06 July 2009
Oxford University scientists propose two breakthrough ideas at the Sustainable Development Commission’s London event, attended by HRH the Prince of Wales
Oxford University scientists from the ECI, uniquely, had two ideas selected for stimulating a leap forward in Britain’s green enterprise initiatives.
The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) unveiled the two Oxford Breakthrough ideas on the 1st July with 17 others at an event attended by HRH the Prince of Wales. The SDC's Breakthroughs for the 21st Century project identifies ideas which could make the biggest impact on Britain’s efforts to tackle climate change, resource depletion and inequality.
Low Carbon Zones and Personal Carbon Budgets, both from Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute, competed against nearly 300 others submitted by the public, businesses, academics, and sustainability professionals.
Dr Boardman's Low Carbon Zones – "keeping up with the Zoneses" - focuses on improving housing efficiency standards in specially designated zones within every local authority, with a particular emphasis on helping those suffering from fuel poverty. "The figures are startling." says Dr Boardman. "In 2008, there were 5 million UK households in fuel poverty, a doubling since the two and a half million in 2005. The majority of these are 'vulnerable' households. There are also over eight million homes without cavity walls insulation. And then we have the exciting opportunity of the new low and zero carbon technologies. This is all a huge opportunity for warmer, healthier homes, saving people money, creating local jobs, and making big carbon reductions. The challenge is to upscale to millions of homes, not just a few thousand."
Dr Eyre's Personal Carbon Budgets enable individuals and communities to take responsibility for reducing emission of CO2 in all areas of life. "We need a human face to carbon, something we can relate to personally. Personal carbon budgets would offer a way for everyone to make their own unique contribution to the climate solution."
The two Oxford scientists presented their ideas along with the other Breakthrough champions at today’s conference, hosted by Anna Ford, Jonathan Dimbleby and Rosie Boycott. The event was attended by HRH the Prince of Wales as well as three Ministers of State. 400 high-level community, business, public service and Government representatives were present to discuss how to make the ideas a national reality.
More about ECI's energy research.