• BNG is now a legal and mandatory process (as of 12th February)

As of 12th February 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now mandatory for many developments, and those seeking planning permission must include a biodiversity plan as a component of their application.¹ The biodiversity plan must outline how the biodiversity value after development will surpass the pre-development biodiversity value by a minimum of 10%. 

But what does this mean for developers? Thomson Environmental Consultants, a leading UK environmental consultancy, explains how to achieve BNG.

Does BNG affect all developments?

Not all developments will be subject to BNG as of 12th February. It will become mandatory for ‘small sites’ on 2nd April 2024 and is expected to extend to nationally significant infrastructure projects in late November 2025.

Developments that do not impact an onsite priority habitat (as set out in a list published under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006) and where the impact of the development on other habitats will be minimal will not be considered. Other sites that will not be affected include:

• Householder applications.
• Planning permissions concerning high-speed railway transport networks.
• Biodiversity gain sites.
• Self-build and custom-build applications.

How to achieve BNG

Developers must include a biodiversity metric tool calculation in their planning application, displaying the site’s pre-development biodiversity value. They must also specify how the BNG requirement will be met, whether on-site or off-site, for the Local Planning Authority to approve.

 The following steps are used to calculate biodiversity net gain or loss:

1. A field survey is undertaken to collect pre-development habitat data.
2. Post-development habitat data is defined using the landscaping plans.
3. Pre-development and post-development habitat data are converted into ‘biodiversity units’. Additional biodiversity units may be added to post-development data using off-site compensation or biodiversity credits, where this is the case, the off-site compensation area will require a field survey to collect pre-development habitat data.
4. The Biodiversity Net Gain or Loss is calculated using the difference between the pre-development and post-development habitat data. It is often presented as a percentage.

Many metrics have been developed for calculating BNG, including the Defra Biodiversity Metric. However, this has recently been updated and replaced by the Statutory Biodiversity Metric calculation tool (or The Small Sites Metric, where applicable). This includes a spreadsheet-based calculator, which improves the ease of BNG calculations.

What if I can’t deliver BNG on-site?

The delivery of biodiversity gains on-site is encouraged; however, if this is not possible, guidance and provisions are available to developers to purchase off-site biodiversity units through a private off-site market. This will include the costs of monitoring and maintaining the land for a minimum of 30 years. Statutory biodiversity credits will also be available to purchase, which will be invested in habitat creation. 

Possible barriers faced by BNG

Regarding costings and project expectations, a government-run statutory credit scheme will be available as a last resort to prevent delays in the planning system. Developers can also pay for improvements on other sites by purchasing “units” via a private, off-site market. However, to buy units, or credits, property developers must demonstrate that they cannot deliver habitat onsite or via the off-site market. With credits costing between £42,000 and £650,000 plus VAT, this will significantly add to overall project costs where off-site enhancements are required.

Paul Franklin, Associate Director of Ecology at Thomson Environmental Consultants, summarises: “It’s important to remember that Biodiversity Net Gain will affect the property development process at all stages and phases. 

“We strongly recommend early engagement with a consultant when undertaking due diligence on a prospective purchase, including consideration of the long-term monitoring and management of created habitats. In many cases, this will be a period of 30 years post-development.

“Ensure you speak with consultants who are strong experts in conducting habitat surveys and condition assessments to ensure you have the best chance to achieve the desired biodiversity net gain.” 

To find out more about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Thomson Environmental Consultants services, please visit: https://www.thomsonec.com/services/ecology-services/biodiversity-net-gain-bng/ 

·       Environmental initiative Swim for Clean Seas now offering a UAE School Ambassadorship programme in collaboration with The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center

·       Programme designed to educate kids about plastic pollution in the seas

·       Three workshops culminate in a creative showcase at this year’s Swim for Clean Seas event in Abu Dhabi, April 20, 2024

Swim for Clean Seas, the environmental initiative, is launching a new School Ambassadorship programme, together with The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the largest integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return facility in the MENA region and main event sponsor, Abu Dhabi-based luxury boutique real estate company, Rex Real Estate.

