NET ZERO TRANSITIONS
Updates from the wider world of net zero
Innovate UK Connections
NET ZERO LIVING: USER FOCUSED DESIGN
Where demand meets supply: a message from the Design Council
The Innovate UK User Focused Design programme is dedicated to fostering innovation and growth in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is one part of the overarching Net Zero Living: User Focused Products programme with the Thriving Places programme as its counterpart and significant other.
Where Thriving Places supports local authorities in their demand-side journeys to Net Zero, the User Focused Design programme supports supply-side businesses who are developing new products and services with their entry to the net zero market.
The Design Council, with our expert team drawn from across industry, is coaching businesses in understanding and responding to the needs, opportunities, and barriers that hinder the large-scale deployment of net zero solutions across heat, energy, mobility and make & use categories.
Our cohort of businesses are developing solutions in a range of user focused spaces: data-driven efficiency in building retrofit; energy efficiency in public and private buildings; digital platforms for community circularity; new mobility solutions; new products for the home that change behaviours and make the net zero living cheaper and easier to adopt.
Finding synergies between both programmes is critical, driving collective progress towards sustainable communities by supporting both supply and demand sides of net zero solutions.
At Design Council, we’re committed to driving positive change for our planet through design. Building on our rich history as National Strategic Advisor and the Design for Planet mission, this programme harnesses the power of design in supporting the transition to net zero.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the programme, feel free to contact us.
Hugo Jamson, Business Innovation, Design Council
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
Innovate UK and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) are set to fund 32 projects as part of the novel low-emission food production systems competition.
Projects cover cross-cutting themes related to net zero such as circular models for food production and vertical farming using hydro energy storage.
RETROFIT
Heat pumps in demand as grant applications soar by 75%, says DESNZ.
Home for Net Zero: check out Energy Systems Catapults’ resources on business models, Warm Home Prescription, Skills & Training, and more.
News
GLOBAL
Hear from experts on the emerging tensions and contradictions related to navigating to net zero hosted by the World Economic Forum.
INNOVATION
Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ): A landmark initiative has been launched to bring together Scottish universities to help the country achieve net zero by 2045.
The University of Leeds launched a new Living Lab exploring geothermal energy on campus, part of their progressive Climate Plan. Read more in this blog written by some of team involved.
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
A green energy partnership has been launched between SSE Energy Solutions and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to use the area as a test bed for projects which will accelerate its journey to net zero.
CLIMATE AND HEALTH
Climate change and human health: impacts, inequities, and innovation.
Funding
Phase 5 public sector low carbon skills fund.
UK registered businesses can apply for grants for collaborative projects to develop innovative solutions to environmental monitoring. Share with your relevant colleagues.
Reports
Offshoring emissions through used vehicle exports: new paper presents clear evidence of excess carbon and other pollution emissions that are exported from the UK when private vehicles fail domestic emission standards.
Inspiration
What we do matters: young people say ‘the older generation has to take action’
Image credit: Artwork - Maisy Summer, Layout - Kit Marie Rackley
As we work to achieve net zero, it’s important to acknowledge that the UK is the fifth biggest historic emitter in the world.
This means that the UK is influential. What we do at the national and local level matters.
Researchers on the Young People at a Crossroads project spoke to young people that had migrated, or grown up with parents who had migrated, from or through 34 different countries about their experiences and perspectives related to the environment.
These experiences and perspectives can help us to adapt to climate change in ways that value diversity of thought.
Read more about Young People at Crossroads and the 10 messages from this research to think about in your local net zero projects.
