For the past three months, we have been focusing on sharing content with you around Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience, one of our four research strengths.
The challenges of global warming, finite resources and shrinking biodiversity could not be clearer – the future of the planet and our world is at stake and we won’t get a second chance. Net-zero carbon buildings, sustainable mobility, green agriculture, emissions and air quality are just some of the critical issues we are tackling.
Our research strengths include:
transforming construction, infrastructure and design
food security, water management and air quality
future mobility, connectivity and place.
We have shared with you a guide to COP26, discussed the importance of sustainable fashion, shared sustainable businesses in our University Enterprise Zone and highlighted our Research Centres and Groups within this area, to name a few.
The below blog shares some of our favourite blogs from the past few months.
Our next focus is our research strength Digital Futures. We look forward to sharing more of our amazing research with you.
UWE Bristol will deliver Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship aimed at helping Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic young adults young adults into green jobs.
The project, led by UWE Bristol and in collaboration with NatWest and the Black South West Network will help the West of England region transition to a green economy.
Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship will be delivered alongside an ambitious programme of skills development and training for people and businesses in the West of England, delivered by UWE Bristol’s Regional Skills Academy. Working with partners, the Regional Skills Academy is reskilling and upskilling the region’s workforce to support economic recovery, meet the demands of a digital and zero carbon society, and provide lifelong learning opportunities for adults from all communities and backgrounds.
Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO of UWE Bristol and President of UUK said: “At UWE Bristol, we passionately believe in inclusivity and opportunity, recognising the key role education has in helping transform society, to the benefit of all individuals and communities. We are delighted to have been chosen to help deliver the Government’s Community Renewal Fund which recognises the vital role that Universities have to play in helping the UK build back. Not just better, but faster, stronger, and greener too.
“This fantastic partnership with our colleagues at Black South West Network and NatWest will provide unique skills, employment and start-up opportunities to young people from communities across our region, generating an inclusive pipeline of talent for local businesses and driving the West of England’s transition to a green economy. The country needs its universities more than ever to help drive our post-Covid recovery, to support our NHS and to create good, sustainable jobs in our local communities. We are ready to turbocharge this recovery – fuelling inclusivity, growth, opportunity, mobility, and prosperity.”
This is one of four successful bids to the UK Community Renewal Fund, submitted by the West of England Combined Authority. A total of £2.4m has been secured to support people and communities most in need across the region.
Dr Rebecca Windemer, Lecturer in Environmental Planning and Design, last week won the Outstanding Early Career Impact award as part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Celebrating Impact Prize 2021 for her research on “Influencing policy and debate on end-of-life considerations for onshore renewables”.
The ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, now in its ninth year, is an annual opportunity to recognise and celebrate the success of ESRC-funded researchers in achieving and enabling outstanding economic or societal impact from excellent research.
Rebecca’s research into the 25-year planning consents that regulate the UK’s onshore wind and solar farms has led to policy change in Wales, greater guidance for local authorities and the wind industry on end-of-life considerations for onshore renewable energy infrastructure, and increased community awareness of the potential to influence the future of local wind and solar sites.
In the context of a global transition to decarbonise the energy system and meet NetZero targets, expanding energy output from renewables is increasingly important. However, space for renewable energy infrastructure is limited and existing wind farms are beginning to reach the end of their operational or consent life. Given tightening planning and land restrictions, keeping consented infrastructure in place is likely to form a key part of ensuring that renewable energy targets are met. There is also potential to significantly increase the energy generated from existing sites through repowering (replacing existing infrastructure with new). However, the context of existing sites and the opinions of local communities may have changed over time. There is thus a need to consider how we make decisions about the future of our existing onshore renewable energy sites, including how local communities are involved in such decisions.
Rebecca commented: “I am delighted to have won this award for my work on planning for the future of onshore renewable energy sites. As our existing wind farms are reaching the end of their planning consent there is an urgent need to consider how we make decisions about their future. These decisions are not straightforward as both the sites and the opinions of communities living close to wind farms may have changed over time.
