NetZero News

A Year of Remarkable Achievements

The HWUSU Strive for Sustainability Student Volunteer Award is presented

The NetZero Society has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to promoting sustainability on campus and within the broader community, leaving an incredible impact on both students and staff. Since its formation in February 2022, committee members of the society have put in many hours of hard work to provide everyone at the university with a diverse range of informative and engaging events, with a focus on career, research, and lifestyle.

All this hard work has recently been recognised at the Heriot-Watt Student Union Volunteer Awards 2024 where the society won the “Strive for Sustainability award” for the second year in a row!

Highlights of the 2023/34 Academic Year

Engineering Net Zero Conference

A diverse group of smiling young adults posing for a photo together.
Organizing Team of the Engineering Net Zero Conference (NetZero and Chemical Engineering Society).

During sustainability week, the team exhibited exemplary teamwork and dedication by organizing their annual flagship event, the Engineering Net Zero Conference in collaboration with the HW Chemical Engineering Society. The event featured insightful talks from industry professionals from 10 different organizations, a poster competition and a networking dinner.

This event has built a valuable network for our members for their future career, including unique opportunities for learning and collaboration. The society’s proactive engagement with professionals underscores their commitment to connecting theory with practical industry insights.
(November 3rd, 2023)

Whitelee Wind Farm Visit

Students posing for photos with a wind turbine in the background and sitting on a bus.
NetZero Society at Whitelee Wind Farm.

The NetZero Society ventured beyond campus borders with a visit to the Whitelee Wind Farm, offering members a firsthand experience of renewable energy generation.
(October 11th, 2023)

NetZero Society Dubai Launch and COP28 Showcase

Students smiling and standing in front of a computer.
Left Image: Ashween Virdee and Katia Piscina with Dubai Student Council President during Dubai Climate week. Right Image: Katia Piscina, Nicola Mitchell (Student Engagement Officer Dubai), Ashween Virdee and Sebi Merino, (Vice President Community)

The society took global strides by launching The NetZero Society Dubai and showcasing the results of their research survey, 'HWU's Hand and Footprint,' during COP28 at the Dubai Climate Week Showcase.
(November 30th – December 12th, 2023)

Collaboration with the University’s Sustainability Team

Students pose for photos dressed in safety gear, including hard hats and high viz vests.
Ashween Virdee, Katia Piscina, and the Heriot Watt Sustainability Team during Biffa Site Visit.

One of the most commendable aspects of the NetZero Society's efforts is their close collaboration with the University's sustainability team. Through active participation in forums, the society has contributed significantly to the university's sustainability plan. Their initiatives include visits to the Biffa Waste Management Facility, working towards making research labs more sustainable, and sharing invaluable advice and experiences to guide the Sustainability Team.
(Feb 7th, 2024)

Student Support and Mentorship

A diverse group of students standing in front of a large machine, looking at it with curiosity.
NetZero and Eco Society Members visiting the Research Centre of Carbon Solutions lab.

The Society has demonstrated a commitment to mentorship by supporting students with sustainability-focused university projects, including:

  • RCCS lab tours (March 4th and 6th, 2024)
  • Innovate for Impact Poster Competition (March 13th, 2024) 
Poster Competition winners show off thier prizes.
Arezoo Azimi and Saba Mahmoudvand winning the Eco Visionary and Technological Innovation Award, respectively, at the Innovate for Impact Poster Competition.

Outreach Events

Heriot-Watt students pose for photos wearing a mixture of purple, blue, red and green t-shirts.
Research Centre of Carbon Solutions and the NetZero Society showcasing climate research at the Climate Hope Event.

The society set up three interactive activities at the Climate Hope at Dynamic Earth. A few members of Research Centre of Carbon Solutions and the NetZero Society presented engaging activities to involve children aged 2 to 10 years. This involved family participants playing a recycling game using a recycling centre toolkit, observing minerals in porous rock through a microscope to show carbon dioxide storage underground, and learning about saltwater fuel cells.
(April 13th, 2024)

The NetZero Society's dedication to promoting sustainability through diverse events, collaborations, and outreach initiatives has been truly remarkable. Their efforts have not only raised awareness but also inspired and empowered the university community to act towards a more sustainable future.