Zero Carbon

Why this research matters

Reducing carbon emissions matters for everyone in today’s global society. The evidence is now overwhelming that climate change is already happening and will get worse in the next few decades. Scientists and policymakers recognise that there is an urgent need to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions to net-zero, to limit the harmful effects of the rise in global temperatures. 

An increasing number of national and local strategies support the adoption of Low Carbon innovation and societal transformation which will also create new economic and industrial opportunities. However, we need to go further with the aim of developing new technologies and focusing on solutions in response to the climate crisis. 

Our vision and approach

While we are all stakeholders in a zero-carbon future, we recognise that our expertise in science, technology and engineering today will be central to developing new and adapted technologies tomorrow. We aim to be a force for positive impact, proactive with the transition to a zero-carbon world and we will inform regional, national and international policy. 

Our approach into zero-carbon research is split into three areas: manufacturing, business and energy; transport and smart cities; and nature-based solutions. By drawing on our own expertise, experience and business networks within these three areas, we are helping organisations adopt new processes, products and systems to grow innovation and unlock new business opportunities. By considering a nature-based solution alongside the other areas, we take into account the challenges the environment and society might have in adapting new technologies. We believe the environment and wider society are central to the solutions, not just passive recipients of the benefits. Our approach also means we can develop new ways of removing carbon from the atmosphere and putting it back into the ground.