Directly responding to this challenge, I have used my research findings to help develop planning policy in this area. I have also shared my research findings with the renewable energy industry, emphasising the importance of considering communities over the life of energy developments, rather than only during planning applications. The funding that I have received from this award will be used to further generate such policy and behavioural change, both locally and internationally.”
UWE Bristol, in partnership with the West of England Institute of Technology is delivering four exciting skills development short courses as part of the new fully funded Certificate of Future Technologies.
UWE Bristol will be providing the following courses, fully funded as part of the Certificate of Future Technologies:
Fundamentals of Digital Twin (2 days) – starts 23 November 2021
Fundamentals of Industry 4.0 (2 days) – starts 7 December 2021
Introduction to Robotics (1 day) – starts 10 February 2022
Leadership for Sustainability and Social Value (2 days) – starts January 2022 (exact dates TBC)
The new Certificate of Future Technologies is a modular course designed by employers and educational institutions working in partnership to help businesses access high-quality, short, modular, technical training modules to upskill and reskill staff to better address their business needs.
The modular offer is ‘pick and mix’ to meet individual and industry need; and job role. The courses are designed by employers and educational institutions working in partnership to help businesses access high-quality, short, modular, technical training modules to upskill and reskill staff to better address their business needs and embrace the digitisation of the workplace.
The brand-new course will offer a blend of classroom and remote online study, and will vary in length from 50 to 70 hours – giving more adults greater flexibility in how and when they learn, so they can fit it around their lives.
These courses are being delivered in response to the growing demand for Digital Skills in the region and to support those whose progression, development or employment has been affected by the pandemic.
Eligibility criteria
The Certificate of Future Technologies is open to all individuals who meet the following criteria:
aged 19+
currently in work
whose employer is based within the West of England
This introductory course will introduce you to the concepts and processes of digital twinning and ways this can benefit your organisation.
Originating from the aerospace sector, digital twinning is now utilised across a wide range of sectors and industry to help reduce risks, improve business efficiencies, accelerate time to market, support staff, and engage with customers.
A digital twin acts as a digital representation that functions as a shadow (or twin) of a physical object or process and enables an organisation to explore different scenarios outside of their daily operations. Examples of ways digital twinning has been utilised across industries include:
remotely monitor and control equipment and systems and monitor system performance
implement simulation models to test and predict new processes and layouts and to explore process changes under different what-if scenarios
allow partners/customers to experiment with new configurations of your product/service
develop and train your workforce through digital work instructions to replace procedure manuals to allow employees to access step-by-step instructions while completing tasks in real time.
While digital twin technology is utilised in large-scale processes, it also provides an accessible mechanism to make smaller incremental improvements and innovations within your organisation.
Who is this for?
This course is aimed at business leaders; technical leaders and strategic decisionmakers within the organisation interested in learning more around digital twin technology and its business potential.
Fundamentals of Industry 4.0 (2 days)
Starts 7 December
This course provides an insight into how new technologies are creating the emergence of Industry 4.0.
Participants will gain an understanding into the technologies and challenges of industry 4.0. in addition, the impact of industry 4.0 on business, security, education, and environment will be explained.
The key technologies of industry 4.0 such as autonomous robotics, additive manufacturing, Internet of Things, simulation, the cloud, and systems integration will be explained.
An introduction to the smart factory will also be explained in terms of flexibility and the reconfigurability. In addition, the steps to implement a smart factory will be explained.
Who is this for?
This course is aimed at individuals wanting to improve knowledge in industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.
Introduction to Robotics (1 day)
Starts 10 February
This practical workshop will allow participants to learn through a hands-on approach to gain an insight into different hardware options and operating systems for industrial robotics.
Based in our Bristol Robotics Laboratory, will get an overview of the robotics sector, through using three industrial robotic arms, with experience technicians onsite to answer questions and provide demonstrations.
Who is this for?
This course is aimed at individuals wanting to improve knowledge in robotics
And factory floor personnel who might have input into acquisition of robots and automation.
