The Icon

COSMETICS giant L’Oréal has launched its latest set of sustainability ambitions for 2030. In its latest sustainability plan, the company states that they are accelerating their transformation towards a business model that 'respects planetary boundaries and reinforces its commitments to both sustainability and inclusion.' Alexandra Palt, L’Oréal Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, commented on the announcement: “Over the past decade, we have...

THIS is revealed in new research by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) on the uptake of low carbon technologies (LCTs) required to reach UK's 2050 net zero goal. Examining the expected changes in SSEN’s two distribution areas in the south of England and north of Scotland, the data reveals electric vehicle ownership will increase from 44,000 to 5m in...

UTILITY industry leaders have joined forces to form Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership, which seeks to launch the 2020-2025 Workforce Renewal and Skills Strategy. The sector, central to achieving Net Zero carbon targets and providing essential services to over 66 million homes, is facing labour market demands and skills challenges that will require 277,000 people over the next decade. Nick Ellins,...

RESEARCHERS at Northumbria University are testing and developing a range of smart digital technologies to help some of the most vulnerable people in society live more independently. Tools including virtual assistants, sensors, apps and off-the-shelf smart devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, are being tested as part of a ‘living lab’ and bringing together researchers from across faculties...

WORKERS from disadvantaged backgrounds are being left behind by the apprenticeship system, with numbers slumping by more than a third since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy, according to Social Mobility Commission's new report. The ‘Apprenticeships and social mobility: Fulfilling potential’ report also reveals that most of the benefits of apprenticeships are going to more privileged learners. It finds that apprenticeships are...

MICROPLASTICS are contaminating the fruit and vegetables we eat, according to two separate scientific studies published this week. According to the first peer-reviewed study by University of Catania scientist Margherita Ferrante, apples are the most contaminated fruit while carrots are the vegetables most affected. Published this week in the journal Environmental Research, the report calls for an urgent review of the effects of microplastics on human health. A second peer-reviewed study out this week will reveal plastic...

PORTSMOUTH Water has driven down the amount of water lost through leaks at the top end of the league table of UK water companies for its low leakage rate. The company reduced leakage by 19% in the past year, and saved an additional nine million litres of water each day compared to last year – nearly enough to fill four Olympic-size...

BRITISH Land has launched its Sustainability Strategy, announcing its ambition to transform the entire portfolio, including developments to net zero carbon by 2030. This follows the conclusion of a successful five-year programme, where the company achieved a 55% reduction in energy intensity and 73% reduction in carbon intensity versus its 2009 baselines, in addition to a 16% reduction in embodied...

A MERGER between Mitie PLC and Interserve Support Services has been proposed for a combined consideration of £271m. The merger would comprise of £120m in cash and a 23.4% shareholding in Mitie to be held by or on behalf of Interserve’s shareholders. Interserve Support Services consists of the company’s facilities management operations in the UK and overseas across both public and...

PLANS to install solar panels on 500 council homes across the city by 2023 have been approved by the Brighton & Hove City Council's Housing Committee. The plan will help cut tenants’ fuel bills by up to £150 a year per household and reduce total carbon emissions by 300 tonnes a year. Councillor Siriol Hugh-Jones, the joint opposition spokesperson for housing,...