News

• VCS registry launched

  01 April 2009

  The first Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) credits were issued last month, following the long-awaited launch of registries for the offset standard.

• Germany, UK reveal large EUA shortfalls

  01 April 2009

  The UK and Germany have posted a "staggering" EU allowance (EUA) shortfall, representing more than 140 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO2) for last year – with more installations yet to report.

• Climate Exchange profits up

  01 April 2009

  Pre-tax profits more than trebled at Climate Exchange, operator of the leading US and European carbon exchanges, as volumes continue to grow.

• VeraSun ethanol plants in Nebraska could restart soon, claims state agency

  01 April 2009

  Nebraska's ethanol sector could get a boost from the auction of bankrupt VeraSun Energy as three of the company's idled facilities could restart soon, according to Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board in Lincoln.

• Water quality trading likely to grow – WRI

  26 March 2009

  Growing problems over water quality means more trading programmes are likely to be introduced, according to a study from the World Resources Institute. But, to be effective, they must have strong drivers to create demand for credits

• NGOs applaud Standard Chartered's environmental policies

  26 March 2009

  Leading emerging markets bank Standard Chartered has unveiled what is understood to be one of the banking sector's most comprehensive sets of environmental and social sector position statements – and has received a ringing endorsement from leading NGOs.

• Danish pension giant launches $900m clean energy, forestry bet

  26 March 2009

  Danish pension fund ATP has announced a $400 million investment in renewable energy private equity firm Hudson Clean Energy, and has made its first investment out of a $500 million pot for sustainable forestry.

• US DOE guarantees first loan to solar energy firm

  26 March 2009

  The US Department of Energy (DOE) has kick started its loan guarantee programme for renewable energy projects and provided a welcome boost to the solar industry, which is facing weak first-quarter sales.

• UK renewables held up by government policy – Aldersgate Group

  26 March 2009

  The UK needs to rethink its support systems for renewable power, because business is disincentivised from investing in onsite renewable generation, according to a coalition of businesses and NGOs.

• HSBC makes 'green' insurance push

  26 March 2009

  HSBC plans to integrate sustainability into its insurance business, launching 'green' insurance products across its global operations this year.