Leadership for Sustainability and Social Value (2 days)
Starts January 2022 (exact dates TBC)
This course is designed to help organisations develop the capability and knowledge needed to create a vision and build sustainability and social value into their strategy.
Who is this for?
This course is aimed at business leaders and senior managers with business decision making responsibilities
As the UK host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), we look at how UWE Bristol are contributing to climate action and sustainability:
With 40,000 students and 3500 employees, we are well aware of our impacts in terms of sustainability and carbon reduction – and well aware of our responsibilities.
We recognised the Climate and Species Extinction Emergencies in 2020, with our board of governors formally signing up to this commitment. Our 2030 UWE Bristol strategy sets out a clear commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 across key areas. The strategy sets out our commitments across:
Carbon neutrality
Reducing water and energy use, waste
Aim to eliminate single use plastic – signed up to UK Plastics Pact
Working towards Clean air and smoke free campuses
Looking for year on year reductions in non-sustainable travel
Embedding awareness of carbon reduction and sustainability across all of our programmes and prioritising research that addresses these issues
Below is a small snapshot of some of the support we offer businesses and processes we are putting in place to achieve our 2030 carbon neutral goals:
Skills for Clean Growth
Skills for Clean Growth, in partnership with NatWest, will help address the skills needed to deliver the West of England’s net zero ambitions and vision for clean and inclusive growth. It will support SMEs in the region adapt and change as they transition to a low carbon economy, providing the leadership skills needed to build a clean growth strategy; and the knowledge and tools to achieve sustainability.
UWE Bristol and NatWest have shared values around supporting SMEs to achieve net zero, in support of West of England’s ambition to be a driving force for clean and inclusive growth, committing to net zero carbon by 2030.
The scheme, funded by WECA (Workforce for the Future) will address these challenges:
Increased demand for green skills – Harnessing the opportunities for innovation and growth
Growth in low carbon economy – predicted 11% a year
Creation approx. one million jobs nationally
Adaption required by high carbon sectors (e.g. building and construction)
Mismatch between what is currently provided and what employers need
Innovation support for SMEs
UWE Bristol works in partnership with WECA to identify the growth and regeneration needs of the region, focusing our activity on strategically important sectors such as Clean Growth.
UWE Bristol has designed, developed, and delivered targeted programmes to support the growth of the region’s strategic priority sectors. We have secured a series of multi-million pound EU funded projects to channel capital grants and business support to SMEs across the region in support of innovation and growth. These have secured £11m for the region, leveraged over £10m of private investment and the university has invested over £3m in these programmes.
Over the past 3 years, UWE Bristol has channelled more than 100 innovation grants – worth £7m and attracting £8m in private sector investment – to fast-growth businesses through our Innovation 4 Growth Programme and other targeted initiatives. This has secured nearly 1,000 new jobs in the region. The success of this activity is communicated across the local innovation ecosystem and feeds into the design and delivery of our portfolio of future business support programmes including our new Digital Innovation Fund.
Case study:
Collecteco works in partnership with UWE Bristol to donate surplus furniture and equipment to good causes and has generated over £363,000 social value and avoided 67 tonnes of CO2 in 2021. They said: “UWE’s support has been invaluable and has ranged from facilitating Scale 4 Growth funding through to them partnering with us to donate surplus furniture and equipment from their estate”
University Enterprise Zone (UEZ)
The University Enterprise Zone(UEZ) based on UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus, provides high quality space for 80+ high tech start-up and scaling businesses, employing in excess of 300 people, with access to a robust and vibrant investment community. It is on target to generate 500 jobs, and more than £50m for the local economy. These businesses are supported through targeted innovation support and growth advice. Focus/gateway is on digital, HealthTech, bioscience and low carbon SMEs.
Case Study:
Inheriting Earth (in Future Space) is a sustainable product design company set up by Adam Root, with the mission to stop the flow of new plastic entering our water, trapping plastics shed by clothes in washing machines. They successfully grew their business, attracted investment and recently outgrew Future Space and moved on into their own premises. Read more about Inheriting Earth.
