Net zero, natural and built environments

Human activities put the natural environment at risk, both on land and in the sea. Furthermore, extreme weather events caused by increasing global temperatures puts further strain on the natural environment. For decades, governments and organisations have exacerbated these problems. Now, policymakers are working with industry and academia to find innovative solutions to repair and protect the natural environment.

Loughborough University has internationally recognised research expertise that supports the UK Government’s ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to deliver a more resilient, sustainable economy. Across engineering, science, social sciences and design, the University’s work addresses the full net zero challenge. This breadth enables Loughborough to contribute robust, interdisciplinary evidence that aligns with national strategies on decarbonisation, infrastructure renewal and long-term economic growth.

The University’s research on the natural environment underpins national priorities on climate adaptation, biodiversity recovery and sustainable land use. Loughborough scholars lead work on nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, flood resilience and environmental management. 

In the built environment, Loughborough’s expertise spans low-carbon buildings, clean energy systems, materials innovation and infrastructure resilience - all central to the Government’s ambitions for decarbonising heat, improving building performance and modernising infrastructure. Research on retrofit, whole-life carbon, renewable energy technologies and smart energy systems provides the technical and economic evidence needed to accelerate delivery at scale.

Research spotlights

Hydrogen

Loughborough University has a growing hydrogen portfolio, working closely with partners in industry

Circular economy

Contributing to the sustainable agenda through novel circular economy research

Digital decarbonisation

Pioneering research into minimising digital-related carbon emissions

Climate and sport

Research on the interconnectedness of climate change and sport

RAAC

Working to inform Government on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Busses connecting communities

Analysing the importance of the UK's public bus services

Low carbon cooking

Pioneering a shift from traditional biomass and fossil fuel-based cooking towards clean, sustainable solutions.

Flood resilience through participation

Focusing on the social, educational, and wellbeing dimensions of resilience, particularly for children and families.

Loughborough University Policy Unit

Loughborough University’s Policy Unit provides a channel for the University’s research and researchers to realise productive and beneficial impact on public policy, at local, national and international level through promoting an evidence-based approach to practical on-the-ground projects responding to public policy challenges.

If you’d like to get in contact with the Policy Unit, please email policy@lboro.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)20 3805 1343.