News from 3 December 2004 on edie

Australian solar company to start manufacturing in Europe

Australian solar company Solco Ltd announced it is to start manufacture of its solar hot water systems in Portugal, this week, further developing Europe's reputation as a base for the renewables market.

Ministers back-pedal on EU energy efficiency

EU governments want to significantly dilute legislative proposals to boost energy efficiency in Europe, it emerged from a meeting of energy ministers in Brussels on Monday. The directive was tabled by the European Commission a year ago.

Ofwat final price limits allow average 18 per cent increase

Ofwat has surprised many in the water industry by allowing for far greater than expected price rises in water and sewage charges between 2005 and 2010.

Global electricity firms still snubbing clean power

Energy companies from around the world have been assessed in a shock report released this week, which reveals that the power sector is failing to curb CO2 emissions sufficiently.

Business reporting rules branded weak and watered down

Updated rules designed to improve the way that businesses report on their activities have been criticised as being "watered down" by environmental campaigners.

Government clamps down to weed out waste cheats

A clamp down on illegal waste transporters and disposers in the capital has been announced by the Environment Agency, which has said it "is coming after them".

Planning problems incur big costs for UK Coal

Shares for UK Coal dropped considerably this week after the company announced that planning permission hitches this year could have cost it up to £16 million.

Glass sector success vital to meeting recycling targets

Meeting recycling targets set for the glass sector is vital if the UK is to meet its overall targets for 2008, the Government has said this week.

Councils must start to tackle climate change now

Local authorities must seriously begin to consider sustainable energy issues now and start tackling climate change, according to the Local Government Association.

Fast food industry works with councils to minimise waste

A project run by fast food giant McDonalds has proved that Defra's voluntary code of practice for reducing litter really does work.

European GM safety authority accused of biased reporting

The EU authority for food safety has been accused of producing biased reports that favour the biotech industry by campaign group Friends of the Earth Europe.

Scientists flood Grand Canyon to restore biodiversity

Scientists have begun pumping gallons of silt and water into Arizona's world-famous beauty spot the Grand Canyon in an attempt to boost dwindling levels of local wildlife.

Day: 3 December 2004