Day: 4 May 2026

Banks failing to address rising methane emissions from agri-food giants

Stuart Mitchell

Banks are failing to act on rising methane emissions in the agriculture sector, according to new research from financial think-tank Planet Tracker. It reviewed the policies and targets of 25 banks financing 15 of the highest-emitting meat, dairy and rice companies. Together, these companies generate an estimated 1.3 million tonnes of methane emissions per year and are among the largest emitters in a sector responsible for around 40% of global methane emissions – on a par with oil and gas. The banks provide lending and bond financing, with total exposure…

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Henkel announces new sustainability targets for 2030

Stuart Mitchell

Building on its proud legacy of sustainability since its foundation and its 150-year heritage, Henkel is setting new mid-term targets until 2030. The new sustainability targets reflect a strategic decision to further accelerate impact across the company’s value chain. With a holistic approach that integrates climate action, equity, and sustainable supply chains, Henkel is marking the start of a new cycle.  “For 150 years, Henkel has demonstrated that responsible practice and strong business performance go hand in hand. In today’s challenging and volatile environment, it is more important than ever to take a clear and consistent stance in…

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Freeths sets 2040 net zero pathway with release of first firm‑wide transition plan

Stuart Mitchell

Leading law firm Freeths has just published its first Net Zero Transition Plan, marking a major step forward in the firm’s long-term commitment to responsible business. The plan sets out a clear, science-aligned pathway to achieving net zero across the value chain by 2040, underpinned by newly validated near and long-term targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The launch marks a significant milestone in more than a decade of sustainability progress. Freeths first achieved ISO 14001 certification in 2015, began measuring Scope one and two emissions in 2020,…

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Free tool helps small firms cut energy bills and go green in under an hour

Stuart Mitchell

Small businesses can create a tailored plan to cut energy bills and reduce emissions in under an hour using a new free online tool launched today.  The SME Climate Hub, in partnership with Giki and supported by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has launched the Climate Action Planner to help firms take practical steps to lower costs and go green.  Small and medium-sized enterprises make up around 90% of businesses globally and account for about half of economic output, but many lack the time and resources to develop formal climate…

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National Wealth Fund commits up to £599m to Rolls-Royce SMR

Stuart Mitchell

Following the end of a competitive process, Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N) and Rolls-Royce SMR have signed a contract that enables work to start immediately on the delivery of three Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The National Wealth Fund’s financing will support the progression of the generic design of the new SMR technology, with Rolls-Royce SMR having already moved to the third and final stage of the Generic Design Assessment led by the UK’s independent nuclear regulators. SMRs offer a new route to clean, homegrown power, helping shape a more resilient…

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