Industry leaders The Environmental Protection Group are recognised in water and geoenvironmental sectors
Leading SME, The Environmental Protection Group, has been awarded SME Consulting Firm of the Year at last week’s NCE Awards 2025. Celebrated for their innovation, diversity of services, and involvement in industry guidance within the water and environmental sector, EPG were crowned winners in a glittering London ceremony. With a team of multidisciplinary expertise, EPG…
Warning to small businesses over new food waste regulations
Firms face fines for not separating food waste, lawyer warns Employers could face fines if they fail to separate their food waste from other recyclables and rubbish, an environmental lawyer has warned. New legislation that requires businesses with as few as ten employees to follow strict waste rules has flown under the radar, according to…
New product launch at IFT Chicago – TasteMod2 is unveiled
CO2Sustain a leader in flavour innovation, is proud to announce the launch of TasteMod2, a groundbreaking Flavour with Modifying Properties (FMP), specifically developed to help beverage manufacturers meet the growing demand for healthier, zero and lower-sugar drinks—without compromising on taste. CO2Sustain have a healthy obsession with how things taste. We understand that taste is the…
Brighter classrooms, smaller bills: UK schools cut carbon and costs with Drax Foundation funding
Schools across the UK are taking the lead on important energy saving measures, reducing their carbon footprint and reaping the rewards where it matters most, in the classroom. Over £1.5 million worth of investment from the Drax Foundation has enabled 27 schools across the country to slash their carbon emissions, saving thousands on energy bills…
Leeds Beckett University’s the Retail Institute leads groundbreaking project on sustainable packaging
The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University, one of the UK’s leading academic research centres focused on the future of consumer experiences in retail, food and packaging has released a major new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector. Bringing together senior leaders from across the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) supply…
Bradford College connects to Energy Network in Net Zero Push
Work to connect Bradford College to the £70m Bradford Energy Network is officially underway, marking a significant move away from fossil fuels and towards achieving Net Zero. Heat networks (also known as district heating) supply heat from a central source. Underground pipes carry hot water to buildings on a network, enabling the rapid decarbonisation of…
£5m scheme improves the energy efficiency of West Yorkshire homes
A £5.8million project to reduce the energy usage and carbon emissions of over 440 homes in Leeds and Harrogate has led to warmer living and lower bills for residents across the region, thanks to energy and regeneration specialist Equans and Leeds Federated Housing Association. Retrofit work carried out to the homes – a mix of…
Is the air we share a toxic soup of invisible pollutants?
The Air We Share is a Pint of Science talk that offers a fascinating insight into the one thing we all cannot live without – air. Cell Biologist/ Pharmacologist Dr Jacobo Elies from the University of Bradford lifts the lid on the toxins we breathe on a daily basis. He says: “Pollutants are everywhere but most…
NNFCC Ltd has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights
NNFCC Limited, an award-winning consultancy in the bioeconomy sector, has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights. Based at York Science Park, the rebrand marks a new milestone in the company’s history which spans over 20 years. While NNFCC Ltd remains the registered company name, the refreshed brand identity reflects a stable and adaptive approach to leadership…
Chemical company actions environmental commitment with 220 hours of work
A chemical specialist has actioned part of its plan to be a net-zero company by 2045 with the completion of its first environmental project. Forty members of staff at Airedale Group have volunteered 220 hours of time to the Aire Rivers Trust, helping nurture the waterways in the Aire Valley and encourage natural life in…
Drax Group Trading update – strong performance, disciplined capital allocation
Highlights Strong performance – FlexGen(1), Pellet Production and Biomass Generation Full year 2025 expectations for Adj. EBITDA(2) around the top end of consensus estimates(3) Continuing to target post 2027 recurring Adj. EBITDA(2) of £600-700 million FlexGen, Pellet Production and Biomass Generation(4) £300 million share buyback programme progressing, c.£207 million complete Final dividend of 15.6 pence…
Drax Foundation awards £3.6m funding in 2024, benefitting nearly 100,000 people across the globe
Key initiatives include donations to projects that enhance STEM education, improve access to green spaces, and implement energy efficiency measures in schools. Donations projected to benefit 98,000 people in the regions where Drax operates As part of this total, the foundation also donated £695,000 to grassroots organisations through our Community Fund Drax Foundation, the charitable…
Leeds flats enter a low carbon future
Residents in three blocks of flats in Leeds now have warmer, cheaper to heat homes as a result of a project to drive down costly energy use and reduce carbon emissions. Through the project, carried out by energy and regeneration specialist Equans and social housing provider 54North Homes, 98 homes have been improved, making them…
Oscrete’s new testing facility helps reduce carbon footprint
Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has doubled its customer trials following investment in its expanded and upgraded laboratory. Oscrete’s enhanced, secure laboratory with dedicated office, tests admixtures to evaluate and optimise their effects on concrete’s properties. The new, advanced 100m² lab is a full concrete testing facility, in use up to six days a week….
