New technologies are building momentum and will deliver more economic growth

By Dr Andy Pickard, Centre for Global Eco-Innovation – Lancaster University

Heating in homes, offices and industry accounts for 32 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2008’s Climate Change Act a series of carbon budgets were written into statute for the UK. The fourth one for 2023-27 is looming, with its demanding target of 51 per cent reduction from 1990 levels.

It is recognised the issue of heating in homes and business urgently needs to be tackled to address this target.

This presents a challenge for the government but means businesses involved in housing and construction are ideally placed to benefit from support to drive change.

Whilst some gains are available through energy efficiency, I’m interested in supporting innovation which fundamentally finds new solutions, and delivers economic growth.

Lancaster University, working with Liverpool John Moores University, is supporting R&D with businesses by opening up the understanding and facilities of the universities to business.

The opportunities are wide ranging. The universities are already working with local companies, some named in this feature, on technologies which can be fitted retrospectively to building stock.

These range from smart control valves on existing radiators through smart building management systems which can control all aspects of a building according to occupancy and predicted weather.

We are working with SMEs developing power generation and battery technologies, DC power use and distribution, control systems and microgrid technologies allowing energy to be created, stored, controlled and distributed for local use.

Development in material technology is creating opportunities in new insulation, lighter weight materials and new construction techniques.

As research institutes, we are interested to work with businesses on new designs, modular construction and innovative materials.

Researchers in Lancaster University’s engineering department recently reported on new “smart” cement mixtures that could turn “buildings into batteries”.

This smart cement mixture is able to store electrical energy and monitor its own structural health and the material may be cheaper than Portland Cement. Now that is a thought for the future! Businesses interested in working with the university on innovative low carbon research should contact Ian Wright by calling 01524 592382.