Published weekly, this series shows how businesses and sustainability professionals are working to achieve their ‘Mission Possible’ across five key campaign pillars – energy, resources, infrastructure, mobility and leadership.
Across the UK and the world, leading businesses, cities, states and regions are taking action on environmental ambitions. Here, we’ve rounded up five positive sustainability stories from this week.
ENERGY: California plans to end gas-fired electric generation
In March 2020, the most populous US state, California, was featured in this roundup for legislation for new emission targets for the energy sector. Policymakers chose a 56% reduction by 2030, against a 1990 baseline, from a previous 40% reduction.
Now, the state is setting new renewable electricity targets. As it works toward ending fossil-fuel-fired electricity generation by 2045, it has set new benchmarks that mean fossil fuels cannot account for more than 10% of generation by 2030, down to 5 % in 2040.
The new targets form part of a $54bn climate package intended to be spent over a five-year period. At least $8bn will be spent on ending gas-fired electricity generation and upgrading the energy distribution system.
Lawmakers also voted to extend the working life of California’s last remaining operational nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, until at least 2030. Some environmental groups opposed the move, arguing that renewables would be more efficient. at cost. Some argue that this is a good idea.
RESOURCES: Selfridges is betting on service-based business models to cut waste
After pledging to offer circular economy services for all its product categories, Selfridges this week went one step further. The retailer pledged on Friday (2 September) to ensure that 45% of its transactions across stores and online come from circular products, practices and services by 2030.
The commitment forms part of an update to its Project Earth Sustainability Strategy, which also includes a new goal to only source high-impact materials from suppliers with accredited sustainability certifications by 2025.
Selfridges managing director Andrew Keith said: “We recognize that we need to challenge ourselves to accelerate change and our ambitious circular and material targets are just that. We don’t have all the answer, but we are committed to finding solutions, through a continuous imaginative approach to retail innovation.
The company has started offering retail options for fashion using its own platform, following a collaboration with Depop’s pop-up store. It also provides wedding dress rentals, dress alterations and fashion repairs.
MOBILITY: Polestar has partnered with Candela for electric boats
Polestar, the Swedish electric car company, has appeared at edie several times over the years and took home our ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ award at the edie Sustainability Leaders Awards 2021.
Today, the company signed a multi-year agreement to supply its battery and charging systems – previously used in the road transport sector – to the electric boat manufacturer Candela. Candela chief executive Gustav Hasselskog called Polestar “a dream partner”.
He said: “While the electrification of vehicles has come a long way in the last few years, the marine sector has fallen behind. Marrying our efficient hydrofoil technology to high capacity batteries from Polestar means we can accelerate mass market adoption of electric boats together.
Candela already claims that its boats use 80% less energy at high speeds than traditional motorized boats. This is because they use hydrofoil technology, commonly known for its applications in surfing, to improve aerodynamics.
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Metrocentre continues to install solar roof
Intu Metrocentre in Gateshead is the third largest shopping center in the UK and welcomes more than 24 million shoppers each year.
After completing the first phase of its plans to install rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points, the mall’s asset manager, Sovereign Centros, confirmed that the second and final phase is underway and should be completed eventually. . of the year. Working with energy consultant Syzygy, the company has already installed 600kW of solar on the roof and is currently installing 46 new EV charging bays.
The solar panels will enable the Metrocentre to meet around 37% of its annual electricity needs once the chargers are installed. They will remain in place for 25 years. It is estimated that the panels and chargers can alleviate 315 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
“We know that Gateshead has an ambitious plan to be zero carbon by 2030, so we are proud to be actively working towards this common goal to bring renewable energy to the local community,” said Sovereign Centros senior asset manager Ben Cox.
“. It’s exciting to see the early development stage go live and we’re excited about the new opportunities we can offer our customers. A solar panel and car port installation of this size has never been seen before in a shopping center in the UK and when the project is completed later this year, the Metrocentre will have the largest solar panel installation in either which UK shopping centre.
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP: Ecosia and Black Isle Brewery are marking the anniversary of Silent Spring
Image: Sina Samavati
This September marks the 60thth anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. The New York Times credited the book with “igniting” the environmental movement in the US, leading to wider awareness of the link between pesticides and biodiversity loss. The book also connects the dots between unsustainable food systems and poor public health. Some say the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would never have been established without Carson’s work.
To mark the occasion, organic craft brewery Black Isle has teamed up with Ecosia to launch a special pale ale. Half of the proceeds raised from sales will go to Ecosia’s tree planting work. At the same time, the brewery will use the drink to promote a strong agreement with the UN biodiversity COP.
Based just north of Inverness, Black Isle operates a 130 hectare organic farm and works on site to restore and create ponds, wetlands and woodlands. It describes its work as “the antethesis of modern agri-industrialist production based almost on monoculture, yield and profit”.
The brand’s business development manager Lawrie Wotherspoon said: “We always have Silent Spring as a foundational text here at Black Isle. In fact, his views are completely in line with our own approach to the natural environment and inform our decision to remain free of artificial chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which destroy the biodiverse ecosystem while also polluting the waterways and emits greenhouse gases.
“Our own experience in tree planting, habitat creation, permaculture and community involvement around our market garden and farm inspired us to reach out to Ecosia, where we share most of the important amount.”
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