Make a difference this Great British Spring Clean
City of York Council is encouraging residents, schools, businesses and community groups to get involved in this year’s Great British Spring Clean. The ninth annual Great British Spring Clean will take place from 21 March – 6 April. During the Great British Spring Clean, the council will lend a hand to support anyone taking part, including: providing…
Driving sustainability in business: Docuflow receives GreenMark Certification
Docuflow Ltd., a leading provider of workplace solutions and digital transformation services, is delighted to announce its recent accreditation with the prestigious GreenMark Certification. This recognition highlights the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to set the standard in corporate social responsibility. Docuflow achieved a…
One year on – Our AA fleet celebrates HVO truck trial progress
As part of our award-winning, innovative “test and scale” approach to fleet decarbonisation, we have expanded our trial of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) from three to 15 vehicles. This allows us to further evaluate the viability of this alternative fuel in dealing with roadside recovery demands in real-world settings. If this trial extension proves successful,…
Phenomenal figures released for York’s Park and Ride
Figures released today show that 2024 was the busiest year for York’s Park and Ride since 2017, with the total number of journeys exceeding 4.5 million, almost one million higher than in 2023. December saw the most trips for a decade, recording nearly 500,000 journeys, a 3.5 per cent increase on the previous highest monthly…
Greenpower Kit Car Challenge launched across Bradford schools
School pupils across the region have the chance to build a battery-powered kit car and race in an epic grand finale following the launch of the 2025 ‘Bradford College Greenpower Challenge.’ The annual Challenge runs in partnership with Greenpower Education Trust to kickstart interest in engineering careers. The project helps to unlock potential and spark enthusiasm in young…
Be inspired by our energy-efficient show home!
Two empty Council houses are being given energy-efficient revamps and will become temporary demonstration homes before being re-let to new tenants. The new tenants will benefit from a warm healthy home with reduced heating bills. The first council house to be renovated is a Victorian mid-terrace in Clementhorpe, and the next one will be a…
15 years of putting ‘washroom services’ at the heart of our business
Thirsk based TWC Facilities Ltd, a leading provider of washroom solutions, is proudly celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Since its humble beginnings, the company has grown into the region’s top choice for washroom services in the North of England, offering a range of services including washroom management, waste services, floor mat solutions, and consumables….
2025 Garden Waste Subscription Scheme open
From today [Monday 13 January], households eligible to subscribe to the 2025 Garden Waste Subscription Scheme can sign up ahead of the new season in March. The easiest way to sign up for the scheme is to complete an online form at www.york.gov.uk/GardenWaste Support is available for anyone who is not able to apply this…
Wilton Developments agree a three-site partnership with SSE Energy Solutions
Wilton Developments is pleased to confirm that it has appointed SSE Energy Solutions to deliver energy infrastructure for three of its forthcoming strategic Industrial & Logistics developments in the North of England; LEEDS500 adjacent the M1 east of Leeds, Doncaster North at J6 of the M18 and Dynamo Park at Stockton on Tees. The partnership…
Enforcement against dog control and public urination could change. Do you agree?
