The Icon

Almost 1 in 3 of the UK’s largest businesses have committed to eliminate their contribution to climate change by 2050. As of 31 March, 30 of the UK’s FTSE 100 companies have signed up to the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign – the largest ever global alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. This...

The majority of new homes in England are in the most energy efficient bands, according to figures published on Thursday. In the last quarter 84% of new homes across the country were given an energy rating of A or B, compared to 79% in the previous quarter. The statistics also show that 392,000 domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were lodged in England,...

Great Britain’s electricity grid was 'the greenest it’s ever been' at 1pm on Monday 5th April, National Grid ESO has announced. According to the electricity system operator for Great Britain, the carbon intensity of electricity – the measure of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity consumed – dropped to 39 gCO2, the lowest figure in history. Sunny spells and blustery conditions,...

The Environmental Audit Committee has emphasised the 'substantial potential' of the tidal power sector to contribute to the UK’s renewable energy mix to the Government. In a letter to Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, the Committee has reflected on evidence it received in the latest stage of its Technological innovations and climate change inquiry. Members heard that current tidal stream projects in development already...

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of a draft plan/programme to enable future renewable leasing for offshore wind, wave and tidal devices and licensing/leasing for seaward oil and gas rounds, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide gas storage, and offshore hydrogen. This SEA process aims to help inform offshore energy licensing and leasing...

A consultation proposing altering the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) for greater carbon savings by revised renewable targets, recycled carbon and non-biological fuel amounts, and its role in maritime, has been launched. The consultation document by Department for Transport proposes options to amend the RTFO in order to increase the carbon savings made. Savings would be made by: Increasing the RTFO...

32 new charity-run projects will receive funding through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme (Energy Redress Scheme), the Energy Saving Trust has announced. Each project seeks to help lift households out of fuel poverty and enable them to transition to a low carbon future. The scheme, which is managed and delivered by Energy Saving Trust on behalf of Ofgem, distributes voluntary...

The Ministry of Defence has published its roadmap to becoming more resilient and sustainable in the face of global climate change. Following a report by Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, the Ministry seeks to refresh and renew its approach, building on the work already achieved across defence. Defence aims to 'champion a culture of sustainability across its community', by mitigating environmental impact...

A public consultation has been launched on a new Northern Ireland Energy Strategy. The consultation document outlines the intention to support domestic and business consumers through the energy transition, providing incentives and establishing a ‘one stop shop’ offering impartial support and advice for consumers to make 'informed and affordable clean energy choices.' Economy Minister Diane Dodds commented on the announcement: "Climate...

A new multimillion-pound scheme for local transport authorities to roll out zero-emission buses has announced dates for expressions of interest. Up to £120 million is being made available through the zero-emission-buses regional area (ZEBRA) scheme, which will allow local transport authorities to: Bid for funding to purchase zero-emission buses. Reduce the carbon emissions from their local public transport. Improve air...