Achieving Net Zero
The role of UKRI in achieving clean and sustainable growth
The role of UKRI in achieving net zero
When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published part one of its sixth assessment report in August 2021, the warning was stark. The changes in the Earth’s climate are now at unprecedented and, in some cases, irreversible levels. The message has never been clearer - now is the time to act! Now is the time for science and innovation to take centre stage and provide real solutions that allow us to take climate action.
For more than 50 years, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), its councils and predecessors have worked to understand, tackle and mitigate the effects of climate change, and embed evidence in decision making and climate policy. Today, the UK is at the forefront of a new, green industrial revolution. Research, innovation and partnership continue to underpin the UK’s commitment to:
- achieving a net zero economy by 2050
- respond to the challenges of climate change
- live more sustainably.
Across UKRI, we are investing in cutting-edge research and innovation essential to understanding and tackling the environmental sustainability challenges that we face. With projects ranging from green transportation and agricultural transformation to investigating our changing planet and future energy systems, researchers and innovators are working hard to support the government’s ambitious target of reaching net zero.
There is no better time to champion the role of research and innovation in tackling this generational challenge. Research and innovation are needed not just for measuring and predicting impact, but also for identifying how to accelerate the technological, social, economic, cultural and political change needed to reach net zero.
These pages feature just a few of the many UKRI-funded projects that our researchers and innovators are working on.
Sustainable Construction
From reducing waste and pollution to lowering costs and creating buildings that are more environmentally friendly, sustainability is one of the most important challenges faced by the construction industry.
Creating buildings that power themselves
What’s happening? Based in Swansea, the Active Building Centre aims to revolutionise the way buildings are designed, constructed and operate – reducing the amount they cost to run and their energy demands. Two demonstration buildings, conceived by the SPECIFIC project, show how new technologies can be used to create buildings that generate and store enough renewable energy to meet their own needs or more.
Why is it important? Globally, buildings are responsible for 40% of carbon emissions, and in the UK they consume 40% of all energy produced, so any solution to the energy crisis must address their efficiency. New buildings need to be designed differently and many existing buildings retro-fitted with sustainable-energy solutions. The Centre is working closely with government and industry to break down the barriers to mass adoption of Active Buildings across the UK.
Funded by The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Transforming Construction Challenge, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Innovate UK
The Active Building Centre is designing new buildings to include sustainable-energy solutions.
The Active Building Centre is designing new buildings to include sustainable-energy solutions.
Creating circular resource loops for construction
Who? The Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Mineral-based Construction Materials (ICEC-MCM)
What’s happening? Environmental damage is associated with the whole life cycles of mineral-based construction materials, such as aggregates, cement and brick. It includes habitat destruction, depletion of resources, and pollution and emissions during extraction, processing, use and demolition. Led by University College London, ICEC-MCM is investigating how to design and manufacture building products and structures in a way that helps the UK construction industry to reduce waste and pollution, and create a more circular resource loop.
Why is it important? Materials from construction and demolition are mainly down-cycled using energy-intensive and polluting processes, such as breaking down high-value concrete into low-value aggregate. ICEC-MCM aims to develop systems for more efficient use and recovery of these mineral resources. This will reduce UK construction minerals extraction by more than half a million tonnes per day and reduce the generation of 154 million tonnes of mineral waste each year.
Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy programme through UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund
The ICEC-MCM project aims to reduce the generation of 154 million tonnes of mineral waste each year.
The ICEC-MCM project aims to reduce the generation of 154 million tonnes of mineral waste each year.
Building new schools quickly and efficiently
Who? The SEISMIC project
What’s happening? A collaboration between construction consultants and manufacturers has made it possible to build new primary schools more quickly, efficiently and economically. Manufacturers The Elliot Group and the McAvoy Group worked with Bryden Wood to create standardised steel frame sizes and a new digital design tool. Steel frameworks – based on recommended classroom sizes and layouts of key spaces, such as sports halls – minimise the amount of steel required, lower emissions, and reduce build time by 50%.
Why is it important? The demand for new primary schools continues to rise year on year. The improved supply chain processes of the SEISMIC project will reduce emissions by 25% from the transport and steel associated with the build. The innovative components make future upgrades easier, and also opens up possibilities for end-of-life disassembly and reuse of the steel.