The Council is looking at updating the way in which it can deter people behaving in anti-social ways including urinating in public or not controlling their dogs, and issue fines which are fair and timely. New proposals for powers to enforce these offences by police and council officers are being proposed. These Public Space Protection…
The Grammar School at Leeds named Eco-School of the Year
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been named one of five schools nationwide to receive the prestigious Eco-Schools School of the Year Award for 2024. This accolade celebrates GSAL’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to involve students and staff in creating a greener future. At the heart of GSAL’s success is…
Time running out for York businesses to get free green makeover to slash emissions and energy bills
Scheme has already identified 587 Tonnes of CO2 Savings for local businesses Free onsite support and training tailored to help cut carbon, reduce energy bills, and boost competitiveness Scheme aims to help businesses meet net zero goals – firms must apply before January York businesses are being urged to sign up in time for a…
Otley garden centre provides charity with plants to encourage wildlife
The team at Otley Garden Centre has donated wildflower seeds to Wildlife Friendly Otley to improve habitat corridors around the town. The Otley team worked with members of Wildlife Friendly Otley volunteers and Councillor, Linda Hoare to sow seeds in a 429 m2 area along the verge from the garden centre to the Otley/Pool boundary….
Ousewem unveils second video in partnership with The Artery
Ousewem, an innovative flood resilience project supporting vulnerable North Yorkshire communities, is proud to release the second video in its compelling series exploring the transformative role of natural flood management (NFM) in building resilient communities. Created in collaboration with The Artery, a champion for creativity and collaboration in North Yorkshire’s rural and coastal communities, the…
Ousewem further expands flood resilience efforts
Ousewem is thrilled to announce the continued expansion of its natural flood management (NFM) focus areas within the North Yorkshire Swale, Ure, Nidd and Ouse catchments, expanding its focus initially to communities in Arkengarthdale, Masham, Bellerby, and Bishop Monkton, with other communities to follow where resources allow. This follows the previous phase which targeted communities…
West Yorkshire developer works with local scout group to transform open space
Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes has recently worked with a local scout & explorer group in Burley in Wharfedale, near its Centurion Meadows and Imperial Court developments, to transform some disused open space. Burley Scouts & Explorers teamed up with David Wilson Homes to transform the open space at St Mary’s Church to create an…
Drax Group Trading update – strong performance, disciplined capital allocation
Highlights Strong performance – Flexible Generation(1), Pellet Production and Biomass Generation Progressing target for >£500 million EBITDA post 2027 from FlexGen(1) and Pellet Production UK energy system operator confirms large-scale biomass required for 2030 clean power system Launch of Elimini – US-based developer of 24/7 renewable power and carbon removals Up to £300 million two-year…
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
CBAM has been created by the EU and is the worlds first carbon border tax. To be precise the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) operates by imposing a charge on the embedded carbon content, of CBAM designated imports, that is equivalent to the charge required for the same materials resulting from industries subject to the…
H2Boost project welcomes government officials to witness progress with waste-to-hydrogen technology
The government-backed H2Boost project, led by the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), recently hosted a delegation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to its demonstration facility near Selby. The visit highlighted the project’s innovative approach to clean hydrogen production and carbon capture, which could support the UK’s net-zero ambitions. The delegation included…
New coding club to encourage the next generation of women in STEM
Drax is offering girls at Selby Community Primary School the perfect opportunity to grow their budding science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills with a brand-new coding club, helping students learn coding by creating and programming interactive projects. Launched by the Drax Community and Education team at Drax Power Station near Selby in North Yorkshire,…
NESO Clean Power 2030 report reaction from Will Gardiner, CEO – role of biomass and hydro and BECCS in delivering Government’s 2030 targets
Commenting on the National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) report Clean Power 2030 Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO, said: “NESO couldn’t be any clearer, our power stations and plans to invest billions in renewable flexible electricity and carbon removals have a critical role to play in delivering the Government’s clean power target and wider climate goals. Drax…
Schools out! – First visit of the academic year to Drax Power Station
