Achieving a just transition

Founded on our leading expertise in energy, engineering and construction, we're focused on building a new future through decarbonisation, energy transition and radical innovation. And a transition from fossil fuels must be a ‘just transition’, one where industry, transport and communities are all part of the solution.

We are making breakthroughs to help propel us towards a carbon-neutral future, in leading centres of excellence including the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions and the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), the focal point of the green transformation in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

From Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s Centre for Excellence in Smart and Sustainable Construction to the Islands Centre for Net Zero in Orkney, collaboration and partnerships are essential for inclusive innovation. Read more about our research and iNetz+, our global research institute focused on achieving net zero and beyond.

iNetZ+ Net Zero and Beyond

iNetZ+

Pioneering groundbreaking solutions that will redefine environmental stewardship and propel us toward a carbon-neutral future.

Research Centre for Carbon Solutions

RCSS

An interdisciplinary world-leading engineering centre, inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to meet necessary carbon targets.

Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre

IDRIC

Bringing together industry and academia to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK’s main industrial regions, ensuring a fair and inclusive move towards a net-zero future.

The Centre for Excellence in Smart and Sustainable Construction

CES²C

Transforming the built environment through advanced technologies, digitalisation, and research-led innovation to shape sustainable construction in the Middle East and beyond.

The Islands Centre for Net Zero

ICNZ

Based in Orkney, it pioneers community-focused solutions for carbon reduction, turning remote island settings into living laboratories for global green innovation.

Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering

IMPEE

Conducting cutting-edge research to develop cleaner, more efficient technologies, driving progress in mechanical processes that support the world’s transition to net zero.

Our sustainability strategy

We are committed to continuing our progress to make our activities more sustainable in support of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

At Heriot-Watt University, our enterprising research culture thrives on diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. We foster an environment where every researcher feels valued and supported, driving key themes like Research Careers, Collegiality, Open Research, and Research Integrity. By celebrating efforts and promoting an inclusive community, we shape the future of research with purpose and impact.
Professor Steve McLaughlin, Vice-Principal and Provost

Together, we shape the future.

Since 1821 we have been at the forefront of new ideas and solutions, creating radical innovations that make a difference in the real world. Heriot-Watt has an established reputation as a dynamic facilitator of successful strategic alliances. The University aims to solve problems of real significance to society by excelling in research and enterprise.