Research
At Loughborough University sustainability is key. Through our cutting-edge research we are helping the world to tackle global warming by developing new technologies that reduce carbon emissions, preserve the earth's environment and resources, and provide clean energy for all. As an organisation we are committed to ensuring we operate in a sustainable way.
Loughborough University is internationally acclaimed for its research in the area of sustainability. It is home to the world leading CREST (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology) and in 2006 launched a Sustainability Research School. The School brings together a multi-disciplinary team of experts in sustainability-related research from across the University, and promotes collaboration with other academic institutions and industry.
In recognition of its research expertise in this field Loughborough, in partnership with the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham and with support from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and Advantage West Midlands, was chosen to host the Government's new £1 billion national Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to help accelerate the UK's transition to a low-carbon economy. The headquarters of the ETI are now based at the University.
A hydrogen refuelling station has also been installed at the campus, which will enable Loughborough to drive forward its research in this area, as well as provide a refuelling service to non-polluting hydrogen vehicles used by campus-based organisations.
Loughborough Students' Union were ranked 7th in the Sunday Times Green List 2008, which listed the greenest organisations in the UK. The Union was also named winner of the award for the best small company with low environmental impact.
Research projects
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Develop know-how to improve energy efficiency and air quality in buildings using natural ventilation and intelligent control systems
This project investigates refurbishment strategies for improving the energy efficiency and indoor air quality in existing commercial buildings.
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An innovative statistical approach to downscaling climate scenarios to model the seasonal evolution of 21st-century ice-mass surface forcing
Scaling down from global climate predictions, and scaling up from point measurements, are important challenges for understanding how glaciers will evolve under future climates.
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Large-scale industrial photovoltaic system monitoring, evaluation and optimisation
IKEA has contracted Perpetual Energy and Loughborough University to carry out a scientific study to evaluate different options in photovoltaic systems designs.
