ENVIRONMENT at Edinburgh Napier
Our work aims to support sustainability of the natural environment as well as the built environment with research into biodiversity; sustainable materials; transport; smart cities; carbon neutrality and design including interaction design; product design; ergonomics and human computer interfaces (HCI).
We have academics and experts, in a wide range of fields and disciplines, who share a drive to make a positive difference to our natural world. Our ‘hands-on’, innovative and collaborative approach to teaching and research produces real-world results. Our quick case studies show you how.
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Mind the Gap for Biodiversity
In an innovative research project, scientists from our Edinburgh Napier's Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science (CSRR) have partnered with National Highways and Balfour Beatty to evaluate the biodiversity supported by brownfield sites in Scotland and their importance in the wider landscape.
Mind the Gap for Biodiversity case study
Repurposing Oceanic Plastic Waste
It is estimated that approximately 8 million tonnes of plastics leak into the ocean each year. Supported by the British Council Indonesia, the Altermatter project was established to raise a wider global interest in climate change and sustainability, bringing together creative designers from Edinburgh Napier with designers in Indonesia to create products from locally retrieved waste.
Repurposing Oceanic Plastic Waste
The HEART Project
Project HEART brings together a consortium of UK companies, SMEs and international experts, including academics and researchers from Edinburgh Napier, who are working to develop an innovative, low-carbon proposal in regional aviation through the introduction of hydrogen electric aircrafts for short domestic and regional based flights.
HEART case study
The CAVForth Project
The CAVForth project is an ambitious project, funded by the UK government, that sets out to transform the UK’s public bus transportation system by the introduction of driverless buses. Experts from Edinburgh Napier became a partner in the project, taking a key role in examining and reporting the public’s perceptions and trust in an autonomous bus service.
CAVForth case study
Protecting & Restoring Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Kenya
Mangrove forests are amongst the most efficient natural carbon stores on the planet. In Kenya, our research has established the world’s first community-based mangrove and seagrass conservation projects funded by carbon credits.
Kenya conservation case study
Influencing Legislation to Benefit Mangrove Crabs & Livelihoods in Brazil
Mangrove crabs are revered in Brazil and the main revenue for many low-income fishers. Through the REMAR Project, our Edinburgh Napier researchers have collaborated globally to help protect a cultural icon, influence government policy change, and save local livelihoods in Brazil.
Brazil Mangrove Crabs Case Study
Improving the Conservation of Otters through Technology
Eurasian otters are listed as near threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Ecological consultants have a key role in surveying sites for protected habitats and species, including otters. Our Edinburgh Napier conservation experts have developed evidence-based camera trapping protocols to better identify and protect otter dens.
Otter conservation case study
Transforming Timber
To help safeguard future generations and create sustainable homes and communities, Edinburgh Napier University has been leading pioneering research into industrialised timber and offsite construction solutions. The university is host to Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and works with key industry partners to help test and validate the sector accelerating to achieving net zero by the use of timber.
Transforming Timber Case Study
Spotlight on Spin-out, Celtic Renewables
The whisky industry in Scotland is one of the largest and most iconic industries. Researchers from Edinburgh Napier University discovered a way of converting unwanted and low-value biological materials, such as the by-products from whisky distilling, into high-value, low carbon chemicals. This Edinburgh Napier innovation has created the spin-out business, Celtic Renewables, which has ambitions to revolutionise the biofuel industry on a global scale.
Celtic Renewables case study
Providing Sustainable Solutions
Applying metrics for sustainability is gaining more importance in industries due to the need to control environmental impact and also to comply with legislation. Many businesses do not have the expertise to help make this change. This is where Edinburgh Napier can help.
Stoane LIghting Case Study
Support in Scaling Up
CSY Architects is a team of award-winning architects who work on projects of all sizes and scale. To harmonise their systems and improve efficiencies, they are working with experts at Edinburgh Napier University to introduce and utilise building information modelling (BIM) across the business.
CSY Architects Case Study
Building-up Young Talent
The construction stars of the future are being moulded by our industry-leading expertise. In order to modernise the future workforce we partnered with Daydream Believers, a resource for educators that is pioneering a SCQF accredited qualification in Creative Thinking.
Daydream Believers Case Study
World-leading research in novel materials and processes is putting Edinburgh Napier on the map, attracting R&D investment, creating jobs and economic opportunity, and supporting a more sustainable Scotland.