New survey asks what influences decision to buy an electric vehicle
The Transport Committee has launched a short survey to find out what’s important to drivers considering the purchase of a battery electric vehicle, including questions on issues such as finance, charge points and range.
There’s also an opportunity to submit a question about electric vehicles to the Department for Transport. The Committee will choose one or two questions to put directly...
Searches for sustainable goods grow by 71%, new report reveals
A growing number of people around the world are concerned about nature, changing the way they think about sustainability and demanding action to protect the planet, new global research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by WWF shows.
Findings of the “Eco-wakening: Measuring global awareness, engagement and action for nature”-report include a 71% rise in popularity of searches...
New Action Plan to treble tree planting rates in England
Building on the recommendations of the Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity, the UK Government has announced new commitments for tree planting and tree health in England.
The England Trees Action Plan (ETAP) will aim to 'at least treble' tree planting rates in England by the end of this Parliament, reflecting England’s contribution to meeting the UK’s overall target of...
Draft guidance for businesses about ‘green’ claims under consultation
The Competition and Markets Authority is seeking views on draft guidance for businesses about ‘green’ claims.
Last year, the CMA announced that it was investigating the impact of green marketing on consumers, in line with its annual plan commitment.
Now the CMA has set out its views on the types of misleading environmental claims made about products that could break the law.
Andrea...
New poll places renewables at the top of Government’s green growth plans
New YouGov poll, commissioned by RenewableUK, shows 'overwhelming' public support for Government prioritising investment in renewable energy over all the other measures outlined by the Prime Minister in his Ten Point Plan.
When Boris Johnson announced his plan in November, he set out ten key areas to focus on, including advancing offshore wind, driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen,...
World Bee Day 2021
Today is the fourth annual observance of the World Bee Day.
The 20th of May celebration of bees was adopted by United Nations to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard, while needing so little...
UK’s net-zero bill could be £16.7bn lower with flexible energy, according to new report
Investing in flexibility could bring the annual cost of UK net zero down by billions of pounds, new report reveals.
Flexibility is defined by Ofgem as ’modifying generation and/or consumption patterns in reaction to an external signal (such as a change in price) to provide a service within the energy system’. To date, the energy industry has typically provided flexibility...
Government responds to Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes-report
The Government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes has been published.
According to the Committee, the response 'does little to alleviate concerns that sufficient action is being done to tackle the greenhouse gas emissions of the UK’s housing stock.'
Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, commented on the response: “Our Committee...
Water sector to plunge £2.8 billion into the green recovery
The water sector is set to invest £2.8 billion in environmental projects, Ofwat has announced.
In collaboration with Defra, the Environment Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and CCW, the water regulator wrote to water companies last year and challenged them to identify ways to support the country’s green economic recovery from COVID-19.
Companies were asked to bring forward new proposals and...
New jails to be ‘net zero’, Lord Chancellor announces
Four new prisons being built in England will use heat pumps, efficient lighting systems and thousands of solar panels to reduce energy demand by half and cut carbon emissions by 'at least 85%' compared to prisons already under construction, the government has announced.
This is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 280,000 tonnes, cut £100 million in energy costs over...