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Amount of E.coli in private water supply samples are causing concern, as Scotland’s Drinking Water Quality Regulator unveils their data for 2019. In 2019, a total of 48,384 tests were taken from regulated private water supplies, which are those supplying more than 50 people or a commercial activity. 89.8 per cent of tests met the required standard, but 14.5% of these...

Many of the central policies in the Scottish Programme for Government published earlier this week have been welcomed by a collection of leaders spanning Scotland’s private, public and third sectors, delivery organisations and membership bodies. The Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG) aims to inform and influence the Scottish Government's response to the climate emergency by providing 'practical, workable solutions' for...

The 5 millionth second-generation smart meter (SMETS2) has been installed onto the Data Communications Company's (DCC) nationwide secure network. This milestone was passed with the installation of an electricity smart meter at 9:44am on the 7 September by Bulb Energy at a location in Lincoln. During the COVID-19 lockdown more than three quarters of a million smart meters were installed. The installation...

The first UK-wide citizens’ assembly on climate change published its final report today, setting out 'a clear, internally consistent and timely path for how the UK can reach its legally binding target of net zero emissions by 2050.' In a statement opening the report, Assembly members said that it is “imperative that there is strong and clear leadership from Government” that...

Today techUK, the Solar Trade Association and Renewable UK have announced a new partnership to promote the transition to a net zero economy. As part of a business-led push for a green recovery, techUK will be encouraging its member companies to consider setting up long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) to stimulate UK-based renewable energy generation. Julian David, CEO of techUK, commented...

The chief executives of fifteen water companies were challenged to do more to protect the environment in a meeting with Environment Minister Rebecca Pow earlier this week. Minister Pow commented: “Water companies need to take their environmental obligations seriously and this impetus must come from the top. “Despite investment from the industry, the damage inflicted on our environment – our rivers,...

Investors are being invited to get behind more than £1 billion of low carbon, eco-friendly and recycling investment opportunities in Scotland. Led by the Scottish Government, the Green Investment Portfolio promotes market-ready projects that will help Scotland transition to a net-zero economy by 2045 and are seeking private capital. Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop commented on the launch: “Worth around £300 trillion...

Highways England has charged a green incentive scheme with a multi-million pound investment that allows businesses to try electric vehicles for free before they buy. In an initiative designed to encourage a shift to cleaner, lower carbon vehicles, the company is handing £9.3 million to local authorities to encourage businesses with diesel van fleets to make the switch to electric. It...

Charge points at supermarkets and popular tourist sites and batteries that could charge in six minutes could all be a part of the government electric vehicle uptake strategy, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today, on the first-ever World EV Day. Recommendations in a government-commissioned report by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles also include consistent and clear public signage for drivers...

Anglian Water is calling all nature lovers, environmentalists, anglers, dog walkers, birdwatchers, kayakers and canal-walkers to come together and create a battalion of river guardians as part of its 'Pollution Watch' campaign. The water company is stepping up its own Pollution Watch activity and is asking the public to join the company in protecting and preserving the environment across the...