Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ)
The University is a member of Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ), a coalition of Scottish universities that aims to drive research collaboration across disciplines, empower communities, and guide policymaking to help Scotland achieve its ambitious net zero targets. SBNZ focuses on research aligned with the core themes of food, finance, built environment, natural systems, energy and transport.
This year, Dr Maria Chiara Iannino, Finance lecturer at the University of St Andrews Business School, was appointed academic co-lead for the finance theme.
SBNZ Seed Fund for Research: The University also contributes to the SBNZ seed fund, which was established to foster collaborations and partnerships to maximise the impact of research and help drive towards net zero in Scotland, and the first round of funding awarded grants to three projects from St Andrews.
Beyond Net Zero: A Framework for Natural Capital Markets in the Marine Environment
Leads: Professor David Paterson (St Andrews) and Dr Katherine Simpson (University of Glasgow)
UN SDGs: 14, 15, 17
- Goal: Develop a framework for private investment in marine resources while protecting ecosystems and ensuring social benefits.
- Approach: Collaboration between the Universities of Glasgow and St Andrews, MASTS, and NatureScot to explore marine natural capital markets.
- Impact:
- Supported Scottish Government’s PINC programme with marine investment principles.
- Highlighted the need for marine-specific metrics and benefit-sharing models.
- Fostered interdisciplinary networks linking science, law, ethics, and social insights.
- Next Steps: Policy briefs, stakeholder engagement, PhD projects, and continued collaboration to integrate principles into governance.
The UK Co-Benefits Atlas: Open, Interactive, and Visual Presentation of Co-Benefits Analysis for Achieving Net Zero
Leads: Dr Sean Field (St Andrews) and Dr Benjamin Bach (University of Edinburgh)
UN SDGs: 3, 7, 11, 13, 16
- Goal: Make social co-benefits of climate action (health, energy savings, clean air) accessible and usable for policymakers and stakeholders.
- Approach: Collaboration between the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews, and external data sources to create an interactive atlas.
- Impact:
- Shared with 150+ local authorities; influencing Scottish Government policy.
- Recognised as best practice for social impact valuation.
- Advanced researchers’ careers, including PhD projects and academic positions.
- Next Steps: Further funding applications, conferences, and journal publications.
Clean Energy from Non-Recyclable Plastic Waste
Leads: Dr Oxana Magdysyuk (St Andrews) and Dr Yeshui Zhang (University of Aberdeen)
UN SDGs: 7, 12, 13
- Goal: Convert non-recyclable plastics into hydrogen to address waste and increase clean energy sources.
- Approach: Collaboration between the Universities of Aberdeen and St Andrews and Green H2 Energy, combining specialist equipment and chemical catalyst analysis.
- Impact:
- Generated new insights into catalytic hydrogen production.
- Developed scalable, cost-effective upcycling with commercial potential.
- Trained two PhD students in high-value experimental techniques.
- Next Steps: Publications submitted; applying for further funding and stakeholder workshops planned.