforts to tackle pollution and human rights concerns, after the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) warned of the "spectrum of exploitation" taking place in the practice.
Investors press fast food giants to 'urgently' improve supply chain sustainability
A coalition of investment firms with more than $6.5trn in assets under management have called on six of the world's largest fast food companies to take more ambitious action to tackle the climate and water risks within their supply chains, as a "matter of urgency".
Water companies urged to 'up their game' on pollution and natural capital through to 2025
The UK water sector has stepped up its environmental ambition in the current business planning period, but gaps remain when it comes to reducing sewage pollution incidents and factoring in the value of natural capital.
'Stop treating seas as a sewer,' MPs urge in bid for protection treaty
A new global agreement to protect the seas should be a priority for the government to stop our seas becoming a "sewer", according to a cross-party group of MPs.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory to fit UK factory with water and waste-saving bottling technology
Multinational beverage firm Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) is investing £13m in new bottling technology for its Gloucestershire factory, in a bid to minimise the facility's waste output and water footprint.
Global warming of oceans equivalent to an atomic bomb per second
Global warming has heated the oceans by the equivalent of one atomic bomb explosion per second for the past 150 years, according to analysis of new research.
Thames Water hit with £2m fine for 'avoidable' sewage leak
Utility firm Thames Water has been ordered to pay a £2m fine by the Environment Agency (EA), after raw sewage from one of its pumping stations was found to have leaked into Oxfordshire's waterways.
Scotland receives green light for large-scale water source heat pump project
Scotland is set to welcome its first large-scale water source heat pump scheme, that will take heat from the river Clyde to provide heat and hot water for a nearby district heating network.
Yorkshire Water plants first of a million trees to help prevent floods
More than 14,000 trees were planted at Ogden Water last month as part of Yorkshire Water's "big goal" for the environment, which aims to create new "green infrastructure".
Northumbrian Water set to power treatment works with battery storage technology
Water utility Northumbrian Water has unveiled plans to install battery storage systems made using end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries at several of its water treatment works, in a move to store power generated using its onsite renewable arrays.
World's biggest palm oil firm unveils new measures to end supply chain deforestation
Palm oil sourcing giant Wilmar International has unveiled plans to use satellite tracking and other digital technologies in a bid to eliminate deforestation risks from its supply chains.
A city reinvented: How Barcelona is leading the smart city revolution
edie's insight editor George Ogleby travels to Barcelona to uncover how a technological revolution has enabled the city to unlock the benefits of a smart-city transition for its citizens.
Thames Water £1.4bn loan deal links interest rates to sustainability performance
Thames Water has signed a £1.4bn five-year revolving credit facility (RCF), with the interest rate linked to annual performance against sustainability indicators.
Is the fashion industry about to have its 'plastics moment'?
With MPs urging clothing brands to disclose impacts, consumers increasingly protesting "fast fashion" and documentaries on the true cost of cheap garments emerging at a pace, edie explores whether the fashion industry is set to have its "plastics moment".
Heineken granted water self-supply licence for UK operations
Brewer Heineken has been granted a self-supply licence to deliver its own water and wastewater services for all of its UK operations, in a move it claims will bolster its water stewardship efforts.
Report: Tyres and synthetic clothes 'big cause of microplastic pollution'
Vehicle tyres and synthetic clothing are the two leading contributors to microplastic pollution from UK households, according to a new report from Friends of the Earth.
Three years on: How the Modern Slavery Act has reshaped best practice for sustainable business
The Modern Slavery Act (MSA) served to highlight issues of human rights abuses and human trafficking when it was written into UK law three years ago. But with half of UK businesses still pre-compliance with the Act, edie explores the impact it has had on sustainable business practices to date.
9 ways AI is enhancing sustainability for business
With Google announcing a new £19m fund for businesses using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address environmental and social issues, edie looks at nine projects that have already delivered notable benefits for business.
United Utilities rolls out AI across entire network after slashing energy usage
Water company United Utilities is set to roll out an energy flexibility platform which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to cover its entire water network, after a three-month trial generated energy savings of 22%.
Nestlé Waters boss: We are not in competition with tap water
Soft drinks firms have a duty to provide consumers with good-quality bottled water, Nestlé Waters' boss has insisted, in the face of widespread concerns about the sustainability of water bottle production.
