water
Related content
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.
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.
UK water companies to plant 11 million trees to assist carbon-neutral aims
A host of major UK water companies, local authorities and NGOs have today (15 August) teamed on a new tree-planting initiative that will assist the delivery of a carbon-neutral water industry by 2030.
Water resources infrastructure policy due this Autumn
The government has completed a consultation period and is preparing to deliver its National Policy Statement (NPS) for Water Resources Infrastructure in the Autumn.
M&S launches bra recycling campaign
Recycling of lingerie is now being encouraged by Marks and Spencer (M&S) under its new "love your boobs" campaign.
Extreme water stress affects a quarter of the world's population, say experts
A quarter of the world's population across 17 countries are living in regions of extremely high water stress, a measure of the level of competition over water resources, a new report has revealed.
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.
Businesses team up for water behaviour change campaign
A coalition of more than 40 water companies, green groups and charities have today (30 July) launched a new behaviour change campaign aimed at helping businesses and individuals to use less water.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: Water Management - Adnams
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 Water Management Award, Adnams.
Earth Overshoot Day: Planet's yearly resource 'budget' already spent
Humanity has today (29 July) used up its annual allowance of natural resources for 2019, sparking calls for businesses and citizens to re-examine approaches to consumption and consumerism.
Nottingham City Council granted water self-supply licence
Nottingham City Council has been granted a licence to self-supply water from next month, in a bid to minimise costs and cut water wastage.
CCS, food waste and deposit return schemes: Recapping a week of major green policy announcements
As Boris Johnson settles into his first day as the UK Prime Minister, Defra, the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have released a flurry of documents to strengthen approaches to environmental regulation, energy policy and packaging production.
Defra proposes personal water 'budgets'
The Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed the introduction of a "personal water target" which would legally require individuals to keep their water consumption within a certain "budget".
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.