Drax Power Station has received its first school visit of the academic year, with nearby Howden Church of England Infant School taking advantage of the newly created Drax Transport Fund, established as part of the renewable energy leaders’ community fund. Children from the school’s year two class were given free travel and admission to Drax’s…
Oscrete secures platinum rating in global sustainability assessment
Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has achieved the highest award in a global sustainability rating programme. Oscrete is now in the top 1% of companies in the world that have been assessed by the EcoVadis sustainability rating programme which measures the quality of a company’s sustainability management system. As one of the UK’s leading specialist construction…
Insulating solid walled homes has potential to cut energy bills by up to 30 per cent, major new research study finds
Insulating the UK’s eight million solid walled homes has the potential to cut energy bills by 30 per cent in some homes – and is essential to achieve the domestic energy efficiency targets, according to new research led by Leeds Beckett University. The research was carried out by the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds…
Leeds College of Building joins low carbon heat network
Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus is set to benefit from the latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES district heating network. The network uses heat recovered from non-recyclable domestic waste to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city. The project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil-fuel…
Aire Valley environment project launches company’s net zero pledge
North Yorkshire-based business, Airedale Group, has launched its journey towards net zero by 2045 with a major new project to support its local environment. The chemical specialist has pledged 200 hours of volunteer time to help the Aire Rivers Trust in its work to improve the Aire Valley rivers, reducing flooding and encouraging nature in…
Kirk Sandall Junior School installs solar panels with funding from the Drax Foundation
Drax Foundation funding has saved three schools an estimated 14.5 tonnes of combined carbon emissions this year, the equivalent of 24 transatlantic flights between London and New York. The Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax), has funded the installation of solar panels at Kirk Sandall Junior School as part…
West Yorkshire housebuilder shares top tips for reducing waste this recycle week
In recognition of Recycle Week (14th to 20th October), Barratt and David Wilson Homes is sharing simple but effective tips to help homeowners minimise their waste footprint and recycle smarter. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “We are encouraging homeowners to share our eco-friendly vision by rethinking their recycling habits,…
York’s role in leading climate action for the region: residents invited to get involved
York is at the forefront of regional efforts to tackle the climate crisis as part of the newly launched Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Plan 2024. Following significant engagement across the region, the comprehensive plan has gained unanimous support from all 15 local authorities. York’s leader, Councillor Claire Douglas, is a key voice in driving…
Major milestone achieved in £5m H2Boost project with opening of biohydrogen production facility
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) and its consortium partners have successfully launched a demonstration-scale biohydrogen production and carbon capture facility at The Maltings, a food waste processing facility near Selby, North Yorkshire. This facility is part of the H2Boost project, which secured £5 million in Phase 2 funding last year through the Department for Energy…
Future generation – schools given opportunity to shine with Drax’s 50th anniversary art competition
Schoolchildren are being invited by Drax to submit their designs for a poster that visualises the energy industry workers of the 21st century. Winners will see their designs showcased at the power station’s history display, as part of its golden anniversary celebrations. Renewable energy pioneer, Drax, is offering schoolchildren in communities local to Drax Power…
Introducing Elimini: working to deliver carbon removals at megaton scale and 24/7 renewable power
Elimini, a new US-based business with an ambition to be a leader in carbon removals, has today been launched at Climate Week NYC. The company is dedicated to permanently removing carbon from the atmosphere while generating renewable, 24/7 power. By advancing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the United States and beyond, the…
York walls in bloom
Residents and visitors will be able to experience areas of the city walls from a fresh perspective next spring, as this unique and historic space blooms into life. Volunteers and businesses from across the city are coming together this week to help transform the City Walls embankments, for the first phase of the York Walls in…
Power surge: UK spends £250 million each month importing record volumes of electricity from Europe
The UK is importing record amounts of power from Europe, with the country spending more than £250 million on power from abroad each month, new analysis by Drax Electric Insights has found. A record 20% of the country’s electricity demand was met by imports from Europe during the second quarter of 2024. Imports accounted for…