Launched in 2018 by siblings Felicia and Almer Agmyren, both keen open-water swimmers, Swim for Clean Seas aims to raise awareness about ocean pollution by engaging the community in fun, interactive activities and encouraging them to take a swim in the gorgeous blue waters surrounding the beautiful coastline and islands of Abu Dhabi.

This year the awareness building is moving to the capital city’s classrooms, with the launch of an exciting new school ambassadorship programme, designed to teach a selection of nominated students about the importance of keeping our seas clean and healthy – and passing their new-found knowledge onto their friends, family and everyone around them.

Felicia Agmyren, co-founder of Swim for Clean Seas and managing partner of Rex Real Estate, says: “We are inviting all schools to nominate two or three students between the ages of 10-14 to become our first cohort of Swim for Clean Seas School Ambassadors. The programme is a chance for young people to gain better knowledge of the need to protect our oceans, the problems associated with plastic in our oceans, and what each and every one of us can do to stop the ever-rising tide of ocean pollution. We believe if the young ones come home with knowledge taught in school to the family households it will help drive and implement sustainable and collective change faster and positively impact the community as a whole “

Emphasizing the need for collaboration in promoting conservation, Dr. Elise Marquis, Director of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, says: “Partnering with Swim for Clean Seas on this initiative that blends enjoyment with education provides an ideal platform to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our ocean. We are very excited to engage the youth of Abu Dhabi in a creative journey to investigate the impacts of plastic consumption. By engaging the next generation, we aim to foster a greater sense of environmental consciousness.”

The first wave of the programme – entitled ‘Plastic Asking’ – is a new experiential way to learn about plastics and the journey these items take around the world’s seas.

Developed in collaboration with the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the experience comprises three workshops, taking place on February 16, 23 and  March 1, 2024, followed by a grand reveal of their work at the 2024 Swim for Clean Seas event set to take place on April 20, 2024.

The format of the three-hour workshop series is as follows:

The first workshop involves a ‘discovery’ field trip on the water front, including a beach clean-up, highlighting the different kinds of plastic.

The next workshop will investigate the journey, the process, and the reasons for the creation of selected plastics, as well as discussions about the science and human behaviour.

The third workshop involves developing a creative outcome – this might be a song, sculpture, poem or maths demonstration of the carbon emissions of the selected plastic.

This will help the ambassadors frame their knowledge creatively, highlighting the human behaviours that lead to the use of plastic and its journey to polluting our oceans.

The student’s creative outputs will be presented at the annual Abu Dhabi Swim for Clean Seas on April 20, 2024, which includes talks from leading local and international environmentalists, alongside the fun and inclusive swimming event.

To learn more about the ‘Swim For Clean Seas’ campaign, please visit:

Instagram: @swimforcleanseas

With the UK committed to reaching net zero by 2050, the construction industry plays a pivotal role in achieving carbon-reduction goals. The industry has a substantial environmental impact, but embracing sustainability isn’t easy with over 98 thousand construction companies in the UK¹.

The sector faces various challenges, including high costs, resistance to change, complex supply chains, skills gaps, time constraints, public perception, and waste management difficulties.

However, the positive environmental and social impact outweighs these challenges, and companies can reap long-term benefits by embracing sustainable practices. These include future cost savings through efficiency, enhanced market competitiveness, regulatory compliance, resilience to market changes, positive community relationships, and a reduced environmental footprint resulting in long-term viability.

Asset disposal specialist BPI has worked with a range of experts to illustrate actionable strategies for construction businesses to champion sustainability in 2024.

Build carbon-neutral practices

Embodied carbon from the construction and refurbishment of buildings currently makes up 20% of UK-built environmental emissions². While many leading construction firms measure and optimise the embodied carbon footprint of their projects, this needs to become mainstream practice.

Construction companies can pioneer carbon-neutral building practices by incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and following the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, which will be published this year. “With construction, it’s all about having the right ingredients and what you put into the mix, so looking at what others are doing and trying to source from those who are already sustainably minded is an excellent start,” adds Raffi Schieir, Founder of Prevented Ocean Plastic.

