Nature-based solutions
Nature-based solutions are a powerful tool in tackling climate change. Led by Professor Nicholas Willoughby, this theme explores how natural ecosystems can be harnessed to address key environmental challenges, such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity loss, and water management.
The research focuses on the protection, restoration, and management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. By working with nature, rather than against it, these solutions offer a sustainable way to mitigate the impacts of climate change while promoting biodiversity and protecting essential resources like water and soil.
In addition to environmental benefits, nature-based solutions also offer social and economic advantages, such as enhancing community resilience to climate change and creating green jobs. This theme will contribute to the broader understanding of how nature can be part of the solution to achieving net zero.
The Global Research Institute for Net Zero (iNetZ+) at Heriot-Watt University plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research that addresses the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Through its innovative research themes, iNetZ+ encourages collaboration across our school-based institutes, integrating expertise from engineering, social sciences, and the natural sciences. This collaborative approach is further strengthened by partnerships with other global research institutes at Heriot-Watt, ensuring that our collective efforts push the boundaries of sustainable solutions for a net-zero future.
Our areas of expertise
Ambitious six-month study exploring how marine life helps the ocean store carbon
An international team of scientists are in the midst of a 6 months of study to gain a better understanding of the role marine organisms play in storing carbon in the ocean
Heriot-Watt joins forces with CGI to drive transformative sustainability solutions
Heriot-Watt University and CGI, a global IT and management consulting firm, have signed a memorandum of understanding.
Lessons from the past can help coastal communities cope with the move to renewable energy
The TRANSECTS research project, led by Heriot-Watt University, will explore lessons from the past to help coastal communities cope with the move to renewable energy.
New research will enhance strategic confidence in Scotland’s Carbon Storage potential
The relationship between long-term carbon dioxide storage and legacy oil and gas wells in Scotland’s North Sea is to be explored in a new study sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland.
Related themes and projects
Developing sustainable and circular materials
We're pioneering the exploration and application of diverse materials, central to achieving net zero. Our focus spans from the atomistic to the macroscopic, blending fundamental insights with applied studies and industry collaboration.
GeoEnergy
Delving into the synergy between low-carbon energy and the subsurface, we investigate geothermal energy production, hydrogen storage, CO2 sequestration, and radioactive waste disposal.
Green business and finance
The non-technical facets of business and finance are pivotal in embracing transformation for a net zero future. We'll design groundbreaking models in harmony with social, economic, and political demands - smoothing the path towards a circular economy.