Relevant policies

Read about the policies which support the case for AREC's need within the university.

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Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener

This strategy sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet our net zero target by 2050.

UK Government's Net Zero Strategy


Resource Security Action Plan (BIS, 2012)

The Resource Security Action Plan from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) states: “Government’s objective is to bring better resource use criteria into the mainstream, so they routinely included in the range of minimum and best practice product standards”.

The long term vision to achieve this objective is set out, stating:
“The Government is putting innovation and research at the heart of its growth agenda through greater investment and increased collaboration”

Resource security action plan (PDF, 2.19MB)


Infrastructure Carbon Review (HM Treasury, 2013)

The UK is committed to driving forward the delivery of strategic new infrastructure alongside the renewal and maintenance of existing infrastructures. These initiatives aim to embed low carbon practices into business activities, leading to reduced energy demand and pressure on resources.

Infrastructure carbon review (PDF, 420KB)


Climate Change Act 2008 (HM Government, 2008)

The UK set out legally binding requirements for the UK to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% against 1990 levels by 2050. The European Union (EU) issued similar directives in 2011, proposing cuts in Greenhouse Gas Emissions of “80 to 95%” by 2050 (Commission of the European Union, 2011).

Climate change act


A Resource Efficient Europe

Flagship Initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy (Commission of the European Union, 2011)

EU outlined the need for promoting a “resource efficient” Europe, one that is less reliant on scarce fuels and materials, with greater levels of food and energy security, and therefore increase EU member state’s resilience against global commodity and energy prices.

A resource efficient Europe


Eight Great Technologies (Willets, 2013)

The UK Government’s vision of future scientific research into the “8 Great Technologies”, developing great research with practical industrial application influence the focus of sectors and their supply chains in Supply Chain Resource Sustainability.


UK Industrial Strategy (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy; Nov. 2017) 

Business Secretary launches flagship Industrial Strategy for the UK today with a plan to boost the economy, build on the country’s strengths and embrace the opportunities of technological change.

Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund will invest £725 million in new Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund programmes to capture the value of innovation
launch of the Industrial Strategy comes as government announces it has secured a major strategic investment into UK by world leading life sciences company MSD.

First ‘Sector Deals’ – to help sectors grow and equip businesses for future opportunities.

  • Life Sciences
  • Construction Sector Deal
  • Artificial Intelligence Sector Deal
  • Automotive Sector Deal

4 ‘Grand Challenges’ which will take advantage of global trends to put the UK at the forefront of the industries of the future.

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Clean Growth
  • Mobility
  • Ageing Society

UK industrial strategy (PDF, 8.55MB)


Horizon 2020 - The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation

Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020). The framework focuses on removing barriers to innovation by fostering collaboration between the public and the private sector. By investing in research, Members of the European Parliament hope to achieve a future of sustainable and inclusive economic growth and jobs.

Horizon 2020


European Energy Research Alliance - Coordinating Energy for a Low Carbon Europe

The EERA is a public research alliance between 175 research organisations. The alliance collaborates with industry and reserach institutions outside the European Union to help allign reserach priorities. It is the research pillar of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) which is Europe’s technology response to the pressing challenges of meeting its targets on greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency over the coming decades.

EERA


United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, governments agreed to pursue 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Over the next 15 years, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind. These goals call for actions by all countries, irrespective of their development status, with the focus on fostering prosperity while protecting the planet.

Sustainable development goals


Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Established by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization, the IPCC aims to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impact. It is the leading international body on assessing climate change. The IPCC reviews scientifc evidence prodcued around the globe to monitor new and existing findings and to ensure the debate is informed by accurate information.

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.