Latest Industry News: Edition 36

Uber and BYD Join Forces to Drive Towards a Greener Future  

Transport company Uber has disclosed a new partnership with the multinational conglomerate company BYD, aiming to introduce 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to the Uber platform in major global markets over the coming years.   

Announced on the 31st of July, this collaboration is set to significantly improve the overall EV experience for drivers.  

This initiative will enable competitive vehicle pricing alongside additional benefits such as discounts on charging infrastructure, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. It also includes flexible financing and leasing options tailored to the unique needs of each market.  

This scheme will begin in Europe and Latin America, with future plans to develop into the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.  

Uber states that when one of their drivers switches to an EV, they can reduce emissions up to four times more than the average motorist, due to their longer hours on the road.  

With an ambitious goal to become a net zero mobility platform by 2040, Uber’s dedication to sustainable transportation and adopting greener practices, alongside BYD, aims to significantly reduce emissions and advance eco-friendly solutions in the mobility sector.  

Working Towards a Zero-Waste Economy: Defra Brings Forward Bottle Recycling Policy Initiative  

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) aims to accelerate the implementation of the UK deposit return scheme (DRS).   

Mary Creagh, the UK’s new Nature Minister, has confirmed that the new Labour government plan to introduce a DRS before October 2027, as was originally scheduled by the Conservative government back in 2018.   

This initiative involves a system where customers pay a small deposit when they purchase drinks, which is then subsequently refunded when they return the packaging for recycling through approved methods, such as at supermarket counters or through reverse vending machines.   

The DRS is currently set to include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, and steel and aluminum cans, but will exclude glass containers.  

This scheme will provide numerous benefits including increased recycling rates, reduced litter, and decreased waste in landfills. As a result, this will positively impact the environment, enabling a more sustainable ecosystem, and aligning with the government’s goal of achieving a zero-waste economy.  

Fashion Revolution Report Reveals Less Than Half of Top Brands Have Verified Emission Reduction Goals  

According to a new report by Fashion Revolution titled ‘What Fuels Fashion?’, it has been revealed that fewer than 50% of the top 250 fashion brands globally have published emissions reduction targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).  

In addition, for a third of these brands, Scope 3 emissions, referring to the indirect emissions that occur within the value chain of a company, are still increasing. This is evident in areas such as the waste management of fast-fashion products.  

This is an issue as Scope 3 emissions typically make up the majority of a company's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  

The fashion industry is projected to increase global clothing consumption by 63% by 2030, leading to more waste and environmental degradation.   

Despite the urgent need for better waste management and reduced fossil fuel dependence, many brands are failing to disclose crucial information on production volumes and environmental impacts, making it challenging to assess and address the true scale of their carbon footprint.  

Bank of England on Track to Meet 2030 Climate Targets  

The Bank of England (BoE) has published its yearly climate-related disclosures report, confirming that it is on course to achieve its 2030 goals.   

The report shows substantial reductions in emissions compared to the previous year and reveals that in the year leading up to February 2024, the BoE’s carbon emissions totalled approximately 78,919 tCO2e.   

This represents a 21% decrease from the previous year (20,372 tCO2e lower than 2022/23) and a 45% reduction compared to the baseline year of 2015/16.   

The significant reduction can be attributed to improved accuracy in data and methodology regarding emissions from purchased goods and services.  

The BoE has set out to reach net zero GHG emissions from its physical operations by 2040, in line with its Climate Transition Plan (CTP) released in July 2023.  

Morrisons Makes a Strategic Net Zero Move by Heating up Freezers  

In a bid to decrease carbon dioxide emissions, Morrisons plans to increase freezer temperatures by 3%, significantly reducing energy consumption, aligning with the -15° Coalition’s initiative.  

As the first UK retailer to take action with the Move to -15° Coalition, Morrisons will begin by introducing this change in ten of its stores across the UK, starting on the 1st of August 2024.  

The retailer has ensured that the change from -18° to -15° will have no impact on food safety; therefore, this temperature rise will enhance sustainability without compromising the quality of frozen products.  

Global implementation of a 3°C change across the supply chain could lead to potential savings equivalent to 8.6% of the UK's energy consumption.  

In addition to the expected positive environmental impacts, this adjustment will enable the supermarket company to reduce grocery prices for consumers. This will enable Morrisons to be more price competitive and provide customers with high-quality, low-priced products.  

British Gas Powers Up for Paris 2024   

In support of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, British Gas is offering a range of energy-saving initiatives.   

On the 2nd of August, the company provided free electricity to select pubs, including The Hare &  

Hounds in Farnham and The Swan Inn in Eye, to coincide with the Olympics. This is part of their PeakSave for Business trial, which runs from July 26th to August 30th and offers a 50% discount on electricity used during off-peak hours every Friday.  

Additionally, British Gas is extending its PeakSave offer to homeowners, providing half-price electricity every Sunday from 9am to 5pm throughout the games, and on two Saturdays (August 3rd and September 7th).   

This initiative, available to customers with smart meters, supports greener energy use by encouraging electricity consumption during times of lower demand or higher renewable energy availability.   

The trial has already helped over 600,000 customers save money and use cleaner energy since its launch last year.   

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