A new UK study suggests smart heat pumps could significantly cut household energy bills while easing pressure on the national electricity grid, without sacrificing comfort. Research led by the University of Southampton with energy supplier Good Energy tested smart air source heat pumps in 30 homes across southern England and found that automatically reducing heat pump use during peak demand periods lowered household electricity demand by about 90%, while indoor temperatures remained stable.

The revision of ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, has been delayed and is now expected to be published in April 2026. Organisations will then enter a transition period to update existing ISO 14001:2015 certifications to the new standard.

Among the main changes in ISO 14001:2026 are:

• A stronger focus on a broad range of environmental conditions beyond climate change, including …

Researchers have developed a sustainable way to transform leftover carrot materials into a protein that people actually enjoy. By growing edible fungi on carrot by-products, they produced a protein-rich ingredient suitable for plant-based foods. In taste tests, many participants preferred burgers and sausages made with this fungal protein over versions made from traditional plant proteins such as soya or chickpeas.

This approach not only reduces food waste but also provides a new source of nutritious protein without using additional farmland or water. Edible fungi grow quickly on food industry by-products, creating high-quality…

The High Seas Treaty will enter into force in January 2026 after ratification by over 60 countries, creating the first global framework to protect biodiversity in international waters. These areas, covering almost half of the planet, have long lacked coordinated rules, leaving marine ecosystems at risk.

The treaty is designed to help us achieve big things: The treaty is designed to help us achieve big things:

• Create marine protected areas in…

The EU microplastic ban regulations, introduced in 2023 under REACH, are driving industries across Europe to develop biodegradable alternatives to eliminate microplastics by 2035. These tiny synthetic plastics, found in cosmetics, laundry detergents, paints, and agricultural products, can persist for centuries, polluting oceans, soil, and even entering the human body. Companies are now innovating with natural materials like bamboo powder, nut shells, sugar crystals, and plant-based polymers that perform the same functions but decompose naturally.

The cosmetics industry has already widely adopted these alternatives, reformulating products like face scrubs and body washes, while paint and detergent makers are following suit with biodegradable binders and additives. These regulations are not only reducing pollution but also accelerating sustainable product development, fostering innovation, and demonstrating how policy can drive positive environmental change across multiple sectors.