Adopt circular economy practices

Circular economy practices are a set of principles aimed at minimising waste and maximising the efficiency and sustainability of resources throughout their lifecycle. Embracing a circular economy approach, the construction industry can reduce waste by repurposing and recycling materials, equipment and machinery. 

Implementing circular principles ensures resources are utilised efficiently, contributing to a closed-loop system to achieve net-zero waste and emissions. Henry Spencer, Operations Director at BPI, adds: “By integrating asset disposal strategies centred on machinery and equipment resale and reuse, construction businesses contribute to environmental sustainability and strengthen brand reputation and long-term viability.

“By conducting regular asset audits, businesses can identify surplus equipment and machinery, assess refurbishment potential and emphasise sustainability in procurement. Partnering with a reputable selling platform ensures transparent and efficient disposal and contributes to the circular economy.”

Embrace advanced sustainable technologies

Construction firms can optimise project planning and reduce energy consumption by investing in innovative technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and smart construction solutions that enhance project efficiency, reduce errors, and optimise resource use. Renewable energy technologies, like solar panels and wind turbines, are also popular and a fast and effective change to lower reliance on conventional power sources.

Ruari Cairns, Director of Risk Management and European Operations at Open Energy Market adds: “In short, a forward-thinking approach to energy sourcing and pricing involves businesses evaluating their energy mix, exploring innovative technologies and adopting sustainable practices. This is the way to mitigate the impact of energy costs – all while aligning operations with sustainability objectives. 

“Good energy procurement is an opportunity – not a burden. By investing in the right strategies and technologies, businesses can reduce costs and enhance sustainability – a duality that serves as a linchpin for long-term success, both from an economic and environmental standpoint.”

Implement sustainable chain practices

As sustainability becomes a critical factor in decision-making, businesses are looking to work with ‘green companies’ that implement sustainable supply chain practices to gain a competitive edge, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors. 

With construction companies competing for tenders, having a sustainable chain could be the one thing that sets you apart from the rest. “SMEs and small suppliers say they are increasingly being asked to demonstrate their carbon reduction plans when bidding for contracts. So, not having one might mean you’re potentially losing business. This is driven by demand from customers and big buyers, such as the public sector and retailers, who are under increasing scrutiny to have more sustainable value chains. Tightening regulations and consumers are often pointed as the key forces driving that – but it also makes so much business sense,” advises Jonathan Jones, Founder and CEO of Green Ibex Ltd.

Focus on community-centric sustainable development

Construction businesses can foster a collaborative approach to sustainable development by engaging with local communities. Transparent communication and community education efforts contribute to net zero goals by ensuring projects align with local expectations and environmental aspirations.

It also ensures that construction projects consider and respect the unique needs and concerns of the communities they impact, provides a sense of shared responsibility for sustainable development and environmental responsibility. Raffi adds, “The reality is, most people actually want to do better, so making them part of the story and involving them in your plans often pays dividends.”

Henry Spencer, Operations Director at BPI , summarises: “As an asset disposal expert, specialising in construction equipment and machinery, we witness the daily challenges of companies striving for sustainability.

“As the UK aims to hit net zero goals, construction firms can overcome sustainability hurdles by conducting thorough audits, investing in technology, building a culture of innovation, collaborating with suppliers for transparency, and embracing local communities. By integrating these core strategies, companies can align economic goals with environmental responsibility, unlocking long-term benefits and resilience.”

The BPI group consists of BPI Asset Disposal Solutions, BPI Auctions and BPI Asset Advisory and provides a modern, innovative approach to valuing, buying, and selling commercial assets whilst giving clients access to a full-service offering that streamlines asset disposal, saving them valuable time and money. 

To learn more about BPI and its service offering, please visit: https://www.bpiauctions.com/about-us/ 

Tunley Environmental, a leading provider of sustainability consultancy services, has announced the launch of its new biodiversity services in response to the UK government’s commitment to enforce a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement for developers in England starting in January 2024.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem stability and function, and with the impending BNG requirement, developers, businesses, and organisations are seeking support to assess their impact on biodiversity and achieve the Net Gain targets. In light of this, Tunley Environmental is poised to offer comprehensive services to meet these needs.