AB InBev teams up with WWF to champion supply chain water stewardship
The world's largest brewer has launched new partnerships with WWF and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in a bid to accelerate water security initiatives in water-stressed areas around the world.
VW’s electric microbuses and Ikea’s furniture servitisation 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.
MPs propose compulsory metering powers for water firms
Water companies should be given powers to introduce compulsory metering but subject to tougher targets to cut leaks, MPs have recommended.
Hilton makes first investment to drive sustainable travel in Africa
Hotel giant Hilton has made its first investment into improving the sustainability of travel in Africa, as it strives to meet a target of halving its environmental footprint by 2030.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Sustainability Innovation: Standards, Systems & Software - HH Global
With entries for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards closing TODAY, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Sustainability Innovation: Standards, Systems & Software winner - HH Global.
Water firms commit to protect the environment
Nine of the UK's water companies have, along with 20 NGOs, joined together to create a set of "shared principles" to improve the health of the environment.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Encore Cistern - Sustainability Product Innovation
With entries soon closing for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Sustainability Product Innovation winners, Encore Cistern.
European Investment Bank issues €500m Sustainability Awareness Bond
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has issued a €500m (£448m) Sustainability Awareness Bond designed to boost capital market and private sector transparency for climate-related risks and opportunities.
How to create the right foundation for corporate activism to thrive
We've entered a new era of corporate activism. From US retailer Patagonia suing President Trump over proposed changes to Utah's national monuments, to the Salesforce chief executive who threatened to withdraw investment from the state of Indiana if an anti-LGBT law was not withdrawn, businesses are getting better at balancing commercial goals with social responsibility.
Science and context: Inside Diageo's refreshed Water Blueprint
With water and sanitation at the core of sustainable development, edie speaks with one of the world's largest drinks businesses to explore how it is accelerating progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
The World Bank to launch world's first sustainable water bond
The World Bank has revealed plans to launch the world's first series of bonds aimed at advancing water and ocean stewardship and has priced the first bond at SEK1bn (£85m).
Manufacturing the future: We must chase the positive and reverse climate change
Interface's vice-president and chief sustainability officer Erin Meezan recently provided the foreword to edie's brand-new sector insight report, which provides an end-to-end overview of the steps that organisations within Britain's manufacturing industry can take to achieve a sustainable future, today.
World Water Week: Seven ways businesses are progressing water stewardship
As research released for World Water Week (August 26 -31) reveals that the number of large companies pledging to measure, manage and report their water risks has doubled over the last three years, edie rounds up seven ways that the business community is progressing water stewardship efforts worldwide.
London Mayor unveils 20 new water fountains in bid to reduce single-use plastic
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed that 20 new water fountains will be installed across the capital as part of a scheme to slash the amount of single-use plastic bottles that are purchased.
World Water Week: Valuing our natural environment
We all 'appreciate' a babbling brook and beautiful rivers and oceans, but what is the value of our natural environment? World Water Week provides us all with the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of water stewardship, which is not only about doing the right thing, it's also about generating real business benefits as a result.
Machine makers are leading the way to low-carbon
With regulators and markets increasingly demanding the decarbonisation of high-emitting sectors, we are on the verge of a low-carbon industrial revolution. However, to get over the line the products and services supplied to these sectors need to transform.
Greene King saving more than 600,000 pints of water daily since water retail switch
Pub chain and brewer Greene King has revealed that it is saving more than 600,000 pints of water each day since obtaining a self-supply licence to deliver its own water and wastewater services last year.
The SDG roundtable: Getting engaged with the Global Goals - Part One
Sustainability and corporate responsibility managers from a range of businesses recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and DNV GL to discuss how the private sector is stepping up efforts to drive engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tesco becomes first supermarket to stock cans of water
In the latest move to cut back on the number of plastic products entering circulation, Tesco has become the first supermarket to stock and offer cans of water.
Gove: Water companies need to 'raise the bar' to tackle leaks
Water companies have agreed they need to "do more" to adapt and prepare for changing weather patterns as the environment secretary challenged them to "raise the bar" to tackle leakage.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Wessex Water Services - Water Management 2018
With entries now open for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Water Management winners, Wessex Water Services.
