Sustainability

    Woodworker in Hearing Protection iStock RealPeopleGroup

    The sustainable approach to noise control carbon footprints

    Conventional noise control techniques for plant and machinery incorporate considerable embodied carbon due to the volume and types of materials used – and often result in higher energy demand due to problems like an increased need for cooling fans. However, adopting modern analysis and engineering processes means the costs and carbon footprints of typical noise control projects can be cut by up to 90 per cent.

    By Peter Wilson, INVC on 05 March 2025

    SSE Workers High Vis

    Getting people home safe in the green transition

    The energy sector’s transition to net zero carbon emissions means a rapidly expanding workforce and the creation of new safety hazards and risks. However, energy company SSE is seeking to reinforce and strengthen its safety culture during the move to clean power by putting thousands of employees and contract partners through an immersive training programme designed to convince workers that safety is everyone’s responsibility.

    By Mark Patterson, SSE on 28 February 2025

    Discarded Vapes iStock Benjamin Robinson

    Unsafe disposal of millions of vapes a week causing environmental damage and rise in lithium-ion battery fires

    More than eight million vapes are thrown away or recycled incorrectly every week in the UK, resulting in environmental damage and an increased risk of lithium-ion battery fires, according to non-profit group Material Focus.

    By Kerry Reals on 19 December 2024

    Wind Turbines Draeger

    The energy transition: why the safety risks must be managed

    The move to clean power, such as renewables and hydrogen, is rapidly gathering pace. If the industry is to meet the UK Government’s target for decarbonisation, and to acquire the investment needed to achieve this goal, it’s essential that safety is prioritised as part of the development, rollout and use of these new technologies.

    By Megan Hine, Draeger Safety UK on 10 December 2024

    COP29 UN Climate Change Kiara Worth

    ‘Cut the theatrics’ and focus on solutions, UN climate chief urges COP29 delegates

    It is time to end the “brinkmanship” and “get down to the real business” of reaching a global agreement on financial support to help developing countries cut emissions and cope with the effects of climate change, the United Nations’ climate chief told negotiators in Azerbaijan as the COP29 summit entered its final week.

    By Kerry Reals on 19 November 2024

    Recycling Bins Newell Brands

    Why changes to recycling legislation in England are an opportunity, not a burden

    From March 2025, many businesses in England will have to begin separating their recyclable and food waste from general waste prior to collection, but the changes will bring wider business benefits, such as reduced waste disposal costs and improved sustainability credentials.

    By Adriana Olaya Rodriguez, Newell Brands on 12 November 2024

    Wildfire iStock slovegrove

    World on brink of ‘irreversible climate disaster’, scientists warn

    The world is on the brink of an “irreversible climate disaster” with many of the planet’s “vital signs” having reached record extremes, scientists have warned in an alarming new report which says that even in the most optimistic scenario, large-scale climate adaptation efforts will be needed.

    By Kerry Reals on 09 October 2024

    Hot Worker iStock coffeekai

    How to keep workers safe in an increasingly hot United Kingdom

    The world is getting hotter, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more severe. Recent projections say 2024 is set to be the warmest year yet. As the summer of 2022 demonstrated, despite its reputation for cold and rain, the UK is not immune from these bouts of extremely hot weather.

    By Dr Radhika Khosla, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment on 07 June 2024

    Worker Drinking Water iStock golfcphoto

    Climate change and worker safety and health: the time to act is now

    Climate change is changing everything. It is already posing a serious threat to the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world. Workers across different sectors are exposed to climate change-related hazards, with outdoor workers at particular risk as they carry out heavy labour in hot climates.

    By Halshka Graczyk, Lacye Groening, Andreas Hoibl & Wafaa Alzaanin, International Labour Organization (ILO) on 07 June 2024

    Hand Holding sustainability Graphic iStock Khanchit Khirisutchalual

    Sustainable procurement: a win-win for business and the environment

    Implementing sustainable procurement not only protects the environment by conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with the production, use and end-of-life of the product or service, it can also reap financial and reputational benefits for the purchasing company.

    By Dr Keith Whitehead C.Env on 04 June 2024

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