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.
- with the policy challange: Low carbon energy
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.
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.
Review of the Scottish TIMES energy system model
This report presents the findings of a technical review of the Scottish TIMES model. The model details all Scottish energy flows and greenhouse gas emissions, and explores the potential future benefits of a wide range of low-carbon fuels and technologies.
A review of heat decarbonisation policies in Europe
This report reviews the heating technologies and heat decarbonisation policies of nine European countries: the UK (with a focus on Scotland), the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany and Ireland).
Using satellite data to help quantify Scottish greenhouse gas emissions
Examining how satellite observations of the atmosphere could be used to report GHG emissions more frequently and with less time-lag.
Review of greenhouse gas emissions in SEA and EIA
This research reviews current practice in considering greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes used in planning decisions.
Perennial energy crops and their potential in Scotland: evidence review
This report examines the potential for a sustainable expansion of perennial bioenergy crop production on low-grade agricultural land or underutilised land, focusing on short rotation coppice, miscanthus and short rotation forestry.
Creating a pipeline for industrial decarbonisation in Scotland: Promoting project progression
This report aims to develop a greater understanding of industrial decarbonisation projects in Scottish energy-intensive industries (EIIs), to catalogue the pipeline of such projects, and identify overarching decarbonisation themes.
Operating a zero-carbon GB power system: implications for Scotland
The British electricity sector landscape has changed as more renewables, particularly solar and wind, are connected to the power system. This report examines the far-reaching implications for the operation of national electricity networks and makes recommendations to help ensure security of supply.