The newly introduced biodiversity services include:

• Biodiversity footprinting
• Biodiversity net gain
• Biodiversity risk assessment

With a team of experts in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation science, Tunley Environmental is well-positioned to provide tailored consultancy services that meet the unique requirements of clients.

“Our goal is to assist developers and organisations in creating landscapes that thrive with biodiversity while promoting sustainable development,” said Tara Garraty [Biodiversity Specialist and Sustainability Scientist] at Tunley Environmental.


About Tunley Environmental:
Tunley Environmental is a leading sustainability consultancy firm dedicated to providing expert advice and support for biodiversity and carbon reduction initiatives. With a focus on sustainable development, the company offers a range of services to assist clients in achieving environmental compliance and a sustainable future.

Contact:
Catherine Foister, catherinefoister@tunley-environmental.com
Website: www.tunley-environmental.com

Two new micro woodlands are to be created in Selby and Tadcaster to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

The scheme overseen by North Yorkshire Council will see the woodlands located at Wighill Playground in Tadcaster and Leeds Road Recreation Ground in Selby following a successful grant bid of £35,000 through the Government’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund.

The authority applied for grants to plant two micro woodlands, which are expected to be about the size of a tennis court, using a variety of locally grown native broadleaved trees and shrub species to reflect the local environment they will be found in.

This will create a natural habitat in the urban areas of Tadcaster and Selby and help capture carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to the council’s climate change strategy that was formally adopted in July 2023.

Wighill Playground will be approximately 300 square metres whilst Leeds Road Recreation Ground will be approximately 325 square metres in area.

These sites were selected as they are amongst housing developments and next to local schools, providing local communities with access to nature. Both sites also provide an opportunity for further habitat enhancement of important ecosystem services such as nature corridors.

Micro woodlands require minimal maintenance and have lower vulnerability to vandalism, helping to contribute to a lasting heritage to mark the King’s Coronation in May.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for waste services, Cllr Greg White, said: “Thanks to the successful grant through the Government’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund, we can create two new micro woodlands for the communities in Selby and Tadcaster to enjoy.

“These woodlands will also create rich habitats for wildlife to flourish, and act as another asset to help contribute to our carbon reduction goals.”

Pioneered by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki, micro woodlands promote dense and native tree cover to grow in urban areas. Woodlands created in this way grow much faster than conventional woodland planting schemes, absorb more carbon due to the density and support more wildlife due to the native species used in their creation.

Planting will take place in the 2024/25 planting season. The council plans to work with local communities to support the planting and future maintenance of the micro woodlands which can also be used for educational purposes.

Globally, the built environment accounts for 39% of gross annual carbon emissions.* As more businesses ramp up their sustainability agenda in the pursuit of NetZero, the housing industry faces increasing pressure to lower its carbon footprint. One local housing development company that is actively implementing strategies to increase sustainability across its house builds in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire is Freeman Homes.

Do you think there is now finally a step change in how the housing industry is actively addressing sustainability, or is there still some way to go?

It goes without saying, we’ve all got to tackle climate change actively and effectively if we are to reach NetZero. While this spans across all business sectors, construction is one area that needs to do more, or at least show it is doing more, in reducing its carbon footprint. This for us starts with tangible ESG credentials.

Calculating carbon cost to back up ‘low carbon’ and ‘zero carbon’ claims – that’s not just committing to them but substantiating them – is priority. How are things like energy efficiency being measured? Backing this up with analysis is now what consumers and house buyers are rightly demanding, and it’s crucial this isn’t been exploited as a marketing gimmick. Businesses are being called out for greenwashing, that’s why we’re committed to delivering on the sustainability goals we have set as a housing development company.

What initiatives does Freeman Homes have in place?

As a business, we’ve got both a sustainability framework, setting out our goals for how we run our business, and an Environmental Impact Reduction Programme, designed to specifically focus on carbon reduction. This applies to both our builds and how we operate in our offices. We have also pledged to meet independent international standards by aligning our business with four of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which we use to underpin our developments, namely: Good health & well-being, Affordable and clean energy; Responsible consumption and production, and Life on land.

How are you implementing this in your house builds? 

