Sustainability

Sweden’s deposit return system (DRS) saw record-breaking results in 2024, with over 2.8 billion PET bottles and aluminum cans recycled—marking a nearly 6% increase from the previous year. According to Returpack/Pantamera, the organization managing the DRS, this equates to an impressive average of 271 containers recycled per person.

The system ensures that materials are turned back into new bottles and cans rather than being downcycled into lower-grade products. This closed-loop recycling reduces reliance on virgin materials and slashes carbon emissions. In 2024 alone, Sweden’s deposit system helped prevent over 180,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to the yearly emissions of a medium-sized Swedish city.

In the DRS, PET bottles and aluminium cans stay in a closed recycling loop, which is crucial for achieving true circularity. Unlike standard recycling, where materials often degrade in quality and get repurposed into other products, the deposit system keeps valuable materials in continuous use for their original purpose, so that they can become new bottles and cans, over and over again, says Sara Bergendorff, Head of Sustainability and Quality at Returpack/Pantamera.

Deposit increase aims to drive recycling rates above 90%
Sweden’s DRS has been built on 40 years of collaboration between beverage producers, retailers, and engaged consumers. The system’s high return rates and strict quality control make it a model for other countries looking to improve recycling infrastructure and minimize waste.

In 2024, Sweden’s deposit return rate reached 87.6%, just short of the 90% target. The deposit increase announced in January 2025 aims to further push recycling rates while reinforcing the importance of returning every bottle and can.

We often call bottle and can recycling Sweden’s smallest climate action — because everyone can contribute to the environment and climate simply by returning their containers instead of throwing them away or placing them in the regular recycling, says Sara Bergendorff.

Sustainable BCorp developer Igloo Regeneration has unveiled an innovative rental housing model aimed at enhancing community diversity and accessibility across the country. With increasing demand for housing, the new model offers a blend of rental and ownership opportunities on the same site, promoting mixed-tenure environments that contribute to stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.

Already implemented in regeneration projects in Leeds, Nottingham, and Glasgow, the new rental options will soon expand to other locations including Newcastle, Winchester, Sunderland, and Cornwall. This initiative supports Igloo’s ongoing mission to build sustainable, vibrant communities for all.

BCorp sustainable developer Igloo Regeneration has introduced an open-market rental offering to boost housing accessibility and foster diverse, inclusive communities.

Amid growing housing demand, this approach integrates rental and ownership options within single developments, strengthening social cohesion. Igloo has already rolled out rental options alongside market sale and affordable homes in Leeds, Nottingham, and Glasgow, with future expansions planned in Newcastle, Winchester, Sunderland, and Cornwall.

John Long, Executive Director at igloo Regeneration said: “We’ve always wanted more people to be able to live in an igloo home. Now, as part of Thriving Investments and Places for People, we’re able to create rental models to enable this to happen. It means that a wider variety of people can access an igloo quality, sustainable home, building more vibrant neighborhoods that welcome everyone.  And, with more routes to market, it also means that we can build more homes, faster – extending our role in dealing with this country’s housing crisis.

“This initiative marks the beginning of a broader vision, as we plan to scale up with opportunities for third party investment and replicate the model across future igloo developments, ensuring that more communities benefit from the same opportunities for balanced and flexible living.”

Keenan Recycling, a leader in sustainable waste management, has achieved a significant milestone by having its baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory formally verified by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in accordance with the ISO 14064-1 standard. This makes Keenan Recycling the first waste recycling company in the UK to have its carbon emissions verified by BSI.

The ISO 14064-1 verification process, conducted by an accredited provider (BSI), underscores Keenan Recycling’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its carbon emissions measurement and reporting. This independently verified baseline will serve as the foundation for the company’s Net Zero strategy, offering a solid benchmark to guide its future efforts in reducing emissions.

“Our carbon inventory provides the foundation for our carbon reduction planning,” said Fergus Healy, Head of Strategic Development & Net Zero at Keenan Recycling. “Having it verified against ISO 14064-1 by BSI is a significant step in ensuring our emissions reporting meets internationally recognised standards. This achievement further sets us apart in the industry and underlines our commitment to meet our SBTi targets through credible, science-backed sustainability initiatives.”

ISO 14064-1 is a globally recognised standard that provides a framework for organisations to quantify, monitor, and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

This verification validates Keenan Recycling’s robust approach to measuring and managing its greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and Net Zero leadership in the waste sector.

Biodiversity is at the heart of XPO Logistics’ new initiative to enhance natural ecosystems at its sites across the UK and Ireland.

The ‘Nature Network’ project supports XPO’s commitment to sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions and improving the environment around its depots. The company’s headquarters in Crick, Northamptonshire, will be the first to implement these changes, with plans to expand the project to multiple sites in 2025.

