Green business and finance
Achieving net zero requires more than just technological advancements; it also depends on the non-technical facets of business and finance. Professor Bing Xu leads this theme, which focuses on developing innovative financial models and business strategies that align with the social, economic, and political demands of a net-zero future.
The research investigates how businesses can adapt to the changing regulatory environment, embrace sustainable practices, and finance the transition to a circular economy. By exploring the intersection of finance, policy, and sustainability, this theme seeks to smooth the path for businesses and industries as they transform their operations to meet net zero goals.
The development of sustainable finance models is crucial for unlocking the investments needed to scale up clean technologies and support the global shift towards carbon neutrality.
The Global Research Institute for Net Zero (iNetZ+) at Heriot-Watt University plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research that addresses the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Through its innovative research themes, iNetZ+ encourages collaboration across our school-based institutes, integrating expertise from engineering, social sciences, and the natural sciences. This collaborative approach is further strengthened by partnerships with other global research institutes at Heriot-Watt, ensuring that our collective efforts push the boundaries of sustainable solutions for a net-zero future.
Related themes and projects
Decarbonising transport and logistics
By integrating agent-based modelling, data science, operations research, and behavioural change tactics, we'll develop an understanding and implement the necessary technological and operational shifts for new sustainable solutions.
Energy in buildings
We're addressing the significant role buildings play in worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption; focusing on pioneering technologies and policies to guide buildings towards net zero, contributing to the global decarbonisation effort.
Harnessing green hydrogen
We're developing hydrogen production technologies, establishing new methods of transporting fuel and advancing storage solutions. Our researchers champion the use of hydrogen as a renewable energy source across industrial and domestic realms.