Funded by The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Transforming Construction Challenge and Innovate UK
The Seismic project builds new primary schools more quickly and efficiently. Image courtesy of Seismic Consortium.
The Seismic project builds new primary schools more quickly and efficiently. Image courtesy of Seismic Consortium.
Green Transportation
To reach net zero we need to look at how we move from place to place. Using new classes of electric, hydrogen and autonomous vehicles will transform how we connect people, deliver goods and provide services.
Specialist manufacturing equipment at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
Specialist manufacturing equipment at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
Developing next-generation battery technology
Who? The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre
What’s happening? Based in Coventry, the £130 million UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) is playing a key role in the development of next-generation batteries, such as for use in electric vehicles, for the transition to a greener future. The facility enables companies to find out whether battery technology they have developed as a prototype has the potential to be scaled up for commercial use without having to commit to the huge investment needed for mass production.
Why is it important?
The development of cost-effective, high-performance, durable and recyclable batteries is key to widespread vehicle electrification and the move to a low carbon economy. UKBIC provides the missing link between battery technology innovations and successful mass production. It contains £60 million worth of specialist battery manufacturing equipment in the final stages of commissioning.
Funded by The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Faraday Battery Challenge and Innovate UK
Powering cars of the future
Who? Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems
What’s happening? Based at the University of Bath, the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) is accelerating the transition from low-carbon to zero-carbon vehicles. The state-of-the-art facility is developing technologies and methodologies to support highly efficient and more affordable propulsion systems that are capable of powering cars of the future using electrification, hybrids, and low CO2 liquid fuels.
Why is it important? IAAPS combines academic and industry expertise to support the UK automotive industry in creating the cleaner, smarter engines and the innovative driver technologies needed for low-emission vehicles.
Funded by Research England’s UK Research Partnership Investment Fund
New cooling technology from I-CoBat enables electric vehicles to charge more quickly than ever before.
New cooling technology from I-CoBat enables electric vehicles to charge more quickly than ever before.
Faster charging for electric vehicles
Who? Immersion Cooled Battery (I-CoBat) Project
What’s happening? Fast charging can reduce the amount of time waiting around for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, but it makes batteries hotter than they get under normal driving conditions, which can shorten their life or even make them fail. I-CoBat has been testing the viability of new cooling techniques for EV batteries, including an innovative ‘jacket’ that sits on the battery and directs coolant where it is need.
Why is it important? When asked, people most frequently raise concerns over the time it takes for EVs to charge compared with filling up with petrol. Tests carried out at the University of Warwick showed that the new immersion cooling techniques enable EVs to charge 43% quicker – reducing charge time to less than seven minutes for 200 miles in range.
Funded by The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Faraday Battery Challenge and Innovate UK
“With immersion cooling, we can get charging down to less than seven minutes for 200 miles in range: enough for you to plug in your EV, go and have a coffee, and have enough charge to be well on your way.”
IAAPS is developing new technology to accelerate the transition from low-carbon to zero-carbon vehicles
IAAPS is developing new technology to accelerate the transition from low-carbon to zero-carbon vehicles
Clean Energy
Clean energy does not pollute the atmosphere when used. As well as reducing carbon emissions, clean energy systems can improve air quality from other pollutants. Researchers are investigating effective ways to run cars, buildings and even entire communities on clean energy systems.
Low-carbon, local energy for Oxford
What’s happening? Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) aims to eliminate 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. That’s the equivalent of taking 2,000 petrol or diesel cars off the road. It will do this by installing a very large, hybrid battery energy storage system, enabling more clean electricity and encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Oxford, including the electrification of the Council’s own fleet of vehicles. It is also creating innovative ‘shoebox’ ground source heat pumps to help eliminate the carbon associated with heating homes and businesses.
Why is it important? As well as providing Oxford City Council’s response to the climate emergency, ESO will provide a model for cities around the world to cut carbon and improve air quality.
Funded by Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Prospering from the Energy Revolution
Creating an integrated energy system on Orkney
Who? ReFLEX Orkney
What’s happening? ReFLEX (Responsive Flexibility) Orkney is pioneering an integrated, affordable, low-carbon energy system for the future. The project aims to decarbonise energy use on Orkney by linking local electricity, transport and heat networks into one digitally-connected system. Using battery storage, electric vehicles, smart chargers and smart meters, the project will show that electricity generation and consumption patterns can be modified in response to variability. It will also offer local households and businesses the opportunity to lease these technologies.