The burning question: Can Burberry spark a resource revolution in the fashion industry?
EXCLUSIVE: In contrast to the public uproar over the burning of almost £30m worth of stock, luxury fashion brand Burberry is on a journey to "foster business models" that redefine waste and embed the circular economy into an industry riddled with "fast fashion" discrepancies.
SDG immersion: Breaking down barriers for business
Four days at the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is undoubtedly an immersion process. It's also a good way to gain perspective - I learnt as much by the things that weren't said as those that were.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: O2 & NSPCC - CSR, Charity and Community Initiative 2018
With entries now open for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 CSR, Charity and Community Initiative winners, O2 & NSPCC.
Operationalising sustainability as an opportunity
I could have started my talk by acknowledging how sustainability managers find themselves in a cross-fire between contributing to the delivery of competitive goods and services on the one hand and responding to increasing consumer awareness and international and national policy goals on environmental matters on the other hand.
Developing nations faced with huge climate-mitigation bill
Infrastructure investments totalling £470bn are needed across 10 African countries in order to enable national commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while up to £127bn may be required for developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Most of Europe's rivers and lakes fail water quality tests - report
The vast majority of Europe's rivers, lakes and estuaries have failed to meet minimum ecological standards for habitat degradation and pollution, according to a damning new report.
United Utilities to reap rewards from AI-assisted energy efficiency tech
Water company United Utilities is set to reduce its yearly electricity bills and energy intensity by 10% after installing an energy flexibility platform which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI).
Report: £340bn annual investment needed to meet UN's water targets
Total worldwide investments into water infrastructure must reach £342bn ($449bn) each year between 2018 and 2030 if the globe is to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for water and sanitation, a new report from Global Water Intelligence (GWI) has revealed.
The Greenwashing Scourge: Ways that well-meaning businesses can avoid it
I've previously spoken to Edie.Net about English Tea Shop's unique business model which is based on the premise of Creating Shared Value (CSV) and how it has propelled our business to rapid growth. Since this, I've called for companies to adopt sustained and ethical business growth and to make 2018 the year of Creating Shared Value.
Why is single use plastic a problem and what can be done about it?
The UK Government is now trying to catch up with what businesses have been doing for years to tackle single use items. It seems that every day we hear something new about what we can do to tackle the never-ending problem of single use plastics.
PepsiCo expands stewardship efforts across water-stressed regions
Food and drink manufacturing giant PepsiCo has announced that its campaign to expand access to safe water in its areas of operation has provided 16 million people with clean water, putting it on track to reach 25 million by 2025.
Hanson UK hits waste and water reduction goals three years early
Building materials supplier Hanson UK has surpassed its 2020 waste goal of reducing the amount of non-process waste sent to landfill by 85% compared to 2010, while also reducing water usage by a third.
Electrifying your fleet roundtable: Turning challenges into opportunities
Sustainability and energy management experts from some of the world's biggest businesses recently gathered in Oxford for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and UK Power Networks Services, to explore how challenges can be turned into opportunities when it comes to fleet electrification.
Bees, Leas and SDGs
Prompted by a leaflet at a garden centre and the general plight of pollinators, I have made a modest donation to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. The decline of honeybees attracts quite a bit of attention, but the poor old bumblebee is often left out of the conversation.
Corporate giants team up to champion UK water stewardship
Marks & Spencer (M&S), Asda and Coca-Cola are among the 60 businesses and NGOs that have committed to a new initiative which aims to tackle water scarcity and stress in the UK through collaborative catchment management.
edie Live 2018: eight key things we learned
After a fascinating two days of inspiration, insight and expertise, edie looks back at some of the most crucial messages taken away from edie Live 2018.
Achieving Mission Possible: 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.
Colder washes can quadruple life of clothes, claims P&G
Procter & Gamble (P&G) has claimed that consumers could quadruple the longevity of their clothes and deliver huge carbon and water savings by switching to colder and quicker wash cycles.
London law school set to reap rewards from rainwater harvesting
City, University of London is set to install a rainwater harvesting system at its new £42m law school, in a move which could reduce its water costs by more than £4,500 each year.
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