Environment News
European environment ministers reject biofuel safeguards
Environment & Carbon News
One in three councils fail to comply with EU building energy efficiency directive
At least 30% of councils receiving government funding for EU building energy efficiency requirements are in breach
A third of commercial property could be unlettable by 2018
Research by WSP consultants has revealed a major regulatory risk for energy inefficient commercial property.
MPs criticise DECC failure to outline Green Deal success criteria
MPs have called for a clearer vision, verifiable performance indicators and regular review of policy to ensure the Green Deal is a success.
IMO makes contentious deal on climate principles
Diplomats’ varying interpretations of the text show disagreements over who should take on responsibility for cutting ships’ emissions have not been solved
Planning guidance review to include new EIA material
The government has accepted the findings of theTaylor review of planning guidance and is expected to produce new advice on environmental impact assessment
Environment Agency launches contaminated land supplier framework
Tendering for contaminated land consultancy work should now take weeks rather than months, the agency says
Progress on environmental account manager trials
DEFRA wants to make environmental permitting quicker and simpler by allocating account managers to developers
Coca-Cola funds research into 'value-action gap' in plastic bottle recycling
Exeter University to study how to change household behaviour to increase recycling rates
Low-carbon sector in export led growth dash
Smaller-sized businesses are embarking on an export dash in the hope of gaining a slice of a multi trillion pound global market in low carbon goods and services
DECC/DEFRA ask if EU is the best place for environment and climate policy
The UK is trying to work out whether it should ask for environmental powers back from the EU, or even relinquish more to the bloc
Brothers get jail for ‘deplorable’ illegal waste activity
Four people were convicted in a complex waste crime case in West Yorkshire
Agency asks retailers to clean up dirty clothing
Voluntary action on nonylphenol ethoxylate in textile supply chains would improve the environment and help firms prepare for future controls.
Sharing offers sustainable business opportunities, finds study
The market for sharing goods and services such as power drills and car travel is worth £22.4bn and growing, according to new research
Draft HS2 environment statement issued for consultation
But the document admits it is impossible to fully assess the impacts of the project until the route is finalised
England “actively considering” bag tax
DEFRA is deciding whether to bring in a carrier bag tax for England, but says it will not act until there is more evidence on how the tax is working in Wales and elsewhere
Flood insurance deal extended by one month
The insurance industry will continue to insure high-risk properties because a replacement agreement has yet to be reached
CO2 levels pass symbolic landmark
The daily mean-level concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has passed 400ppm with the world inching ever closer to dangerous climate change
Finn steps down as Ofwat chief executive
Regina Finn will leave Ofwat before the end of the year after a six-year tenure. Her departure comes part way through a major overhaul of water sector regulation
MPs back Heathrow expansion
A transport committee report will add to pressure on the Davies Commission to recommend new runways at Heathrow and for more work on noise pollution
DEFRA calls for views on environmental guidance
The department has outlined plans to improve guidance and information reporting requirements
Document Watch
Quick links to key documents and reports
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22 May 2013
DECC: The Warm Front scheme Annual Report 2011-12 -
22 May 2013
EFSA: Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels for ethoxyquin -
22 May 2013
The Forestry (Felling of Trees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 -
21 May 2013
DCLG: Planning Act 2008 - Application for the proposed Able Marine Energy Park development consent order