How much time do you have?! In a nutshell, firstly, as well as targeting minimum 90% EPC A-Grade rating for our open market properties, we’re also focused on how they perform for homeowners. We prioritise renewable energy technologies – so have introduced elements such as high-performance, low-profile designed PV solar roof panels and NIBE air source heat pumps for sustainable heating, which perform well energy efficiency wise and are manufactured well. We are also installing electric car charging points and infrastructure for battery storage packs, further reducing reliance on the National Grid.

Then you’ve got the design and build aspects – water reduction and energy efficiency features, eco-friendly appliances and technologies, the option of water butts, and garden composting, kitchen and recycling bins for all customers. We’ve even considered the fact that more people have now embraced a remote and hybrid way of working, so we’ve incorporated home working options to provide WFH comfort with less commuting.

What about materials used for your builds?

Wood is a highly renewable building material and it stores carbon, having the lowest CO₂ cost of any commercially available building materials – just two reasons why we use a timber frame construction in our houses. It’s been undergoing a resurgence in the construction industry in recent years. Between 15% and 28% of new homes built in the UK annually use timber frame construction, which captures over one million tonnes of CO2 a year as a result. Increasing the use of timber in construction could triple that amount, and we are steadily seeing more of an increase in that use.

A timber frame construction is good news for homeowners too – it offers heightened thermal efficiencies and reduced maintenance compared to traditional building methods, and we only use materials from managed forests that are replaced and restored.

How are you investing in communities to make them more sustainable?

We’re big on the fact that your next home isn’t just about the property you’re viewing, but the community it’s placed in. Investment in community is a term that gets bandied around a lot by businesses and government, but what does this actually mean? For us, there are two areas we’re actively focusing on: biodiversity and nature, and community engagement.

Biodiversity and environmental best practice plays a pivotal part in all our developments, as we want to promote sustainable communities for people and nature. This is everything from green open spaces, wetland development, wildlife corridors and partnership with local wildlife organisations to improve local ecology and wetland design, to other aspects such as biodiversity planting in gardens and effective, sustainable drainage systems and detailed flood risk assessments, to prevent disruption of natural water courses.

Secondly, we want to support thriving local communities through boosting charities that specifically serve the local community and through resource distribution by seeking local opportunities to reuse any surplus materials such as timber, paint, clothing etc, as well as creating local wildlife and ecology education centres wherever possible.

Do you have any longer-term plans in terms of sustainability?

Sustainability is far-reaching and all-encompassing – as a housing business, it forces us to think of other ways we can be more sustainable which in turn offers some fantastic, exciting opportunities for innovation. Looking ahead, we’re trialling an all-electric, zero carbon home technology system, with a view to incorporating them in future builds, as well as trialling a timber frame closed system, which will reduce on-site waste and carbon production during the build process. We’re also aiming on incrementally increasing the number of electric car charging points on our developments.

Then there’s our own environmental journey, where we’re working to establish a company biodiversity and ecology benchmark to be met by all future developments without prior planning permission.

*Source: Sustainable construction – Designing and building a greener future, Deloitte  

For further information, please visit: https://www.freemanhomes.co.uk/.

Leaders Romans Group (LRG), one of the UK’s largest property services groups, proudly announces its significant environmental achievement of reaching carbon neutrality in 2022, eight years ahead of its original target of 2030. This milestone is a testament to LRG’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

The 2022 Carbon Footprint Report reveals that LRG’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions totalled 4744 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). However, when accounting for green electricity, these emissions dropped to 4064 tCO2e, significantly reducing LRG’s environmental impact​​. The company’s approach to calculating carbon emissions aligns with the ISO 14064 standard, ensuring international recognition and credibility​​. The overall emissions saw a 1% decrease compared to 2021, underscoring the effectiveness of LRG’s environmental strategies​​.

The achievement of carbon neutrality in 2022 is a result of a series of targeted strategies and initiatives that collectively reduced and offset their carbon emissions.

Energy Efficiency Enhancements: LRG undertook significant efforts to improve energy efficiency across its operations. Despite a 13% increase in electricity consumption, overall emissions were reduced by 1%, indicating effective energy management practices​​. LRG has completed a number of branch re-fits this year, all to their new sustainable office principles.