Why is it important? ReFLEX will help to maximise the potential of Orkney’s significant renewable generation capabilities by storing more electricity, and lower the county’s carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on imported carbon-intensive energy from the UK mainland. The project will also serve as a model for localised integrated energy system for other areas across the UK and internationally.
Funded by Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Prospering from the Energy Revolution
Graphic depicting ReFLEX Orkney's Integrated Energy System.
Graphic depicting ReFLEX Orkney's Integrated Energy System.
Utilising underground energy and storage
Who? UK Geoenergy observatories
What’s happening? A network of observatories is being established to deliver essential new data from below our feet. The scientific data from underground – including boreholes and sensors – can help researchers understand how geothermal energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and storage solutions for wind, solar and tidal energy can reduce carbon emissions. There are observatories in Cheshire, Glasgow and Cardiff – each delivering a different body of knowledge and informing how geoenergy can help to deliver clean economic growth.
Why is it important? In the past, we’ve taken from rocks – such as gas and oil – but in the future we may need to use rocks as storage for carbon and compressed air. By improving understanding of what happens underground, researchers will be able to understand how rocks can play a role in providing and storing clean energy.
Funded by Natural Environment Research Council
Going underground: Researchers from UK Geoenergy observatories are investigating the role rocks play in providing and storing clean energy.
Going underground: Researchers from UK Geoenergy observatories are investigating the role rocks play in providing and storing clean energy.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy technologies are those that generate electricity from resources that are not depleted as a consequence of being accessed. These include bio, wind, solar and marine energy. Each has a role to play in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Creating energy with ammonia
Who? Green Ammonia Energy Storage Demonstrator Plant
What’s happening? The construction of a Green Ammonia Demonstrator in Oxfordshire has brought us a step closer to carbon-free fuel that can be stored or transported for later use. Ammonia can be used as a fuel for gas turbine engines generating electricity at times when renewable energy is not available, such as on calm days or at night. It provides a solution to storing energy in sufficient quantities, for a long enough time, to balance significant demands for power and the availability of renewable energy. When burned, ammonia turns back into nitrogen and water, and doesn’t suffer the CO2 emissions associated with fossil fuels.
Why is it important? Using renewable electricity to make ammonia for fertiliser manufacturing has the potential to save more than 40 million tons of CO2 each year in Europe alone, and over 360 million tons worldwide.
Funded by Science and Technology Facilities Council
The Green Ammonia Demonstrator brings us a step closer to carbon-free fuel that can be stored or transported for later use.
The Green Ammonia Demonstrator brings us a step closer to carbon-free fuel that can be stored or transported for later use.
Modelling the impact of windfarms
Who? Hartree Centre/University of Liverpool Off-shore Windfarm Project
What’s happening? The environmental benefits of offshore wind energy are well established, with their use increasing as the world shifts toward greener energy sources. Working with the National Oceanography Centre and STFC’s Hartree Centre, the University of Liverpool is using a supercomputer to model the effects of wind farms on the local environment, such as sediment and water movement which can affect coastal flooding and erosion. The team are able to simulate the impact of individual turbines over weeks and even years.
Why is it important? Computer modelling provides crucial insights into optimising both the siting and management of offshore windfarms that are valuable to the offshore wind energy industry and local communities.
Funded by Science and Technology Facilities Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council
New computer modelling is useful in the siting and management of offshore windfarms.
New computer modelling is useful in the siting and management of offshore windfarms.
“Large-scale offshore wind energy developments have a relatively short pedigree in the UK, so the Hartree Centre’s ability to model impacts with greater accuracy and speed is a significant development for the offshore wind industry and its various stakeholders.”
Converting sunlight into power
Who? Oxford PV
What’s happening? Oxford PV has set a record for efficiency in converting sunlight to power. Typical silicon solar cells convert about 20 to 22% of the available solar energy into electricity. Using a material called perovskite overlaid on traditional silicon-based solar cells, Oxford PV has boosted efficiency to 27.3% and could potentially exceed 30%.
Why is it important? Photovoltaics could play a lead role in phasing out fossil fuels and bringing an all-electric future closer to reality. Oxford PV is building the world’s first volume manufacturing line for perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cell with the aim of making solar technology more affordable and mainstream.
Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Oxford Photovoltaics could play a lead role in phasing out fossil fuels and bringing an all-electric future.
Oxford Photovoltaics could play a lead role in phasing out fossil fuels and bringing an all-electric future.
Future Energy Systems
Transitioning to a net zero society requires both new solutions to energy sources and new ways to capture and store carbon, such as the CO2 released from certain industrial processes and agriculture. Researchers are exploring how future energy systems can integrate and create change on a local, regional and global scale.
Meeting the challenges and opportunities of net zero
Who? UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC)
What’s happening? The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) is addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to a net zero energy system and economy. Its interdisciplinary research into sustainable future energy systems is exploring both the role of local and regional energy systems and global energy challenges. It focuses on the decarbonisation of sectors including transport, heating and industry.
Why is it important? Creating sustainable energy systems for the future requires an interdisciplinary approach. UKERC acts a focal point for UK energy research and a gateway between the UK and the international energy research communities.
Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council
UKERC focuses on the decarbonisation of sectors including transport.
UKERC focuses on the decarbonisation of sectors including transport.
Capturing and storing carbon
Who? UK Carbon Capture Storage Research Centre (UKCCSRC)
What’s happening? The mission of the UKCCSRC is to ensure that carbon capture and storage (CCS) plays an effective role in helping the UK achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. CCS is the only way to decarbonise certain industries – steel, cement, refining chemicals and glass, for example, all emit CO2 as part of a chemical process required in production. UKCCSRC is exploring how CCS can provide net-zero heating, transport and energy. It is also looking at CO2 removal from the air to offset unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions from sectors such as agriculture.
Why is it important? CCS has been identified as a vital technology for climate mitigation. Many organisations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the UK’s Committee on Climate Change agree that the targets for greenhouse gas emissions, set out in the Paris Agreement, cannot be met without CCS.
Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as part of the UKRI Energy Programme
Carbon Capture Storage plays an effective role in helping the UK achieve net zero.
Carbon Capture Storage plays an effective role in helping the UK achieve net zero.
Biotech key to green growth
Who? Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
What’s happening? Industrial biotechnology is the use of plants, algae and bacteria to produce and process materials and chemicals. It often uses starting materials that would otherwise be considered as waste. BBSRC is playing a vital role in developing the research required to drive forward bio-based manufacturing, such as projects exploring ways to transform municipal waste into chemical feed, and algae into bioplastic or agricultural fertiliser.
Why is it important? Whether through sustainable chemicals manufacture or advanced materials and agricultural practices, biotechnology has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil chemicals. BBSRC Networks in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy has committed £11m to help harness the potential of biological resources.
Funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Biotechnology has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil chemicals.
Biotechnology has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil chemicals.
Transforming Agriculture
The world population is expected to grow from 7.8 billion today to more than 10 billion by the end of the century. Agriculture and food production contribute more than 20 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, so feeding a growing population in a sustainable way is one of the biggest global challenges.
Farming for the future
Who? Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS)
What’s happening? Based at Aberystwyth University, the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) provides a unique base for research responding to the impact of climate change and global challenges such as food security, bioenergy and sustainability. Its bioscience research explores ways to deliver healthy plants, animals and environment, such as improving the resilience of crops in a changing climate and reducing the environmental impact of livestock production.
Why is it important? It is increasingly important that resources are used as efficiently as possible, and that the ecosystems on which we all depend are protected. IBERS works both with academic and industrial partners to develop innovative solutions to plant and animal diseases, mitigate the impacts of climate change, deliver renewable energy, and provide food and water security.
Funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
The state-of-the-art laboratories at IBERS.
The state-of-the-art laboratories at IBERS.
Modelling and mitigating a changing climate
Who? UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
What’s happening? The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) carries out environmental science across water, land and air. Its 500 scientists research what makes a productive, resilient and healthy environment – they aim to create and enhance sustainable ecosystems, reduce and prevent pollution, and mitigate and build resilience to climate and environmental change.
Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions is key to the centre’s work, including projects such as carbon capture in tropical forests, conserving and managing soils, supporting sustainable development of off-shore wind power by minimising the impacts on seabirds, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands around the globe.
Why is it important? UKCEH has a long history of investigating, monitoring and modelling environmental change. Its research contributes to environmental policies, commercial innovation and conservation action all around the world.