As part of the initiative, two acres of land at Crick will be planted with around 20 varieties of wildflowers and 50 native UK trees. These include blossoming and fruit-bearing trees such as apple and damson, as well as large canopy trees to create nesting spaces for birds. Any harvested fruit will be made available in the onsite canteen.

XPO Logistics is also introducing beehives at its Crick headquarters to produce honey for staff and visitors. One hive is already in place, with plans to expand to five, further promoting biodiversity and sustainability across the site.

Wildflowers and herbs – which will be available again for the cafeteria or staff to use – will be planted in 30 planter boxes and 20 wall box racks.

A wormery will also take care of some of the cafeteria waste, while bug hotels and hibernation houses will help insects and hibernating species find a safe home. The shrub hedge—which will run 80 metres along the fence line with neighbouring company sites—will also provide extra natural habitats and cover for animals and insects.

XPO Logistics Crick site is also beginning a new landscaping regime, which includes less cutting of grass and of the existing trees in the main car park area. This will also help to encourage wildflower growth. The pond area will also be enhanced to encourage amphibians, invertebrates, and insects to become part of a thriving ecosystem and ensure a Biodiversity Net Gain.

While each of these measures will improve the environment for the animals and insects in and around the site, it will also benefit the colleagues who work there, creating a more natural, relaxing atmosphere for them to enjoy during breaks. Staff are also encouraged to volunteer during the working day when appropriate to develop the ‘Nature Network’ project, meaning their time used to nurture nature on the sites will be covered by the business, providing an additional benefit.

Dan Myers, managing director—UK & Ireland, XPO Logistics, said, “Each of these initiatives is a small step to improving the local environment and habitat. The passion the team has shown for enhancing biodiversity has been inspirational. This is another small step in addressing the overall sustainability of our business.”

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, dedicated delivery service, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

Switzerland’s recently announced 2035 climate target, revealed on January 29, 2025, has been met with criticism for failing to adequately address the urgency of the climate crisis. The government has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% from 1990 levels by 2035. However, experts argue that this commitment falls short of Switzerland’s fair share of global climate action.

A major point of concern is the country’s reliance on international carbon trading mechanisms, which remain unquantified. Critics warn that these offsets not only divert attention from necessary domestic emission reductions but also often include inefficient credits that fail to achieve real climate impact. This approach raises serious doubts about the overall credibility and effectiveness of Switzerland’s climate strategy.

“This target is neither credible nor fair. Switzerland’s reliance on carbon trading loopholes instead of deep domestic cuts betrays real climate leadership. A 65% reduction by 2035—already inadequate—becomes even weaker when propped up by unreliable offsets. Worse, there’s no real plan to phase out fossil fuels or scale up renewables. ” Andreas Sieber Associate Director of Policy and Campaigning 350.org.

Switzerland has long depended on purchasing international carbon credits rather than prioritizing ambitious domestic action. This pattern continues, with no clear quantification of how much of the target will be met through domestic reductions versus offsets. Without a robust commitment to cutting emissions at home, Switzerland risks failing to deliver real climate progress and undermining global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to an increase of 1.5 degrees. It obliges all countries to take concrete steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Countries must raise their reduction target every five years. Yet, Switzerland’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) fails to include clear domestic sectoral targets or a firm roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels in line with global climate goals.

“Switzerland is perfectly poised, it has the resources and technological capacity to lead on ambitious climate action. Instead of taking the easy way out through offsets, the country should focus on investing in renewable energy, cutting fossil fuel subsidies, and implementing strong domestic policies that ensure a just and effective transition.” Andreas Sieber.

Aggreko has highlighted the critical role of supply chain collaboration for the success of the UK’s energy transition in its latest report. The global energy specialist’s research, Rebalancing the Energy Transition, reveals that eight out of 10 UK CEOs in energy-intensive industries plan to increase investment in supporting the energy transition over the next 12 months, despite ongoing supply chain challenges.

According to Aggreko’s findings, UK CEOs identify supply chain issues as the primary risk to the energy transition, followed by a lack of investment and access to necessary technology.

This concern comes amid the UK government’s renewed commitment to renewable energy and infrastructure, marked by the introduction of Clean Power 2030. This initiative aims to overcome obstacles and speed up progress on energy projects, such as granting government ministers approval for onshore wind projects over 100MW, bypassing local authorities.

The effective deployment of renewable energy production and transmission infrastructure, alongside business energy transitions, will require fresh, innovative approaches within the energy supply chain.

Aggreko’s research showed that ambition around the energy transition among energy intensive businesses is also strong, with eight in 10 UK CEOs stating they will increase investment in the energy transition over the next 12 months. Though nine in ten (or 9 in 10) UK respondents cited they have adjusted timescales around energy transition targets, the UK has the highest proportion of CEOs (52%) across the countries surveyed that stated they have only adjusted short term goals and remain on track for net zero targets.