Albotherm is another Future Space business and they are focusing on developing technology that provides a solution to address climate change. Albotherm was founded by a team of scientists turned entrepreneurs in 2020 with a vision to bring our planet one step closer to carbon neutral and ensure future food security with their passive cooling technology. They have developed coatings for glass that respond to light and heat and control thermal gain, which reduce the need for air con.
Student Accommodation
We are developing a 2,200 bed student accommodation complex on Frenchay campus, which will be built to Passivhaus standards, the biggest development in Europe built to this exacting energy efficiency standard. The accommodation will have Air-tight fabric combined with air-heat pumps and solar panels. The accommodation will have high air quality and, low running costs, and will also be affordable.
Our Students
We aim to embed understanding of sustainability and carbon literacy across all of our programmes not just the many which are more obviously of direct relevant to the built environment, like environmental management and engineering. Professor Jim Longhurst, Assistant Vice Chancellor Environment and Sustainability, commented “They are probably ahead of us any anyway, but if we can embed this understanding in all our students they will be committed ambassadors for the next 40,50, 60 years. They are the future – but the future is coming faster than we might like”.
UWE Bristol, in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), is delivering a series of fully funded ‘Inclusive Digital Bootcamps. These courses are being delivered in response to the growing demand for Digital Skills in the region and to support those whose progression, development or employment has been affected by the pandemic.
UWE Bristol are delivering three different bootcamps to develop medium-to-high level Digital Skills in the region. These targeted bootcamps will deliver both digital/specialist skills and the interpersonal soft skills that employers expressly need.
These bootcamps will be delivered over a period of 12-16 weeks. Throughout their learning, participants will have 1:1 mentoring support and will link with relevant industry to work on and understand real-life digital projects and showcase their skills to potential employers.
Each of the bootcamps will finish with a two-week preparation for employment module, where learners will be provided with a wide range of in-person and online support tools focused on entry into medium/higher level employment opportunities.
The Bootcamps
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Bootcamps
Starts 8 November
Equipping learners with skills needed to be at the forefront of emerging technologies across different industrial sectors.
Mathematics and computer programming
Data science fundamentals
Software development
Machine Learning & AI approaches
Data Bootcamp: Cloud-based skills
Starts 29 November
Developing learners’ cloud-based skills & creating Microsoft Power experts that will be an asset to any forward-thinking organisation.
Master Microsoft cloud-based apps
Understand and use Microsoft Power Platforms
Access the Microsoft Learn programme
UX Design Bootcamp
Starts 15November
Know what makes a good user experience and understand responsive design for smart-phones, robots and more.
Learn advanced aspects of UX design for digital platforms
Responsive design for smart phones and robots
Specialised support to access ‘Disability Confident’ employment
Understand UX design trends for a range of platforms
The bootcamps are primarily aimed at:
19-25 year olds
Female learners
Those living with health conditions or impairments
Anyone can still apply to take part, but priority access is given to those who meet one (or more) of the above criteria.
These bootcamps are fully funded for adults and are designed to be manageable alongside existing employment.
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has opened its final round of the Digital Innovation Fund (DIF). The scheme offers eligible businesses grants of £10,000 to £40,000 to undertake digital innovation.
The scheme has already supported 34 companies across the West of England and is offering businesses a final chance to apply for funding before the programme closes. Eligible businesses will be offered one to one support to develop their projects and application forms.
The scheme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, offers small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire grants from £10,000 to £40,000 to fund up to 35% of project costs. Projects must be completed by December 2022.
The deadline for applications is 12.00 (midday) on 16 November 2021
Director of Research, Business and Innovation at UWE Bristol, Tracey John commented: “We want to fund strong innovation projects from dynamic businesses that are creating jobs in the region. This is a great time to support R&D activities that boost growth and competitiveness. We actively support SMEs that are delivering digital innovation or research and development projects. We provide one to one support for eligible businesses to help them through the application process. We are proud to support businesses in the West of England.”