Funded by Natural Environment Research Council
Farm in a box
Who? LettUs Grow
What’s happening? LettUs Grow is a team of growers, engineers, plant scientists, software developers and business experts with a mission to reduce the waste and carbon footprint of fresh produce. They have designed Drop & Grow, essentially a farm in a box, which combines aeroponic technology (growing plants without soil and using a nutrient-dense mist instead of water) and farm management software for indoor and vertical farms. The team aims to improve the UK food system and help mitigate climate change by actively working towards a future where affordable, healthy food can be grown and accessed locally.
Why is it important? LettUs Grow’s technology reduces the environmental impact of agriculture and makes farmers’ lives easier. Its vertical farming systems can grow large amounts of produce, using no soil or pesticides and up to 95% less water than outdoor farming.
Funded by Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Transforming Food Production and Innovate UK
LettUs Grow’s technology reduces the environmental impact of agriculture by using no soil or pesticides and up to 95% less water than outdoor farming.
LettUs Grow’s technology reduces the environmental impact of agriculture by using no soil or pesticides and up to 95% less water than outdoor farming.
Understanding our
Changing Environment
Across UKRI, we invest in the cutting-edge research and innovation essential to understanding and tackling environmental sustainability challenges. By understanding our own impact on the environment – and acting upon it – we ensure the research and innovation endeavour plays its part in addressing these challenges.
Learning from the Polar Regions
What’s happening? The Polar Regions hold the secrets of our planet’s past and offer a window into its future. The effects of climate change can be felt here before they appear anywhere else. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. It enables scientific access through its research stations, ice-capable ships RRS James Clark Ross and RRS Ernest Shackleton, aircraft and unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles. All with the facilities and level of safety required in these remote and hostile parts of the planet.
Why is it important? Changes in the Polar Regions have immense consequences for us all. BAS provides scientific advice and evidence that reveals how our planet works, measures how it’s changing, and influences decision-makers, not just in the UK but globally.
Funded by Natural Environment Research Council
BAS provides scientific advice and evidence that reveals how our planet works and influences decision-makers globally.
BAS provides scientific advice and evidence that reveals how our planet works and influences decision-makers globally.
Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey
Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey
Understanding unstable glaciers in Antarctica
Who? International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC)
What’s happening? NERC is teaming up with the US National Science Foundation to study the Thwaites Glacier, one of the most unstable glaciers in Antarctica. Ice loss from the glacier, which is roughly the same size as Britain, currently contributes to around 4% of all global sea-level rise – if it was to collapse entirely, global sea levels would increase by 65 cm. Projects will look at how the ice boundary is changing, examine the core of the glacier and study ocean circulation and rates of ice melt.
Why is it important? Better awareness of the processes that drive the glacier to retreat – such as ocean-driven melting of the ice, ice flow over the bedrock, or shearing within the ice sheet – is critical to improving models of the glacier’s future behaviour and exploring conditions that could lead to a rapid increase in ice loss.
Funded by Natural Environment Research Council
The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica contributes to 4% of all global sea-level rise, but it’s being closely monitored thanks to the ITGC.
The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica contributes to 4% of all global sea-level rise, but it’s being closely monitored thanks to the ITGC.
Learning what the soil can tell us
Who? Signals in the Soil
What’s happening? Soil is essential for humanity – its ecosystems control the movement of water and chemicals between the Earth and its atmosphere, and act as both a source and storage for nutrients and gases, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, carbon dioxide and methane. Signals in the Soil is a £12 million international programme between UKRI, the National Science Foundation and the US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Using advances in sensor systems and modelling, it is improving understanding of soil processes and ways to deliver sustainable, resilient and functional soils, whether managed or unmanaged.
Why is it important? As global demands rise for food, fibres and bioenergy, and as land degradation increases, we require more from a diminishing soil resource. Advancing understanding of soil ecosystems and our capacity to manage this vital resource is increasingly urgent.
Funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council
Signals in the Soil uses advanced sensor systems to encourage sustainable, resilient and functional soil that is vital for healthy ecosystems.
Signals in the Soil uses advanced sensor systems to encourage sustainable, resilient and functional soil that is vital for healthy ecosystems.
Environment and
Human Health
Climate change affects both the social and environmental determinants of health – clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. The World Health Organization estimates climate change could cause around 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. UKRI research is investigating the role of environment on our health and wellbeing, from the impact of air quality to the benefit of woodlands on mental health.
