By Olivia Adam
The Strathclyde University-led project, Climate Neutral City Innovation District has won the 2022 International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Excellence Awards in the Partnerships for Progress Category.
The ISCN awards showcase leading projects from around the globe which focus on enhancing university campus facilities and administration through environmental, social and economic exploration and analysis.
The University’s scheme aims to generate a 100 per cent renewable, climate-neutral and climate-flexible zone within Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID).
It is part of Strathcldye’s 2040 Net Zero target which supports Glasgow city plans and climate policies.
The plan will see an investment of £500 million into low-carbon and green infrastructure jobs and is a component of Glasgow city’s £30 billion Greenprint Investment programme. It will be funded by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with SALIX Finance.
Dr. Roddy Yarr, executive Lead Sustainability at Strathclyde and Project Sponsor told Rising Clyde: “We are delighted to have our work recognised by ISCN, our international peers. The vision that we created and shared with a host of stakeholders backed up by the whole systems approach and the technical work we have led has helped build a strong base for this vision to be delivered.”
How will this be achieved?
The plan will merge heat, power, transport, climate adaptation and well-being solutions to benefit the residents within the Innovation District. The streets within the district will be ‘climate corridors’ that will carry low carbon heat, power, better transport, cycling and pedestrian zones.
There will be three heat pumps located in the River Clyde by Clyde Street which will generate 1GW of heat for the community and businesses of the district.
Dr. Yarr said: “It is exciting work we are leading and there is much more to do but this sort of recognition by ISCN is both valuable and reassuring that we are on the right path. Reimagining the River Clyde as a heat source and creating a climate corridor along High Street, the original birthplace of Glasgow is innovative and inspirational.
I can see opportunities for our students and research and teaching staff to become more involved as we move forward in delivering the vision and helping put people at the centre of climate action and social inclusion.”
The Climate Neutral Innovation District will be centred within Glasgow’s Innovation District, east of the city centre. The corridors will begin at the bottom of the Saltmarket at the River Clyde, passing the University of Strathclyde and ending at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street.
Once the project is in full swing, it is estimated that the project will bring about a 93% emissions reduction, cheaper heat and more durability within the community; reducing stress and increasing well-being.
risingclyde.wordpress.com 