With ambition from businesses matching that of the government in terms of sustainability targets, Aggreko is highlighting how the entire supply chain must work together to ensure a successful energy transition.

Alan Dunne, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Aggreko, said: “With continued uncertainty around energy cost and resilience, businesses in the UK are facing the challenge of balancing profitability and sustainability. Much like the government and its Clean Energy 2030, UK businesses remain ambitious in making their energy transitions. However, our research has found that barriers and challenges still remain, even though the ambition to fund the energy transition is there.

“High energy costs and fluctuating energy security and resilience has continued to be a challenge for businesses, however, supply chain issues are clearly the biggest risk posed to energy transitions in the eyes of leaders. To overcome all of these challenges at once, it is imperative that businesses engage with expert partners across the supply chain to identify practical ways to reach ESG goals while keeping operations efficient and profitable.”

As the UK continues to develop renewable energy production and infrastructure, the report highlights the challenges around striking the right balance between commercial and ESG ambitions with energy procurement. A key part of this is working closely within the energy supply chain to assess requirements and challenges to choose the most practical solution to deliver efficiency and environmental benefits. Providing the latest efficient technologies through its Greener Upgrades portfolio, such as battery energy storage solutions and Stage V generators, is a central part of Aggreko’s sustainability framework Energising Change

Dunne continued: “Making a success of the energy transition relies heavily on businesses having the right technologies and solutions for their requirements, along with the expertise to implement it correctly. While reliable energy supply and stable costs remain in the balance for the UK, working with expert energy supply partners can provide businesses with this to provide resilience and cost efficiency throughout the energy transition.”

With net-zero deadlines looming, the UK public sector faces a challenging paradox: ambitious targets paired with limited budgets. Despite these bold goals, many remain unaware of transformative tools like Independent Network Operators (IDNOs). At a recent Vattenfall Networks seminar, only one of 15 attendees had heard of IDNOs—despite their potential to accelerate green initiatives.

Councils and NHS trusts, tasked with leading the way in the Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, are just beginning to recognize how IDNOs can offer cost-effective solutions for sustainable energy transitions. With government funding stretched thin, creative approaches like IDNO partnerships are becoming essential. Brent Council’s Francesca Campagnoli reflected on this knowledge gap: “This was all completely new to me.” As the stakes rise, introducing the public sector to the role of IDNOs is more urgent than ever.

The knowledge gap

This lack of familiarity with IDNOs isn’t just surprising—it’s a barrier. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which has allocated over £1 billion to assist public bodies in reducing emissions, has been crucial but still leaves funding gaps. Jacob Kupferberg, from Brent London Borough Council, highlighted these challenges: “The two main obstacles are governance and funding”. Limited resources and complex bureaucratic processes slow down decarbonisation efforts, while public scrutiny adds pressure to perform efficiently.

IDNOs like Vattenfall Networks are designed to bridge some of these gaps, offering a lifeline through both funding and project acceleration. Their Asset Adoption Value (AAV) payments, a concept new to most public sector organisations, can significantly reduce upfront infrastructure costs.  By reducing initial project expenses, AAV payments ease budgetary pressures, helping councils and trusts improve the economics of their electrification projects.

Suzanna Lashford, Head of Business Development at Vattenfall Networks, explained the rationale: “The public sector is under pressure to deliver ambitious net-zero goals with limited budgets. IDNOs can be the key to unlocking these projects, giving councils and NHS trusts the financial support to move forward with electrification”. With increasing emphasis on decentralisation and local accountability, as noted in the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, partnerships with IDNOs align with these goals by offering flexible, localised solutions.

From theory to practice: beyond funding

IDNOs offer more than just funding. They bring a streamlined, end-to-end approach to grid connections, which many organisations discovered could fast-track their projects. Francesca observed, “If IDNOs have priority on highway permits, it means they can perform grid connections more efficiently”. For councils managing time-sensitive projects, this competitive edge is a game-changer, particularly in urban regeneration or infrastructure-heavy initiatives where delays are common.

Severine Turgis from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust emphasised how IDNOs simplify project delivery: ” Understanding that IDNOs offer support beyond the infrastructure itself was a big plus. Knowing that they would assist with applications, facilitate processes, and not just ‘do the work’ makes it easier for me to convince my directors of their value. It gives us confidence that IDNOs are capable of delivering as promised, which is essential when making decisions at the executive level.”

For many, learning about IDNOs was eye-opening. Joy Olokpa, Carbon Zero Program Manager at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, valued IDNOs’ comprehensive support, noting that they could “relieve some of the burden on us by managing every step”. The Public Accounts Committee recently pointed to the need for better infrastructure management within the public sector, emphasising that streamlined processes and external expertise could enhance project efficiency. IDNOs, with their holistic approach, seem well-suited to meet these recommendations.