Assessing the impact of pollution on health
Who? MRC Centre for Environment and Health
What’s happening? It’s no mystery that our environment has a major influence on health, but much is still unknown. Researchers at the MRC Centre for Environment and Health are studying the health effects of common environmental hazards, such as air pollution, noise pollution and non-ionising radiation (which includes UV light, mobile phone masts and other electromagnetic fields). For example, they are exploring whether exposure to contaminants in childhood could cause disease, and how to create healthier cities for people to live.
Why is it important? The centre’s research informs health policy and the understanding of key issues affecting our society. It has been awarded funds from the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund Clean Air Programme to explore air pollution challenges and health risks.
Funded by Medical Research Council
MRC Centre for Environment and Health investigates the health effects of common environmental hazards, including air pollution.
MRC Centre for Environment and Health investigates the health effects of common environmental hazards, including air pollution.
Net zero for the NHS
Who? Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS)
What’s happening? Researchers from CREDS are creating evidence-based future plans to help the NHS achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The centre, which works with businesses and policy makers to help them understand the changes needed for a net-zero society, is providing the NHS with energy modelling, policy advice and support in making changes to the organisation.
Why is it important? Cost-benefit analysis for the NHS showed the suggested low-carbon changes would be economically beneficial, as well as providing an improved environment for patients and staff. On a wider, global level, the centre is exploring how different factors drive energy demand and how behaviour and practices might be changed.
Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council
Researchers from CREDS are helping the NHS achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Researchers from CREDS are helping the NHS achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Connected treescapes
Who? Connected treescapes
What’s happening? Based at the University of York, Connected Treescapes is investigating how woodlands can affect public health. Researchers are exploring the idea of connectedness in five community forests – looking at cultural ties to trees, connectivity to landscapes for mental health and wellbeing, and biodiversity and nature recovery. The aim is to provide a greater understanding of how treescapes can provide a public benefit and how to balance management of their social, ecological and cultural importance.
Why is it important? Trees, woodlands and forests play a vital role in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and nurturing biodiversity. However, our treescapes need to become more resilient to pressures such as changing climate, disease, and competing demands for land in order to reverse decades of decline in biodiversity and environmental quality.
Funded by Natural Environment Research Council, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council
Connected Treescapes investigates the vital role our woodlands play in areas such as public health.
Connected Treescapes investigates the vital role our woodlands play in areas such as public health.
Developing New Behaviours
From the way we heat our homes to the cars we drive, from the food we eat to the goods we buy, reaching the UK’s net zero targets will require us all to change our behaviour and embrace new ways of living.
Exploring how society can thrive in
a low-carbon future
Who? The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations
What’s happening? The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) is exploring how society can live differently – and better – in ways that address climate change. Its research looks at the social transformations needed for low-carbon living, such as what we eat, how we use resources, our reliance on cars, expectations around aviation, and how we heat and cool homes. It also highlights the positive benefits of these changes in other areas, such as health and wellbeing, and how these can underpin behaviour and policy.
Why is it important? While there is now strong international momentum on climate change mitigation, it is clear that critical targets will be missed without fundamental changes to the way we all live. CAST aims to change understanding about how to transform lifestyles and systems of governance for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Funded by Economic and Social Research Council
Reaching the UK’s net zero targets will require us all to embrace new ways of living.
Reaching the UK’s net zero targets will require us all to embrace new ways of living.
Turning conservation into drama
Who? The Song of the Reeds - Dramatising Conservation
What’s happening? In conventional radio plays nature plays a dutiful bit-part as ‘setting’ and ‘backdrop’ to human affairs – but in Song of the Reed it takes centre stage. Through a four-part drama on BBC Radio 4 featuring actors Sophie Okonedo and Sir Mark Rylance, the project is transforming the role of the arts in conservation by dramatising the work of nature reserves in tackling species loss. Working with two nature reserves in Eastern England – Wicken Fen (National Trust) and Strumpshaw Fen (RSPB) – the drama is peppered with the sound recordings of fenland buzzing and birdsong.
Why is it important? The project demonstrates how drama can speak to conservation, and how arts and humanities are essential to developing compelling narratives that can engage and mobilise communities.
Funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council
“We need to call upon the arts to help solve the climate crisis by telling stories that persuade people to fall in love with nature again.”
Song of the Reeds shows the arts and humanities have an important role to play in helping the public understand the value of conservation.
Song of the Reeds shows the arts and humanities have an important role to play in helping the public understand the value of conservation.
A sustainable future for fashion
What’s happening? Future Fashion Factory enables research and development into advanced digital and textile technologies to transform the fashion industry’s agility in the luxury fashion design process, encouraging a shift to circular economies, reducing waste and cost. A range of initiatives explore ways of using real-time data, machine learning and artificial intelligence to judge what will fly off the shelves and not be left unsold, as well as trialling tools which digitally communicate how fabric looks, feels and performs to minimise waste from excessive sampling and reduce the carbon footprint of fashion.
Why is it important? The UK’s fashion design sector contributes around £30 billion to the economy annually but it is also a heavy consumer of resources and creates significant waste. New approaches and technologies can both transform environmental impact and drive future economic value.
Funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Creative Clusters Programme and part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
UKRI’s Global Contribution
From sustainable development to secure and resilient food systems,
from reliable clean energy to healthy, unpolluted environments, UKRI supports cutting-edge research to address key challenges faced by developing countries.
Turning waste into power in sub-Saharan Africa
Who? PyroGenesys
What’s happening? Clean energy start-up PyroGenesys is developing low-cost, environmentally-friendly technology to transform the way off-grid communities in Nigeria receive electricity. Its innovative PyroPower technology turns agricultural waste into renewable heat and electricity using advanced thermal technologies. As well as a source of heat and power, it has created Biochar. These smokeless fuel briquettes can be used for cooking, replacing firewood and wood-derived charcoal, a cause of severe deforestation and human health issues.
Why is it important? Globally, nearly two-thirds of those without electricity access live in sub-Saharan Africa. While these communities can use solar power, it is expensive and many people who live there are not able to afford a solar home kit. By processing high volumes of cheap, abundant waste biomass, PyroGenesys technology will be able to provide carbon-neutral energy at a competitive cost.
Funded by Innovate UK Energy Catalyst
Energy Catalyst supports the development of new technologies to improve the lives of people living in off grid communities in Africa and Asia.
Energy Catalyst supports the development of new technologies to improve the lives of people living in off grid communities in Africa and Asia.
Sustainable energy for refugee camps
Who? Humanitarian, Engineering and Energy for Displacement (HEED)
What’s happening? For those displaced from their homes access to energy can be particularly difficult. Led by Coventry University and the University of Oxford, the HEED project is researching the energy needs of people in refugee camps, self-settlements and host communities. The team are studying the lived experiences of Congolese refugees living in refugee camps in Rwanda and people forced to leave their homes as a result of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
Why is it important? There is a growing recognition of the need to improve access to energy, particularly renewable energy sources, for populations displaced by conflict and natural disasters. While the focus within refugee camps is often on solar energy, there are increasing opportunities for the use of renewable biomass and biogas, wind generators, micro-hydro, geothermal, LPG, and waste recycling. The HEED team are engaging a range of energy stakeholders to design and implement sustainable energy solutions.
Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
The HEED project is researching the energy needs of people in refugee camps.
The HEED project is researching the energy needs of people in refugee camps.
Reducing the carbon footprint of rice farming
Who? Newton Fund’s Sustainable Rice Initiative
What’s happening? Each year, 731 million tons of rice straw is produced as a by-product of the global rice harvest, and Vietnam is the fifth largest rice producer in the world. Much of the rice straw is burned, releasing large amounts of black carbon and other gases into the atmosphere, with negative consequences for air quality, human health, crop yield and climate change. Researchers at University of York and Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences are looking at the genes of rice plants to develop new strains that will transform rice straw into a product suitable for animal feed, biofuel production and bioenergy generation.
Why is it important? This research will not only reduce the harmful consequences of straw burning, but also help to increase the income of rice farmers, reduce the costs of animal feed, and lead to additional environmental benefits, by displacing the use of fossil resources for fuel and energy generation.
Funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Newton Fund’s Sustainable Rice Initiative is developing new strains of rice that can transform harmful by-products into animal feed.
Newton Fund’s Sustainable Rice Initiative is developing new strains of rice that can transform harmful by-products into animal feed.
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