Below are some of our recently updated projects.
Visit the publications library for access to all of our research publications or read more about the challenges we work on.
Industrial Strategy in Scotland: A review of cluster-based initiatives
This report considers historic efforts of industrial clustering in Scotland, highlighting opportunities and challenges of cluster policy making across both manufacturing and innovation. The research is part of analysing green industrial strategy in Scotland, particularly in relation to the low carbon heat sector.
Review of gas and electricity levies and their impact on low-carbon heating uptake
This evidence review examines whether rebalancing of levies and charges between electricity and gas supplies might impact the deployment of low-carbon and renewable heat in both domestic and non-domestic settings.
Energy technology phase-out: Using international analogues to inform ‘net zero’ heat decarbonisation policy
This report seeks to inform the design of policy for the phase-out of fossil fuel heating by reviewing relevant historical and ongoing experiences of technology phase-out policy, and, by extension, phase-in, in the energy sector.
Costs of zero emissions heating in new buildings
This report looks at the costs of delivering zero emissions heating in domestic and (as far as possible) non-domestic new buildings. It identifies the factors that influence these costs and how they are split between different actors.
Heat pump use in Scotland - an evidence review
Heat pumps are expected to play a significant role in decarbonising heat in Scotland. This evidence review examines how heat pumps currently, or are likely to, perform in practice in Scottish buildings. It identifies best practice relevant to Scotland, as well as evidence gaps.
The potential of Heat as a Service as a route to decarbonisation for Scotland
This evidence review examines the potential of Heat as a Service (HaaS) to support decarbonising heating in domestic properties in Scotland. It outlines HaaS business models tried across Europe and categorises them in terms of consumer outcomes.
Evidence review for hydrogen for heat in buildings
Hydrogen is one of only a handful of potential heat decarbonisation routes which offer a mass-market solution. This project was commissioned to help build a clear evidence base, using existing literature relating to all aspects of the use of hydrogen to heat buildings, including supporting infrastructure and costs.
Behaviour change and attitudes in the Scottish agricultural sector – a rapid evidence assessment
To meet Scotland's net-zero target farmers need to adopt available emission-reduction technologies and practices. This study examines interventions to encourage practice change, and the key factors that influence successful adoption.
Drought risk in Scottish forests
Drought, as a significant risk to Scottish forests, is likely to be exacerbated by the changing climate. This report summarises the current state of research on drought risk, describes ongoing projects and identifies knowledge gaps and potential research directions.
Emissions impact of home working in Scotland
This report assesses the impact of working from home (WFH) in Scotland. WFH has the potential to reduce carbon emissions associated with commuting and office space, but must be balanced against an expected increase in emissions in the home.
Understanding carbon sequestration in upland habitats
This project reviews current knowledge of the potential for carbon sequestration in key Scottish upland open habitats and identifies the key drivers of change. Upland soils play a vital role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Measuring recovery from extreme weather events
A study of international approaches to assessing recovery from extreme weather events, the data sources underpinning them, and their applicability to Scotland.
