THE University of Strathclyde has scored a double success at a national industry awards ceremony.
The Glasgow-based learning institute scooped two awards at the Industry Awards presented by CeeD, the network of business and academia which delivers peer-to-peer best practice sharing.
Its project to create a climate neutral innovation district in Glasgow city centre was named winner in the collaboration in net zero category, whilst Professor Bill Ion, of the university’s department of design, manufacturing and engineering management (DMEM), received the peer recognition award in acknowledgement of his work in engineering education.
The university is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2025 and 80% by 2030. The vision will deliver 100% renewable heat from the River Clyde using clean power, transport, climate resilience, health and wellbeing for communities and businesses. The overall district covers a 170-hectare area of Glasgow’s city centre.
Dr Roddy Yarr, executive lead of sustainability at the University of Strathclyde said, “Universities are centres of excellence for sustainability and climate action. Strathclyde’s thought leadership and vision, combined with a strong ambition and ‘can do’ attitude is reflected in our Climate Neutral Districts project and this fantastic award recognises that. This is the decade of change where we have to collaborate and innovate at scale and at speed to shift the dial on climate action.
“I am delighted that CeeD made this award and I must also say thank you, on behalf of all our partners, to SALIX Finance, which has offered a great deal of ongoing support and encouragement to us in this venture.”
Professor Ion was Head of the DMEM Department from 2002-8 and Deputy Head from 2012-22. He was also the faculty of engineering’s vice dean (knowledge exchange) from 2017-22.
He said on his award, “I am extremely grateful to have received the CEED peer recognition award, which is an acknowledgement from some of the leading experts in industry and academia alike.
“It has been a great pleasure to have worked with so many talented colleagues, both in industry and across the higher education sector, over the years and their support has played a significant role in this award.”
