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Slightly reducing the amount of disinfectant residuals we use to maintain clean drinking water could deliver significant improvements to water quality while making our drinking water systems more sustainable, according to new research from engineers at the University of Sheffield. In a new study, led by Professor Joby Boxall and Dr Katherine Fish from the University’s Department of Civil and...

Environmental organisations are struggling to communicate the sheer scale and complexity of the climate crisis to the public and funders, according to a new report by grant-making charity Garfield Weston Foundation. The report found that almost half of organisations highlighted lack of public understanding as their biggest challenge when it comes to the environment. Over a quarter of organisations also fear...

A major review has been launched into existing assistance schemes for customers struggling to pay their water bills. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has issued a call for evidence after being asked by the UK and Welsh Governments to undertake an independent review of the support currently on offer to water customers in financial hardship. Robert Light, Chair of CCW,...

While the total energy consumption across society fell by 11 per cent between 2000 and 2019, the trend of lesser consumption continued further in many sectors last year. This was revealed when Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) released the newest statistics on energy consumption in the UK. Main findings of the report were: Final energy consumption (excluding non-energy...

A total of 1.3GW of new wind capacity could come online this winter, forecasts from Cornwall Insight's Renewables pipeline tracker report show. This is ~5% rise in total capacity, which could reach 25.4GW. The below graph highlights the forecast growth of wind capacity to March 2021. Lucy Dolton, Analyst at Cornwall Insight, commented on the findings: "New capacity anticipated this winter is...

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is inviting Local Authorities, working with their local partners, to apply for funding under Green Home Grant scheme to be used to improve the energy efficiency of homes of low-income households living in their area. Applications are now open until 12pm on 4 December 2020. In July 2020, the Chancellor announced £2 billion...

Is hydrogen vegan friendly? Does it have a smell? How is it made? Does it occur naturally as an element on its own? Cadent has launched its first chatbot focused on hydrogen by collaborating with Google Cloud Technology. The chatbot can answer over 200 questions about hydrogen and its potential role in providing green energy for the net zero future. It’s designed...

The European Commission has announced the new 2020 State of the Energy Union Report and its accompanying documents focused on different aspects of EU energy policy. This year's Report is the first one since the adoption of the European Green Deal, and looks at the Energy Union's contribution to Europe's long-term climate goals. Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, commented on the report: “The...

The European Commission has adopted the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability as the first step towards a zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment announced in the European Green Deal. The Strategy will boost innovation for safe and sustainable chemicals, and increase protection of human health and the environment against hazardous chemicals. This includes prohibiting the use of the most harmful...

A new partnership between the University of Hull and Hull City Council offers a glimpse into the future of low-carbon housing. Experts in energy and sustainability from the University will work alongside the City Council to develop a project to demonstrate, at full scale, the potential of new technology designed to decarbonise the heating of homes. Prof. Xudong Zhao, from the...