Modern metering methods allow energy, water and gas can be measured every 30 minutes to produce very accurate data. This allows a school buildings performance to be analysed to a very specific degree. This project helped create a methodology of identifying and defining energy saving strategies despite the unique and sporadic energy use patterns of a school.

The data is used not only to help improve schools energy systems, but also incorporated into Maths and Science lessons to provide a learning platform based on real data and their own environment to encourage engagement in the subject

Socially Responsible Investments (SRI) encourage people to consider the social and environmental impacts of their investments along with the desire for an economic return. The companies involved often promote equality, fair trade and environmental concerns. This project looks at whether or not being socially and environmentally responsible raises the financial risk of investing.

The study shows that a trust which switched from a conventional to SRI strategy saw no change in returns over an 8 year period, despite the new focus on ethical practices. The research also shows that SRIs were initially a volatile investment, but have since return the same level as conventional investments as the practice becomes more common

Transport is the fastest growing source of CO² in the UK, and to meet the government target of a 50% reduction by 2050 we need to find both a technical and social solution to the emissions created by drivers. This project concentrates on investigating the social aspects the transport issue.

The study looked into the self interested and altruistic motives of drivers, along with factors such as journey time and the availability of alternative transport. This identified scenarios when drivers were burdened with the feeling of responsibility or obligation, which helps policy makers to focus their efforts on these wavering demographics who are more likely to reduce their car use.

Training is an important aspect of sustainable development as it integrates modern research with those who are in a position to implement it. This project saw the evaluation of guidance documents given to built environment professionals in the East Midlands and produced a new white paper for the Regional Assembly energy strategy. This was supported with a number of workshops and presentations to professionals from both the public and private sectors to help educate them in the materials being provided.

This project was a partnership the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), the East Midlands Assembly, Integration of New and Renewable Energy in Buildings (INREB), Faraday Partnership and Skills Training for Renewable Energy in the East Midlands (STREEM).

The aim of this project was to engage with young people about climate change and discuss opportunity to make a difference outside of a formal classroom setting. Through group consultation it gave young people a chance to learn, discuss and have fun exploring a range of scenarios regarding how we live and how we want to live in the future.

The focus was about practical decision making and allowing the participants to decide their own futures. The young people’s attitude to the subject was monitored before and after the event to help define and chance the consultation process for future years.