Heriot-Watt University is proud to play a pivotal role in the new Responsible Electronics and Circular Technologies (REACT) Centre, a £5.5 million initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) that will position Scotland’s Central Belt as a global leader in sustainable electronics.
Based at Edinburgh’s newly opened Futures Institute, the Centre aims to drive practical, sustainable solutions that address both economic and environmental challenges, especially for housing that accommodates some of the UK’s lowest earners, including public sector and key workers. These groups often spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy bills and face health issues due to cold, damp housing, highlighting the need for innovation in affordable, energy-efficient solutions.
REACT brings together expertise from Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, and the Compound Semiconductor Catapult, marking a major step toward a low-carbon, circular economy. The Centre will use Edinburgh and Glasgow as test grounds for sustainable housing innovations, given their high proportion of flats and diverse building stock. Researchers estimate that these areas may require £35 billion in investment for low-carbon retrofitting and construction over the next 25 years to reach net-zero goals.
The REACT Centre will work closely with SMEs across the Central Belt to develop market-led solutions and demonstrators that showcase sustainable practices in electronics and housing.
Among the innovative approaches being explored are net-zero heating systems, sustainable construction methods, and natural insulation materials derived from plants like hemp and sisal, which can be manufactured locally in Scotland to reduce reliance on plastic-based insulation.
The project will also trial low-carbon heating technologies, offering energy-efficient alternatives to traditional boilers and faster installation options compared to heat pumps.