Green Electricity Adoption: A key factor in reducing LRG’s carbon footprint was the transition to green electricity. By incorporating renewable energy sources, LRG was able to significantly lower its ‘market-based’ emissions to 4064 tCO2e​​.

Environmental Management Action Plan: LRG implemented an Environmental Management Action Plan, a proactive approach to identify and target significant emission reduction opportunities. This plan was a cornerstone in understanding and managing their carbon emissions effectively​​.

Sustainable Partnerships and Initiatives: An instrumental partnership with Green the UK planting over 28,000 trees sequestering at least 35 tonnes of carbon annually, contributed significantly to balancing LRG’s carbon emissions​​.

Restoration and Conservation Projects: Support for various environmental restoration projects. These included restoring wildflower meadows, aiding native oyster population recovery in The Solent, and supporting kelp restoration along the Sussex coastline. Such initiatives offset carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health​​.

Investment in Carbon Credits: LRG balanced its remaining emissions by investing in carbon credits. This process involved purchasing and retiring carbon credits equivalent to their emissions, thereby achieving a state of carbon neutrality​​.

Community engagement: Supporting charities such as Cash 4 Kids, The Trussell Trust, and participating in local events to raise funds and awareness for disadvantaged children across the UK​​. This holistic approach to sustainability encompasses both environmental stewardship and community well-being, recognising the interdependence of these aspects in creating thriving neighbourhoods​​.

This comprehensive approach, combining direct emission reductions with strategic offsetting initiatives, exemplifies LRG’s dedication to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility, leading to their remarkable achievement of carbon neutrality eight years ahead of schedule.

David Wilson, Chief Operating Officer at LRG said “LRG’s unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and community involvement has been recognised with the Negotiator Gold Award for Sustainable Agency of the Year. This accolade highlights LRG’s leadership in the property industry, setting new standards for environmental responsibility and community engagement.”

“LRG’s journey to carbon neutrality is an ongoing process, with a commitment to continuous improvement and setting new environmental goals. The company plans to keep enhancing its branches and operations in line with sustainable principles, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the environment and communities they serve​​​​.”

“LRG is proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in the property industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.”

• New research published by World Animal Protection, a co-host of COP28’s Food4Climate Pavilion, reveals that factory farms in the Global North are responsible for $8.65 billion worth of damage caused by recent climate disasters in Africa, Asia and South America
• The research also finds that the economic costs associated with climate driven disasters globally could exceed $1 trillion annually by 2050, with factory farms liable for over $100 billion of that cost
• Titled ‘How Factory Farming Emissions are Worsening Climate Disasters in the Global South’, World Animal Protection’s report comes just before COP28 begins. For the first time, a whole day of talks will be dedicated to the relationship between our global food systems and the warming of our planet 

• In partnership with the Food4Climate Pavilion, World Animal Protection will bring the urgent need for global food systems transformation to the heart of COP28 

As the world gears up for COP28, new research published today by World Animal Protection, a leading advocate for animal welfare, reveals the staggering impact of factory farming on climate-driven disasters in the Global South. 

The report, titled ‘How Factory Farming Emissions are Worsening Climate Disasters in the Global South,’ reveals that factory farms in the Global North are responsible for a staggering $8.65 billion worth of devastation caused by recent climate disasters in Africa, Asia, and South America.

The alarming research is set to be showcased at the Food4Climate Pavilion during COP28. The Food4Climate Pavilion is led by ProVeg International, World Animal Protection, Upfield and other leading global actors, such as Compassion in World Farming. It represents a unique coming together of private and third-sector organisations who are calling for food systems transformation for the benefit of people, animals and the planet.

The research projects that by 2050 the economic costs associated with climate-driven disasters worldwide could surpass a monumental $1 trillion annually. Of this, factory farms could be held accountable for over $100 billion of this colossal expense.

With people all over the world facing the harsh reality of climate change, it is manifesting in more frequent and extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, storms and flooding. The environmental impact of producing more than 80 billion land animals for food each year^[1] is contributing to the worsening of these crises, whilst factory farming contributes 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, World Animal Protection today reveals.  

