New centre to explore role of Edinburgh and Glasgow flats in achieving net-zero.

A cutting-edge new centre is set to revolutionize the way we approach energy efficiency in high-density buildings, with a focus on iconic tenements in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The aim is to slash carbon emissions, reduce heating bills, and introduce more sustainable construction products into the market.

The Centre for Net-Zero High Density Buildings, backed by a £4.5 million grant from the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will conduct its groundbreaking research in Scotland’s two largest cities, renowned for their extensive flat populations.

Being spearheaded by the University of Edinburgh, this collaborative venture also involves leading educational institutions like the universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, and BE-ST – Scotland’s innovation centre for a net-zero built environment. The ambitious project has attracted £5.6 million investment from various sectors, including industry, education, public services, and the local community.

Based at the prestigious Edinburgh Futures Institute, the centre will experiment with innovative prototypes and upgrade existing buildings using low-carbon materials, heating and cooling systems, and cutting-edge energy storage technologies.

The primary focus will be on buildings that typically house some of the UK’s most economically disadvantaged individuals, including many public sector workers and key workers. These groups often struggle to pay high energy bills and are more vulnerable to health issues caused by substandard living conditions.

The centre will operate through six thematic working groups spearheaded by the participating universities. These groups will concentrate on crucial areas such as energy generation and storage, data analysis and modelling, skills development and training, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and innovative offsite construction approaches.

The recommendations generated by this initiative will be shared with both industry stakeholders and policymakers, providing valuable insights on how buildings nationwide can be retrofitted to achieve net-zero targets.

Speaking on the importance of industry collaboration, Caitriona Jordan, the associate director of retrofit and energy efficiency at BE-ST, emphasised the need for a united effort in driving the transformation necessary to achieve net-zero goals.

She added, “BE-ST is honoured to spearhead industry engagement for the Centre, working in close collaboration with partners to ensure that solutions for high-density buildings are not only effective but also financially viable and scalable.”

Utilizing their extensive industry network, BE-ST will assist the centre in developing innovative projects. This includes leveraging their state-of-the-art 70,000sqft Innovation Campus to manufacture prefabricated wall, floor, roof, and modular technologies co-designed with industry experts.

Professor Sean Smith, the director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at Edinburgh Futures Institute and the School of Engineering, is at the helm of this pioneering centre and its research teams. He highlighted the pressing need to address the critical net-zero challenge faced by densely populated urban areas, where buildings significantly contribute to annual carbon emissions.

According to Professor Smith, “The retrofit of buildings is poised to become one of the key activities within the global construction sector. This new centre will position the UK as a leader in green economy solutions, fostering business growth and preparing for the inevitable demand for relevant skills and jobs.”