Notes to editors
European Regional Development Fund:
The project will receive up to £1,900,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.
Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit here.
West of England region: All organisations with a presence in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme is a UK-wide programme helping businesses to improve competitiveness and productivity. A recent graduate is placed within an organisation to help solve a business problem, with access to our academic expertise.
The below case study is from our KTP with Craven Dunnill Jackfield:
About Craven Dunnill Jackfield
Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd is a historic business, founded in 1872. It has been producing ceramic wall and floor tiles for 150 years and is the oldest surviving purpose-built tile factory in the world. It is part of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage site at the heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution
The challenge the KTP was set up to address
Each individual project requires the application of ceramic modelling skills to create new working models and moulds for the restoration of architectural features and to interpret the complex three-dimensional shape of the item beneath the glaze layers of an original sample.
This is a highly skilled art, and ceramic modellers with this ability are few in number and expensive to employ. Across the industry modellers with the necessary hand skills are reaching retirement age and are difficult to replace which will significantly impact the future sustainability of the sector. The situation is a major bottleneck in the production process and limits the ability of the company to expand this part of the business.
The application of 3D technologies, specifically 3D scanning to derive the surface shape of the original ceramic pieces and 3D CAD to recreate the aesthetic of the original work, combined the CNC milling can be used to produce master models and moulds for the reproductions.
Why was a KTP the right mechanism to achieve this?
The KTP allowed us to test machinery and processes at the University in a way that would have been time consuming and expensive to achieve without the partnership. The CFPR’s knowledge of both ceramics and digital manufacturing technology were a perfect fit for Craven Dunnill’s needs. There are limited organisations with the knowledge of both subjects. Years of research from university staff fed into the project and allowed us to address the problems which arose when combining the traditional hand craft process with digital technology.
How did the KTP meet the need (the activities / solution)?
By utilising the expertise offered from the University, new technology was brought in to improve lead times and open new areas of business, specifically in 3D scanning. The development budget provided opportunities for learning new skills which were applied to the project.
Outcome – Impacts & Benefits
What changed as a result of the KTP?
Craven Dunnill invested in a CNC milling machine and a 3D scanner, both of which were required to embed digital design into their traditional mould making process. Moulds, tiles and artworks can be 3D scanned and manipu- lated to produce new block moulds, the block can be directly plaster cast from, saving time and cost.
As well as being utilised for mould making, CAD now plays a role in the initial contact with customers. Vector drawings and 3D models are used to visualise end products, before we commit to producing physical models.
Layouts for wall and floor tile are designed within Rhinoceros3D. This allows for tiles to be automatically counted and layout issues to be resolved before committing resources to a project.
Broad benefits and impacts for all partners, (including economic, environ- mental and/or social perspective)
For CDJ:
Having the 3D capabilities in house has opened up the possibilities of additional revenue streams. Many projects can now be completed in house.
For UWE Bristol:
The Centre for Fine Print Research has a strategic objective and a long history of collab- orating with industry that constitutes around a third of its research.
The success of the KTP with Craven Dunnill Jackfield will add to the Centre’s reputation for combining traditional methods with modern digital technologies both in academia and commercially.
The project validates this research and highlights the value of this method.
The initial concept used was based on an Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) project conducted in the early 2000’s and the development of these ideas into a successful industrial outcome is likely to generate further research questions for investigation.
It demonstrates how embedding digital technologies into traditional processes can generate benefits for both of the partners.
For the KTP associate
As the KTP associate, I am very pleased with how the project concluded. KTP has opened doors for me and given me the opportunity to develop as a project manager. I have attended multiple courses and conferences over the project, developing both my key skillset (CAD/3D Design) and other elements which will improve my efficiency at work such as Finance/ management/business.
Quantifiable benefits (the numbers bit!)
Improved product development time by 72% (From 2 weeks of model making, down to 4 days)
Reduced development costs on specific projects by up to 79% (Based on price of model board compared to traditional block and casing)
What the partners are saying?