Meanwhile, profits derived by some of the world’s biggest meat processors and packers, based in the Global North, come at the expense of the livelihoods of those in the Global South, where people are hardest hit by these climate induced weather disasters. 

Through the Food4Climate Pavilion, World Animal Protection will sound the alarm on the damaging impacts of our global food systems at COP28, not only on the environment but also on animals, human health and the livelihoods of many in the Global South. 

An entire day of talks at COP28 will be dedicated to discussions around the intricate relationship between global food systems and climate change on Food Day. World Animal Protection has set the stage for a focused exploration of the urgent measures required for food systems transformation.

Kelly Dent, World Animal Protection’s Global Director of External Engagement, said:

“World leaders must act meaningfully at COP28. The factory farming industry must be held accountable by governments and finance must be directed to the Global South communities on the front line of climate change.   

 ”COP28 must take action to shore up a humane and sustainable food supply, with governments withdrawing subsidies for industrial meat and dairy and redirecting them to plant-based foods in ways that support small scale farmers. Animals remaining on factory farms should be spared the worst forms of suffering.”    

Raphaël Podselver, Director of UN Affairs at ProVeg International said:

“This research from our co-host World Animal Protection underscores the urgent need for collective action at COP28. We must urge stakeholders to prioritise sustainable practices in food production to mitigate these profound consequences.”

Returning to COP for its second year, the Food4Climate Pavilion will call for a transformational shift to plant-rich, balanced and diversified diets. 

With COP28 beginning tomorrow, World Animal Protection’s report signals a clarion call for concerted efforts toward transformative change in our food systems to safeguard against escalating climate-related catastrophes.

^[1] ‘The hidden impacts of industrial livestock systems’, World Animal Protection 

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS GENERATIONAL DIVIDE IN UNDERSTANDING CAR POLLUTION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR CAR MAINTENANCE

● 46% of Brits over the age of 65 don’t think their car is a source of pollution

● 20m Brits unaware that a well-maintained and regularly serviced vehicle can reduce carbon footprint

A major new survey has revealed that many Brits are unaware that their car is polluting the planet.

The survey conducted by Fixter, a hassle-free MOT service provider, comes following Rishi Sunak’s announcements watering down the UK’s green policies.

Shockingly the survey reports that 46% of Brits over the age of 65 do not believe their car is a source of pollution. Furthermore, nearly 20 million (29%) Brits are totally unaware that a well-maintained and regularly serviced vehicle can drastically reduce its carbon footprint.  

The survey of 1,500 people also found that there is a clear generational divide in the country when it comes to opinions on sustainability, with 77% of Brits between the ages of 16-24 saying they think their car is a source of pollution, compared to nearly half (46%) of Brits over the age of 65 who think it isn’t.

Fixter, part of the Renault Group, was launched in 2017 to streamline the experience of car maintenance and is on a mission to educate Brits on running a more sustainable vehicle – as well as saving people time and money.

Fixter works by:

● Finding and vetting the top-rate garages so you don’t have to

● Negotiating to get the best prices on your behalf

● Saving you time and money via their car collection and delivery service

● Guaranteeing the service for 12 months

Ensuring your car is well-maintained and regularly serviced is something that can have a considerable impact on your carbon footprint, but also a measure that a large part of the UK population is unaware of. And following the announcement of Rishi Sunak watering down efforts to fight climate change, straightforward day-to-day changes like getting your car serviced regularly, is something that everyone can do, with Fixter offering time-poor Brits a new, more efficient option.

As well as reducing the risk of breakdowns, regular car servicing also prevents the over-consumption of fuel, which has an impact on motorists’ budgets and the environment. The survey found more than half of British motorists (57%) believe that their current car is polluting, and 71% are aware that a better-maintained vehicle would help them reduce their carbon footprint.

Limvirak Chea, Co-Founder and CEO, Fixter, said: “These figures show the discrepancy between the perception Brits have of their cars and the reality of CO2 emissions linked to their usage.

“At Fixter, as well as saving people time and money with our fast, hassle-free service, we’re also on a mission to educate people on why regular vehicle maintenance is so essential to limiting the long-term environmental impact of cars – we can all make a difference.”