Curriculum
The Sustainability Office at Edinburgh Napier are keen to develop all structural environmental work throughout the University with the help and support of all staff, students and visitors. This extends into the array of environmental related curricular work being covered at the University. If you have a project where you think the Sustainability Office could help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
An audit of environmental related courses was conducted in May 2008. This will be reviewed in 2009/10.
Research and Knowledge Transfer Activities
Scottish Energy Centre (SEC)
The Scottish Energy Centre is a portal for Research, Knowledge Transfer and Expert Services activity in the energy sector at Edinburgh Napier University. Founded in 1984 as a conduit for expert services to meet the needs of industry; the portfolio of activities have expanded to help support commerce and industry in meeting the challenges of energy efficiency targets, increased energy costs, government initiatives and legislature. The cross sector of work encompasses energy modelling, energy efficiency, building envelope, passive systems, mechanical systems, air tightness, life cycle analysis and renewables. A strongly renewables focussed Sustainable Energy Research Group has taken forward research initiatives which have resulted in a number of high profile demonstration projects and new products.
New Ultra-Efficient Solar Water Heater
Following initial ground breaking research by Edinburgh Napier University staff a new joint partnership has been formed with Windsave to develop an ultra high efficient solar water heater for existing and new build housing.
Contact: John Currie on 0131 455 2253
Photovoltaic Panels
Edinburgh Napier University is proud to host one of the UK’s largest array of photovoltaic panels at its Merchiston Campus building. The project was part-financed (60%) by the UK Government’s PV electricity demonstration programme through the office of Energy Saving Trust. The University has plans to generate hydrogen from solar electricity that will be stored for nocturnal production of electricity using fuel–cell technology, thus completing the full cycle of generation, storage, and reproduction of sustainable energy. The current array provides electricity to the Jack Kilby Computing Centre based at Merchiston Campus.
Contact: Prof Tariq Muneer on 0131 455 2541
Transport Research Institute (TRI)
Edinburgh Napier hosts the leading UK applied research and knowledge transfer institute for transport. The institute is internationally recognised and work undertaken includes:
- Transport Modelling & Technology Cluster incorporating Planning & Engineering, Freight Modelling, Infrastructure, Transport Sensing and Energy & Environment
- Social Dimensions of Transport Cluster incorporating Transport Safety, Transport & Society, Transport Psychology,
- Pedestrian & Mobility Planning and Travel Behaviour.
Transport Planning & Operations Cluster incorporating Transport Policy & Economics, Passenger Transport, Maritime Research, Rail Systems, Taxi Studies and Freight & Logistics.
Contact: Prof Kevin Cullinane on 0131 455 2807
Building Performance Centre (BPC)
BPC is widely recognised by industry and government as the leading centre for research and knowledge transfer for building performance. Recent contracts have been funded by Defra, Scottish Government, Communities Scotland, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Building Standards Agency. BPC staff are involved in development, design and completion testing of over 300 construction project sites per year involving housing, schools, hospitals, auditoria, theatres, offices, cinemas and public buildings. Project Awards have included Stirling Prize for architecture, RIAS Awards, RIBA Awards and the top rated BREEAM public sector building in Scotland.
BPC has also assisted a range of companies in the development of new products or applied systems, examples include:
Each year since 2005 over 110,000 new build homes across the UK have been built incorporating house designs and working details from Napier University. The majority of these have been developed in England and Wales with Robust Details Ltd. BPC also works closely with other Napier R&KT Centres such as Scottish Energy Centre, Centre for Timber Engineering, Advanced Materials Centre and the Centre for Infrastructure.
Contact: Richard Mackenzie on 0131 455 2569
Centre for Timber Engineering (CTE)
This unique UK centre, which was established by industry and government, provides a focus for excellence in education, research, consultancy and knowledge transfer in the constructional and engineering uses of timber. CTE takes great pride on close links with the UK timber industry and works across a broad range of different activities, main areas include:
- Education and knowledge transfer.
- Applied research (e.g. optimal use of Sitka spruce & product development).
- Strategic research – including wood & fibre science.
- Innovative design, construction and performance of timber buildings and structures.
- Logistics and optimisation of timber supply.
- The time is right for timber; its global importance has never been higher
“Timber is an environmentally friendly, versatile and cost-effective building material. It is renewable and has a very small carbon footprint. Climate change and sustainability issues are likely to make these characteristics increasingly valued”
(Scottish Forestry Strategy, 2006).
“Wood plays a major role in combating climate change... Greater use of wood products will stimulate the expansion of Europe's forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions”
(European Commission's DG Enterprise, 2003)
Contact: Prof Philip Turner on 0131 455 2819
Centre for Informatics Research (CIR)
One of 3 projects funded by the internationally recognised Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept scheme, CIR has been successful in securing funding for a major new product that will use the power of computing to reduce carbon emissions generated by travel. The funding will allow product research and development and eventual commercialisation.
"Potentially this award will not only reduce Scotland's and many other nation’s carbon footprint but also bring commercial benefits to the Scottish and UK economy."
Contact: Dr Neil Urquhart on 0131 455 2655
Biofuel Research Centre
Edinburgh Napier University has launched the Biofuel Research Centre (BfRC) to find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy.
Articles:
Launch of the Biofuel Research Centre
Irish Consult Edinburgh Experts
Contact: Prof M Tangney on 0131 455 2217