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….
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,…
Almost two thirds of law firms may lack the knowledge needed to deliver against sustainability goals
New research reveals 66% of law firm employees believe their company has clear sustainability goals, though many of the staff responsible for delivering plans lack confidence in their ability to achieve them. The study highlights 78% of firms have appointed individuals to lead their green initiatives. However, only 38% of these sustainability champions believe they…
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…
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….
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…
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….
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…
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…
West Yorkshire homebuilder highlights three storey living with dolls house infographic
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is integrating new building regulations to improve energy efficiency standards into new homes across the county. Homeowners at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments in West Yorkshire have the potential to make substantial cost savings on their energy bills, while enjoying eco-friendly and sustainable living. The new property…
West Yorkshire homebuilder shines a light on energy efficient homes
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is integrating new building regulations to improve energy efficiency standards into new homes across the county. Homeowners at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments in West Yorkshire have the potential to make substantial cost savings on their energy bills, while enjoying eco-friendly and sustainable living. The new property…
EV charging points installed at TPE North Yorkshire station
Four electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed at one of TPE’s (TransPennine Express’) North Yorkshire stations – the first at the train operator’s car parks. Customers using the station will now be able to charge their vehicles while they travel by train from Thirsk. The new 22kW facilities were switched on today, Friday…
DB Cargo UK delivers HVO-powered services for Drax
DB Cargo UK has announced that all trains it operates for Drax Group in and out of the UK’s largest renewable energy plant near Selby, will be powered by environmentally friendly Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) having switched entirely to the fuel. Drax Group, the UK’s leading producer of renewable energy, has taken the decision to…
Storm storage: TPE trials new planter at North Yorkshire station
A specially designed planter that captures, uses, and stores rainwater before slowly releasing it into drains has premiered at one of TransPennine Express’ (TPE’s) North Yorkshire stations. The planter at Northallerton station captures water runoff from guttering before it can enter drains, helping to reduce the risk of local drainage networks being overwhelmed during storms,…
Top tips to help butterflies flutter by in West Yorkshire this Summer
To celebrate Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count (12th July to 4th August), leading homebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has teamed up with Butterfly Conservation to share top tips on how to help butterflies and moths this summer. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “As a leading housebuilder, we take…
Join in: seven ‘Days of Action’ to help clean up Bradford, Keighley and Huddersfield
Housing provider Incommunities has announced a series of ‘Days of Action’ to help clean up local areas. The seven Days of Action will see Incommunities teaming up with local residents to undertake activities like litter picking, painting, and planting shrubs. Colleagues from Bradford Council, Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Police will also be on hand…
Otley garden centre provides plants to renovate Leeds children’s charity garden
The team at Otley Garden Centre has provided subsidised plants to support the renovation of three areas of Leeds Children’s Charity’s Lineham Farm in Eccup. Leeds University student, Aaron Cook approached Otley Garden Centre for support when he and fellow university students wanted to renovate the garden at Lineham Farm in memory of a friend…
GB Railfreight celebrates 10,000th delivery to Drax Power Station
GB Railfreight has today completed the delivery of its 10,000th biomass train from Liverpool to Drax Power Station, North Yorkshire. Since 2016, GB Railfreight’s trains have moved over 15m tonnes of sustainable biomass between Peel Ports, Liverpool and Drax Power Station in Selby, Yorkshire. The biomass hauled by these 10,000 train journeys – equivalent to…
Leading Yorkshire nursery, Johnsons Nurseries, partners with college for second year of successful training course
Two Yorkshire businesses, an agricultural and horticultural college, Askham Bryan College, York and one of the UK’s largest commercial plant growers, Johnsons Nurseries, have partnered up for a second year to deliver a bespoke training course following a successful launch in 2023. Developed exclusively for Johnsons Nurseries’ staff, the 12-week ‘Introduction to Horticulture’ course will…
Whitby Netwalking with English Heritage
The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce team visited the beautiful North Yorkshire landscape yesterday, for a guided tour around Whiby Abbey led by English Heritage. Joined by various business representatives from across the region, guests enjoyed the glorious sunshine on offer whilst also being treated to an insightful talk about the rich history…
South Leeds Garden Centre celebrates nationwide EV rally with free charging on 2nd July
The team at a South Leeds garden centre group is celebrating after being invited to host a prestigious event for electric vehicles next month. Tingley Garden Centre is home to one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Yorkshire and has been selected to host an event as part of a five-day 1400-mile…
Bradford College receives £2.6m grant to help tackle climate change
Bradford College has been awarded a £2.6 million grant for energy-efficiency works that will contribute to ambitious national net-zero targets. Delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) aims to slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. The Scheme targets public…
Drax Foundation gives £500k to boost stem education, support communities and reduce energy poverty
New funding will go to seven projects that are sited near to where Drax Group operates in England and Scotland Latest donation of over £500k will support 3,600 vulnerable people with their energy bills, enable 3,100 children to access STEM education, and help 240 schools become more energy efficient. The Drax Foundation, the charitable entity…
Affordable homes scheme underscores association’s strong commitment to Keighley
The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has spoken of his pride after the organisation handed over the keys to new tenants of 11 properties which make up the first phase of a new development of 20 affordable homes in Keighley. The remaining nine properties are nearing completion and will be occupied later this…
Trinity Leeds launches innovative sustainable retail concept ‘Re:Pair Lab’
An innovative new sustainable fashion concept from Trinity Leeds will see up-and-coming designers showcased alongside local fashion brands and second-hand sellers this summer. Re:Pair Lab is a new initiative from Trinity Leeds owner Landsec, partnering with Leeds Beckett University and Wayne Hemingway – co-founder of HemingwayDesign, who have been at the forefront of bringing sustainable retail…
Leeds Beckett experts leading new project to reduce carbon footprint of Leeds manufacturers
Business and computing experts at Leeds Beckett University are joining forces with Leeds-based Quality Bearings Online Ltd (QBOL) to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, by creating an innovative new business model for the net zero era. The project is a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The academics and QBOL will create…
Drax Foundation helps 148 UK schools save £1.6m in energy costs and reduce their CO2 emissions by 1,700 tonnes
The Drax Foundation, which is the corporate foundation of the renewable energy company Drax Group, launched a three-year programme in 2023 to donate £4.5m to projects that help schools and other community-led organisations to become more energy efficient. In the first year of operation, the programme has supported the energy education charity, Energy Sparks, and…