A call to action for the public sector

If public sector organisations are serious about meeting net-zero goals, IDNOs need to be part of the conversation. This starts with educating key stakeholders—energy managers, sustainability directors, and facilities teams—on the advantages IDNOs offer. The UK public sector is at a critical crossroads, balancing ambitious net-zero targets with tight budgets and limited awareness of key solutions. IDNOs present a promising path forward, offering both financial and operational support that can help councils and NHS trusts navigate the challenges ahead. It’s time for the public sector to recognize the value of IDNOs, unlocking a partnership that could prove vital to achieving a sustainable future.

Horizon Energy Ventures, a prominent low-carbon financier and portfolio company of Arcus Infrastructure Partners, has partnered with Landis+Gyr, a global leader in integrated energy management solutions, to enhance the development and deployment of advanced electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for workplaces across the UK. This collaboration seeks to address the rising demand for EV infrastructure in business settings, improving accessibility and sustainability for organizations and their employees.

Under this memorandum of understanding, Horizon Energy Ventures and Landis+Gyr will leverage their combined expertise to expedite the implementation of smart EV charging systems designed specifically for workplace environments. By utilizing Landis+Gyr’s cutting-edge technology alongside Horizon Energy Ventures’ innovative financing strategies for sustainable energy solutions, this partnership aims to provide efficient, scalable, and future-ready charging options tailored to the needs of UK businesses.

“We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Landis+Gyr, a leader in smart metering and energy management solutions,” said David McCoubrie, Head of Sales at Horizon Energy Ventures. “This partnership will not only aid businesses in their transition to EVs but also contribute significantly to achieving the UK’s net-zero targets by ensuring workplace charging is accessible, reliable, and seamlessly integrated.”

This initiative aligns with the UK government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which incentivizes businesses to install EV charging infrastructure by offering grants that can cover up to 75% of purchase and installation costs, depending on eligibility. By working together, Horizon Energy Ventures and Landis+Gyr will enable businesses to capitalize on these incentives, making the transition to EVs more attractive and financially feasible.

“Landis+Gyr’s innovative technology and in-depth understanding of energy management are crucial for delivering intelligent charging solutions that can adapt to changing market demands,” stated Rob Harper, Director of Sales and Market Development at Landis+Gyr. “With Horizon Energy Ventures, we are poised to revolutionize the workplace charging landscape in the UK, equipping businesses for an electric future.”

This collaboration is part of a larger strategy to create an interconnected ecosystem that facilitates the decarbonization of transportation and energy. As the UK pursues its ambitious sustainability goals, the partnership between Horizon Energy Ventures and Landis+Gyr aims to empower businesses with the necessary tools to engage in this transition.

Initial installations under this partnership are anticipated to commence later this year, emphasizing scalable solutions suitable for a variety of business environments. By offering reliable and user-friendly workplace charging infrastructure, the two companies aim to establish a new benchmark in the UK market.

LRQA, a global leader in assurance, has acquired Ergon Associates, a top London-based consultancy specializing in labour standards, human rights, and gender equality.

As global businesses and investors face growing regulatory pressures, heightened scrutiny, and the need to integrate human rights due diligence, this acquisition strengthens the technical and advisory offerings for LRQA’s clients. The combined expertise of LRQA and Ergon Associates will empower companies to more effectively embed ESG factors into their decision-making processes.

This acquisition addresses a rising demand for robust ESG support. LRQA’s experience in ESG advisory, inspection, cybersecurity, and data insights aligns seamlessly with Ergon’s specialized focus on human rights, labour standards, and gender equality. Together, they will provide unparalleled advisory services across diverse sectors, markets, and client types.

Erin Lyon, Managing Director of LRQA’s Advisory division, emphasized the urgency of protecting human rights within complex global supply chains:
“LRQA is committed to strengthening our ESG capabilities to meet market demand. By combining our data-driven approach with Ergon’s expertise, we’re poised to create substantial impact for our clients and their communities.”

Steve Gibbons, Director of Ergon Associates, remarked on the value of joining forces:
“This partnership enhances our ability to support clients with in-depth expertise and insights in human rights, labour standards, and gender equality. With LRQA’s global reach, we’re excited to continue tackling key issues for our clients.”

This acquisition supports LRQA’s growth strategy, building on recent acquisitions of global risk management and advisory firms to enhance client support in a rapidly changing risk environment. Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, stated:
“Our partnership with Ergon Associates strengthens LRQA’s ESG offerings, helping us lead the charge in labour standards and human rights. We remain focused on strategic growth through M&A, positioning LRQA as a global leader in assurance and risk management.”

The partnership, now complete with all regulatory approvals, is a milestone for both firms, advancing their mission to improve labour standards and human rights globally. Ergon Associates’ integration with LRQA will ensure a smooth transition that enhances impact for clients and strengthens both companies’ dedication to purpose-driven work.