Move News - January 2025

As we roll into 2025, the momentum for smarter, cleaner ways of moving is undeniable. Despite all manner of headwinds, including political uncertainty and stunted economic growth, January has still highlighted some bold moves and fresh ideas—from a €220M fund turbocharging transport innovation to AI helping cities rethink bike lanes and the UK setting ambitious goals for sustainable aviation fuel. Add in rising sustainability budgets and schools championing active travel, and it’s clear: the way we move and invest is transforming in real-time. Let’s dig into the stories making waves this month…?

Sustainability Spending on the Rise!?

Sustainability spending is on the rise! A recent report reveals that over 60% of businesses are set to increase their sustainability budgets in 2025, with an average boost of 10.5%. This is despite all manner of headwinds, including political uncertainty and stunted economic growth post-pandemic in many regions.?

The message is clear: businesses recognise sustainability as a long-term priority, even in challenging economic conditions. But with increased investment comes the challenge of managing, tracking, and reporting impact effectively.?

Source: Edie?

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Shift4Good’s €220M Fund to Supercharge Sustainable Transport Innovation Across Europe and Asia? ?

Hold onto your hats—Shift4Good is making waves in the world of green mobility! With HQs in Paris and Singapore, this venture capital fund has smashed its goals, closing a whopping €220M—well above the European cleantech fund average. Backed by big hitters like Renault Group, BNP Paribas, and the European Investment Fund, they’re on a mission to tackle the transportation sector’s hefty 20% contribution to global CO2 emissions.?

?So, what’s the plan? Shift4Good is already fuelling innovation in 13 companies across Europe and Asia, with game-changing ideas like AI-powered energy-saving tech, fleet electrification, and battery recycling. One standout? Suction sails for ships that slash fuel use by 30%! These guys are all about finding bold solutions to shake up the status quo—and we’re here for it.??

? Source: Tech Funding News?

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UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate Takes Off??

Good news for less polluting skies: the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate is officially in effect as of January 2025! SAF, made from sources like household waste and used cooking oil, slashes carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional jet fuel. And the mandate means business—starting with 2% of jet fuel demand in 2025, climbing to 10% by 2030, and 22% by 2040.?

The goal? Cut up to 6.3 million tonnes of CO2 by 2040, fuel over 3,000 global flights annually with SAF by 2030, and create 10,000 jobs while adding ￡1.8 billion to the economy. With the Jet Zero Strategy in play, the UK is soaring towards net-zero emissions in aviation by 2050.?

This is a good step forward, but challenges like SAF blending limits and production capacity still remain. What do you think—will this transform air travel for the better??

?Source: Edie??

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Smart Science for Smarter Streets and Optimised Bike Lanes?

Love them or hate them, bike lanes are here to stay—and now they’re getting a serious upgrade thanks to a scientific, data-driven approach! Researchers from the University of Toronto, UCLA, and Cornell have developed a model that helps cities design bike lanes in just the right places to reduce congestion, increase cycling ridership, and lower emissions.?

Using real traffic data and commuter patterns, the model predicts where bike lanes can do the most good—like in Chicago, where adding 40 km of lanes could boost cycling downtown by 70% while only increasing driving time by a modest 9.4%. Some roads might even see less congestion!??

The key takeaway? Bike lanes don’t have to be a traffic nightmare—they can actually make cities run smoother when planned scientifically. So, let’s let the data lead the way to safer, cleaner, and more efficient streets! Would you ride on roads designed with this kind of precision??

Source: Techxplore?

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TfL Calls on London Schools to Step Up for Sustainable Travel?

London schools, it’s time to make your move! TfL is inviting schools across the capital to join its Travel for Life programme and embrace walking, cycling, and sustainable public transport to improve air quality and student health.?

The programme is already making a difference, with a 10% rise in Gold-accredited schools last year, led by boroughs like Bromley, Islington, and Havering. Achieving Gold means reducing car use by 6% or ensuring 90% of school journeys are made via sustainable transport. Plus, schools like St Gregory's Catholic Science College are leading by example with creative campaigns like "swap the ride for a park and stride."??

Beyond cleaner air and healthier kids, fewer car journeys mean safer roads—supporting TfL’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network. What do you say—ready to walk the talk???

Source: Wired Gov??

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Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore how these shifts are reshaping industries and communities alike.??