Richard Bellingham of the Fraser of Allander Institute is part of a research team that has been awarded a major research grant of almost £1M by ESRC/EPSRC for a four year research project on the development of sustainable and low carbon heat systems in Northern European cities.
The project, funded under the joint Research Councils' Energy and Communities Programme, is a strong example of innovative multi-disciplinary collaboration, and is one of only seven successful bids for total funding of £7.5 million.
Mr Bellingham is working on the project with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh, namely Jan Webb, David Hawkey David McCrone, Stewart Russell, Andy Kerr, Heather Lovell, Richard Bellinghamand Mark Winskel.
He said, "I am delighted to be participating in this important research. The issue of how our cities achieve a transition to low carbon heating systems is vital if the UK is to achieve its ambitious carbon emission reduction targets. The four year time frame will enable us to track and analyse real low carbon heating projects as they are developed."
The research is expected to begin on October 1 with an analysis of successful and failed sustainable heat projects in the UK and Northern Europe, before focusing on Glasgow and Edinburgh, where councils, businesses and community enterprises are collaborating over development of sustainable heat and energy efficiency in buildings.
The project aims to create a blueprint for promoting transitions to sustainable heat systems in 'cold climate' cities. The team will analyse, and give feedback on, new projects as they develop, enabling shared learning in relation to community involvement, management and financial issues. They will work closely with the Sustainable Glasgow initiative (building on Strathclyde’s existing strong involvement), Glasgow-Edinburgh Collaborative Initiative (GECI), Edinburgh Council, Scottish Enterprise, social enterprises, energy companies, investors and community groups.