To date, the UK’s net zero transition has largely been presented to the public as a technical challenge that will be overcome by innovative technology, greater energy security, and some – quite vague – shifts to our way of life. Debate in the public domain about the UK ‘going green’ has ranged from the overarching risk of global warming to small-scale choices – such as recycling, for example, or whether an electric vehicle is available for you. Given this narrative, we could all be forgiven for believing decarbonisation requires little community input or change to our daily lives, other than ..read more

A new study looks at regional inequalities in housing stock, and the proportion of homes with an energy rating of A, B and C.  Conducted by Enviro Homes Renewables, using 2022 data from the Office for National Statistics, performance certificates for home across each local authority in the country were analysed.  Overall, it was found the Isles of Scilly, off the Cornish coast, are home to the least energy efficient homes in England, with just 14.09% of residences achieving a minimum C rating. This was followed by Pendle, Lancashire, close neighbour Burnley fared little better with ..read more

The film is based on groundbreaking research conducted in Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea and beyond.  Broadcast on Discovery for Earth Day, Monday 22nd April 2024, Beneath The Surface: The Fight For Corals follows the story of Salma Shaker. A free diver, her work has made significant contributions to better understanding how to protect reefs, and the impact of the climate crisis and global warming on the health of these vital marine ecosystems.  From her home in Saudi Arabia, to other areas of the Red Sea, widely considered one of the world’s foremost coral hotspots, and on to locat ..read more

The test could impact rural travel in locations with narrow, winding roads.   The Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV is now being trialled by CT Plus as part of wider research by the States of Guernsey aiming to improve public transport provision across the Channel Islands.  At just 2.35meters wide, and 8.5meters in length, the new model is designed for small roads and extremely compact environments. 25 passengers can be seated, with a maximum of 45 including standing spaces.  Data on energy consumption will be analysed, along with charging requirements and manoeuvrability on rou ..read more

Now in its fourth year, ‘Europe’s leading event for mission-led organisations’ arrives in the UK capital this autumn.  Taking place at Woolwich Works between Tuesday 8th and Friday 18th October, 2024’s summit will be dedicated to ‘inspiring, connecting and acting’.  5,000 innovators, startups, corporations, academics and politicians are set to be involved, alongside adventurers, conservation experts, celebrities and campaigners. 10 stages will host 300 speakers, with Ecotricity founder Dale Vince OBE, Deborah Meaden from TV’s Dragon’s Den, and the Arctic explorer and investor ..read more

Luke Wilson talks environmental responsibility, ethics, collaboration, and cartonboard. In its drive for sustainability, many in the packaging industry are going back to the future with cartonboard solutions. The traditional fibre-based carton has enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent years, but this is no nostalgia act – today’s cartons can be breathtakingly creative, precision-engineered with dazzling aesthetic and functional designs, and treated with all the premiumisation you could wish for. With all that progress comes challenges – particularly for younger businesses. And so, when ..read more

In two separate cases, Downing Street faces intense scrutiny over environmental inaction, as a new study shows just 25% of the public believes national politics is on their side.  A two-day ‘rolled-up’ judicial review into the UK Government’s National Adaptation Plan is set for the High Court on 18th and 19th June 2024. This follows action by Friends of the Earth and two individuals who believe their lives have been severely impacted by the climate crisis.  Kevin Jordon’s home was demolished due to coastal erosion just before last Christmas, and Doug Palley has health conditions exa ..read more

Manchester is the UK’s largest climate tech hub outside the capital. Now the future looks even brighter with a new accelerator fund.  Climate startup support organisation Sustainable Ventures [SV] has helped more than 500 new climate-focused businesses launch since it was established in 2011. Last year, it announced expansion to North West England, taking advantage of a government-backed focus on hydrogen in the city.  In partnership with independent technology innovation accelerator CPI, £1.5million is now available to help hydrogen startups scale over a period of 12 to 18 months t ..read more

From smart meters to smart resource management, we get a guided tour around artificial applications at grid and consumer level, to better understand how algorithms are increasingly running our power supplies.  Many of the worst environmental catastrophes we face today, including those here in the UK, are the direct result of the energy industry. Fossil-fuel-burning power plants are the second largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions and have many other consequences, including the emission of airborne mercury. Understandably, there has been an increased push for renewable energy, but ..read more

The EU Council goes to vote this week on groundbreaking CSDDD regulations, enforcing  business  to  conduct risk-based human rights and environmental assessments. But as Ruth Knox writes, the bloc now risks litigation overload.  After weeks of delay, despite having reached a provisional agreement in December, the EU Council’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) finally passed in March. The decision marks a real landmark outcome for human rights regulation, especially in the face of concessions and eleventh-hour opposition from a number of member states ..read more