“Through a challenging time for businesses, the KTP programme has been a true shining light, surpassing our expectations as a Company. It is critical for a 150yr old Company like ours to stay dynamic and explore ways in which new technologies can support and compliment traditional craftmanship. The KTP has brilliantly highlighted the way in which business and academia can come together to develop new capabilities and embed them into our operations. ”
Simon Howells, Managing Director, Craven Dunnill Group
“The Craven Dunnill Jackfield, CFPR/UWE KTP project shows that a committed Company and Academic team combined with an excellent, dedicated Associate can overcome the difficulties and adversities of operating during a pandemic to drive through to success. The project has been very successful and has exceeded the expectations of both partners.“
David Huson Senior Research Fellow, UWE Bristol
“The KTP program has been the most exciting part of my working life to date. It has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and interests within 3D design and technology, whilst allowing me the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge developed during my degree. “
Jed Leonard-Hammerman, 3D Technologies Specialist Craven Dunnill Jackfield
“This project could not have been done without the unusually wide skill set of the Associate who was equally at home in the application of complex digital technology and the practical traditional skills required to manufacture three dimensional tiles together with the support of his academic and company supervisors”
UWE Bristol has announced the expansion of their delivery of the Small Business Charter accredited government-backed Help to Grow: Management programme, which includes 50 hours of in-depth training, 1:1 business mentoring, and the opportunity to grow your business, fast.
Aimed at senior leaders in small and medium businesses, the course covers strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams and digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices. You will hear from inspirational business leaders and learn alongside local peers, with access to a national alumni network.
By the end of the programme, you will develop a tailored business growth plan to increase productivity and grow your revenue and help take your business to the next level.
The 12-week programme costs just £750 and is 90% subsidised by the government. You can take part around your existing work commitments and access learning through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said:
“Seizing opportunity is what being a business leader is all about, and our Help to Grow Management Scheme gives entrepreneurs the chance to access the very best advice on how to innovate, reach new customers and boost profits.
“The practical training scheme is 90% funded by the government and designed around busy business owners’ schedules, so I would encourage entrepreneurs across the UK to get involved and maximise the potential of their business.”
UWE Bristol Programme Director Dan Knox commented:
“The Help to Grow Management Programme represents an excellent opportunity for SMEs to obtain support to grow, to identify new opportunities and to overcome business challenges. We at UWE Bristol are delighted to be able to offer the programme across the south-west of England and to reach into the communities in which our regional SMEs operate. We are committed to working with businesses and communities to drive innovation, contribute to sustainable economic growth and to maximise the positive impacts of businesses in our region”.
UWE Bristol is running courses across the South West until March 2022 with more dates to follow. Find out more about the courses available and book your place.
Launch Space is for aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage businesses and is home to high-tech, innovative start-ups with a strong focus on research and development. The residents receive free business support, incubation, and acceleration services.
There were some seriously exciting #ideas, #innovations, and #entrepreneurs in the room, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they progress over the coming months.
‘As founder of VisitMôr, I am really excited to be on the UWE Launch Space business accelerator. The expertly led programme offers access to unparalleled specialist, technical and business support. It’s perfect to nurture the development of our new interpretation and visitor experience products — these will be designed to help the museum, heritage, and conservation sectors to tell their own stories. We are also thrilled to be sharing our Launch Space journey with a talented cohort of fellow business pioneers; it will be great to share ideas amongst peers.’
Beth Môrafon, Founder/Director VisitMôr Ltd and Launch Space Resident.
Beth Môrafon, founder and director of VisitMôr, a public realm and visitor experience consultancy
“Launch Space has been an excellent asset for myself and my business so far. The support from the mentors has been invaluable and the opportunity to learn from other entrepreneurs and share experiences with them has been amazing.”
Guy Thurlow, Co-Founder and Client Director, TargetStudent and Launch Space Resident.
Guy Thurlow, Co-Founder and Client Director Target Student, offering digital advertising platforms for business brands in student accommodation.
