News

The scientist watching light at a millionth of a millionth of a second

When she’s not making atomic-scale changes to create super-efficient light bulbs and cut carbon emissions, Professor Rachel Oliver has her sights set on helping to level-up equality and diversity in science. This Cambridge Life spoke with Professor Oliver on International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February)...

Research in sustainable energy awarded Helios prize

The winners of the Helios Prize (Department of Engineering) – awarded for graduate research in sustainable energy or energy efficiency The Helios Prize, Department of Engineering (University of Cambridge) was awarded to Matteo Craglia, for his research in energy efficiency in the transport sector. Matteo is supervised by...

A switch to battery electric vehicles is the best option for cleaner road transport, study finds

The widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles offers the greatest energy efficiency and potential for CO2 reduction, new analysis by Cambridge engineers has shown. But they warn, that in order for the full potential of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to be unlocked, grid improvements will be necessary to meet...

Low-carbon policies can be ‘balanced’ to benefit small firms and average households – study

A review of ten types of policy used to reduce carbon suggests that some costs fall on those less able to bear them – but it also shows these policies can form the bedrock of a ‘green recovery’ if specifically designed and used in tandem. Some of the low-carbon policy options currently used by governments may be...

New research will use space telescopes to monitor energy efficiency of buildings

The University of Cambridge is one of 21 organisations awarded a share of over £7 million in funding meant to put the UK at the forefront of the latest advances in space innovation. The funding will support companies and universities with radical ideas for how we tackle climate change through earth observation or address...

New green materials could power smart devices using ambient light

Researchers have developed environmentally friendly materials that could harvest enough energy from indoor light to power wireless smart devices. We are increasingly using more smart devices like smartphones, smart speakers, and wearable health and wellness sensors in our homes, offices, and public buildings. However, the...

BEIS launches the new MacKay Carbon Calculator

The MacKay Carbon Calculator provides a model of the UK energy system that allows you to explore pathways to decarbonisation, including net zero by 2050. Using the MacKay Carbon Calculator, you can create pathways to find out how we might reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 and beyond. You choose...

UKRI award for Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging from Plants (S2UPPlant)

On 19 November 2020 UKRI announced 10 university-led research projects that will receive £8 million in funding from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The investment is part of the Enabling Research competition in the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge (SSPP). It aims to help tackle plastic waste in the UK...

Professor Peter Guthrie appointed Vice-President at the Royal Academy of Engineering

Congratulations to Professor Peter Guthrie who has been appointed Vice-President at the Royal Academy of Engineering. Peter Guthrie is the first Professor in Engineering for Sustainable Development in the UK, and was the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development from 2000 to 2016. He continues to work on various...

Launch - Green Recovery: A Blueprint for a Green Future

Cambridge Zero was pleased to announce the launch of the “Green Recovery: A Blueprint for a Green Future” report this month at the Cambridge Zero Climate Change Festival 2020 . The report is an ambitious multidisciplinary report from the Cambridge Zero Policy Forum on how we can ensure a green recovery from the COVID-19...