As global leaders meet at COP26, we are hopeful that the world will take the steps needed to avert climate disaster. While their decisions this month are vital, we can’t leave it all to politicians – every section of society must play its role in eliminating carbon emissions and addressing the many other sustainability challenges inextricably linked to climate change.
I’m proud that Imperial has a major presence at COP26, alongside many of our industry partners, where we’re advocating for the systems thinking central to our Transition to Zero Pollution initiative. Once the summit ends, Imperial will continue to work with partners around the world to create the transformation of technologies, policies, and industrial systems that society urgently needs.
You can learn below about some of the concrete solutions we’re offering businesses such as consumer goods and services companies to help reduce their carbon footprints, and we’ll be talking more about our work on sustainability challenges with a range of sectors over the next few weeks.
Best wishes,
Dr Simon Hepworth
Director of Enterprise Imperial College London
Five ways universities could help
decarbonise your business
Redeveloped products New cleaning products, car components, and clothing lines: Imperial is harnessing advances in science and engineering to help businesses develop products that use sustainable materials and do more with less energy.
New business models Models such as take-back schemes can reduce waste and minimise emissions. Imperial experts in behavioural science, engineering, business and policy are helping companies gain the insights they need to roll out new models worldwide.
Modern manufacturing techniques With industry partners, Imperial is working to advance manufacturing techniques that use fewer materials and more local supply chains.
Low-carbon logistics Electric transport could herald a new era of low carbon logistics, but technical challenges abound. Imperial researchers and startups are developing tech for any company that needs to get goods from A to B.
Energy-efficient operations To reach net zero, companies will need to maximise the energy efficiency of their operations, from heating buildings to refrigerating goods. Imperial is helping businesses use more sustainable energy and increase energy efficiency.
Markets that allow investors, governments, and businesses to buy carbon credits could lower greenhouse gas emissions, according to a report commissioned through Imperial Consultants by the British High Commission in Singapore.
An alumni startup that aims to improve the experience for electric vehicle drivers has received £920,000 pre-seed funding from investors including the Imperial College Innovation Fund. The Bonnet app helps drivers find and access charging points.
The Sustainability Leadership programme from the Imperial College Business School's Executive Education programme will provide participants with the methods and mindset to help create a sustainability plan with real impact on businesses.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the severity of a patient’s COVID-19 symptoms, according to a report by the Environmental Research Group commissioned by the Mayor of London via Imperial Projects.
A rapid diagnostic test under development by DNA Electronics in partnership with Imperial and the University of Leicester could help clinicians monitor the progress of breast cancer at the point of need, reducing the time it takes to identify recurrent cancer.
Imperial’s Industry Partnerships and Commercialisation team for the Faculty of Engineering is a Team of the Year finalist in this year’s Knowledge Exchange Awards, which celebrate the people who help deliver impact from publicly funded research.
Imperial has launched a new industry club for businesses that work on the microbiome, to help industry access the College’s academic expertise in the area, and help translate this expertise into industry research, startups and commercial projects.
EDEN2020, a multi-institution research project that used inspiration from nature to develop a delivery system for minimally invasive neurosurgery, has recently concluded. You can discover the technology and the project’s story in a new video.
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