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Thames Water has proposed changes to how it replaces meters and offer free data services to retailers after an Ofwat investigation. This is in addition to other formal commitments under the Competition Act 1998 to address concerns over the company’s approach to rolling out its smart metering programme in the business retail market. In June 2019, Ofwat opened an investigation using...

Following its Statutory Consultation on short-term interventions-consultation at the end of 2021, energy regulator Ofgem has introduced two time-limited measures to help stabilise the energy market. An Ofgem spokesperson said: “The energy market has faced a huge challenge due to the unprecedented increase in global gas prices; a once in a 30-year event. We’re putting in place short-term measures to...

The annual Ernst & Young (EY) Long-Term Value and Corporate Governance Survey, which polled 200 senior leaders from 15 European countries and 25 industries found a tension between the advantages of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-driven corporate strategy to long-term, inclusive growth and leaders’ willingness to support this through corporate governance. The survey found 'a significant increase' from 66% to...

Newcastle City Council has submitted a bid to the European Commission for the city to become one of its 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The chosen cities will become innovation hubs and act as leading examples for all other European cities to follow by 2050 in the transition towards climate neutrality. Cllr Clare Penny-Evans, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member...

Only 7% of homeowners with a gas boiler are very likely to consider changing to a different energy source in the next three years as consumers face soaring energy bills, recent research from NatWest and IHS Markit has revealed. The latest research from the Greener Homes Attitude Tracker, based on responses from 4,500 people across the UK in the fourth...

'More environmentally friendly' heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are allowed on Britain’s roads, with new government regulations coming into effect today (14 February). The new rules will allow haulage companies to choose vehicles with elongated cabs and aerodynamic features fitted on the back, which help reduce fuel consumption. A 2013 study estimated that these aerodynamic improvements to HGVs could result in fuel...

There should be greater investment in a wider group of decision-making experts on landscape management if the UK is to reach climate targets such as net zero, a new report warns. An interdisciplinary team of UK researchers have highlighted ‘multiple contradictions’ in the pathways to net zero climate targets and called for wider-reaching solutions to create a more sustainable future. According...

Ethical investment crowdfunding platform Abundance Investment Ltd has launched an offer to invest in Carbon Plantations, a new business planting – for the first time in the UK – a variety of fast-growing broadleaf hardwood trees which can absorb carbon dioxide 'up to seven times' faster than newly planted native woodland. Carbon Plantations, which is backed by Aether Energy, will...

UK retailers have cancelled £7.1bn in contracts across the last 12 months with suppliers that don’t meet stringent ethical and sustainable standards, new research reveals. According to the Barclays Corporate Banking report, Reshaping retail: how ethics and sustainability are changing retail’s ecosystem, the pandemic and an increasing focus on Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) are shifting business priorities. Karen Johnson, Head of...

Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions are to be held annually rather than every two years, the government has announced. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the increased auction frequency should benefit developers and the supply chain, as well as further supporting the UK in meeting its Net Zero and renewable electricity targets. Business and Energy Secretary...