Could small, community-scale heat networks unlock rural decarbonisation?
A new article explores how the South of Scotland Heat Network Prospectus is challenging city-scale assumptions and why local systems could become the norm.
Read more ➡️ buff.ly/eT7U9h6
Our Introduction to Building Physics is a CPD-certified, hands-on course designed for industry, apprentices, educators & community groups.
✔️ Intro level
✔️ Fully funded
✔️ Practical skills
📍 BE-ST Innovation Campus
📆 28 Apr | 26 May | 30 Jun
➡️ buff.ly/ou6uggY
Join BE-ST and the University of Edinburgh as we collaborate to develop the Mass Timber Fire Safety Roadmap, supported by Built by Nature.
🎟️ Register your attendance: buff.ly/x3OYiGe
🔗 Please also remember to register for entry to FutureBuild: buff.ly/4D7IgVL
🚨 New dates added - Low Carbon Passport.
In just one day, we bridge the gap between theory and hands on skills that ensure you and your team have the confidence to build quality, airtight new builds, retrofits, and low energy construction programmes.
🎟️ Book now: buff.ly/vAJqBRG
A new approach to homelessness in Rutherglen.
Harriet Gardens by Social Bite delivers modular, low-carbon Nest Houses using homegrown timber and offsite construction - fast to install, built for impact.
Read the full case study ➡️ buff.ly/MOodxwH
We’ve reached the final episode of our Accelerate to Zero series, guest hosted by Hannah Lloyd, focusing on scaling solutions across the built environment.
In this episode, Hannah speaks with Roddy Yarr, Director of Sustainability at the University of Glasgow.
Listen now: buff.ly/uqya9zY
This blog explores two ways we can harness that natural heat: geothermal energy and underground thermal energy storage (UTES). Both tap into the ground’s energy, but in very different ways.
Find out more about how Scotland has huge potential for both technologies ➡️ buff.ly/9CIY0dH
In the latest episode of Accelerate to Zero, we're joined by Tara Gbolade, co-founding director of Gbolade Design Studio and Mayor's Design Advocate for the Greater London Authority.
➡️ Listen now: buff.ly/qbIysdR
Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, in collaboration with BE-ST, is hosting this session to explore the Scotland's bio-based materials landscape, highlighting current activity, emerging developments, and the practical steps needed to bring these materials into wider use.
👉️ buff.ly/plhXu3R
East Lothian Climate Hub was recognised with the Community Champion Award at the 2025 Accelerate to Zero Awards for showing how local action can unlock real progress towards net zero.
Find out more about the East Lothian Climate Hub ➡️ buff.ly/I4kbYet
Together with Donaldson Timber Systems, Structural Timber Association Ltd, Timber Development UK, NMITE and Edinburgh Napier University, we are developing a Timber in Construction Skills course.
Be the first to know when the training goes live ➡️ buff.ly/1pikzcV
In the latest episode of the Accelerate to Zero podcast, Brogan McDonald shares insights on circular design, bio-based materials, industry advocacy and using social media to drive change.
.Listen now ➡️ buff.ly/Afdsonw
SSEN Transmissions has awarded over £2 million to power community projects.
One of the successful recipients is Tighean Innse Gall, working with consortium partners BE-ST, Community Energy Scotland, Community Enterprise, and Community Land Outer Hebrides. ➡️ buff.ly/W4Rkwza
Renfrewshire Council has partnered with Kensa to deliver the largest networked ground source heat pump system in Scotland. This pioneering project will see the replacement of ageing gas infrastructure in two high-rise tower blocks in Gallowhill, Paisley.
Read more ➡️ buff.ly/iGRyEYK
Louise Rogers will be speaking at the 2026 Make Good Symposium.
The event brings together scientists, designers, manufacturers, lawyers, architects & developers to explore how to grow better UK forests, harvest responsibly, and build locally with their materials.
➡️ Sign up: buff.ly/HHu7PDY
Thames Freeport’s Sustainable Construction Lab is accelerating neighbourhood-scale retrofit across East London & South Essex. The first home at Becontree Estate is complete, delivered by Energiesprong UK, the council & local supply chain. Residents are already seeing the benefits.
➡️ buff.ly/tu3HyrU
The future of biotechnology is growing on Scotland’s farms.
Fellow Innovation Centre IBioIC's Deputy CEO Liz Fletcher talks about how Scotland's farms have a vital role to play in the future of biotechnology.
Read more ➡️
University of Glasgow, Scottish Water and the Hydro Nation Chair programme are looking for trial partners to support their project removing greenhouse gas emissions from Septic Tanks.
📢 If you have or know of a building with a Septic Tank please get in touch: www.offgridwater.org.uk/contact-us/
The first curved CLT ceiling made from English timber is currently on display at the V&A and it's changing what's possible with homegrown wood.
Read the full case study in the latest issue of Smarter Transformation: buff.ly/sGQBCno
BE-ST wants to hear your insights on the demand for a built environment cluster, including the challenges it should tackle and the opportunities it could unlock for low-carbon, high-productivity construction. Have your say 👉 buff.ly/shL5DtS
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has commissioned Optimat to support the development of a framework that describes the competences workers increasingly need as digital tools become embedded across most jobs and sectors.
Complete this short survey ➡️ forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Respon...
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a world-class innovation centre focused on transforming manufacturing. They are seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for learning to join their 2026 Internship programme.
📢 Join here: strathvacancies.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/I/...
In the newest issue of Smarter Transformation, we interviewed Ruta Burbaite, Climate Change and Energy, Highland Council, who explores the priorities shaping the strategy, the lessons learned from early projects, and the Council's vision for area-wide, place-based decarbonisation. ➡️ buff.ly/ZvJSVBa
Scotland's innovation ecosystem will come together at the Scotland's Cluster Showcase event to highlight the economic potential and real-world benefits of cluster development.
📆 March 11 Feb | 9am - 5pm
➡️ buff.ly/w9UbYWh
In this episode of the Accelerate to Zero Podcast, Hannah Lloyd speaks to Matthew Clubb, founder of mwclubb and double winner at the Accelerate to Zero Awards, recognised for his leadership in community-led retrofit and tackling fuel poverty.
Listen now ➡️ buff.ly/J4myN3f
The latest issue of Smarter Transformation features Lothian Heat, a new regional organisation exploring how large-scale heat networks could be delivered differently across the East of Scotland.
➡️ Read the full article in Smarter Transformation: buff.ly/Fsbx11F
📣 New Low Carbon Passport dates available
The Low Carbon Passport is an accredited, fully funded course developed to build the practical skills needed to deliver low carbon, energy-efficient buildings across Scotland.
➡️ lnkd.in/es_rZwnC
🎙️New season of the Accelerate to Zero Podcast is live
We’re talking scaling solutions in the built environment, what works, what doesn’t, and what it’ll take to move faster.
🎧 Featuring Tomas O’Leary, Mosart and Lizzy Westmacott, ECD Architects, with more episodes coming soon.
➡️ buff.ly/z1YcVwz
📖 Our fourth issue of Smarter Transformation is out now.
In this edition, we’re taking a closer look at one of the hottest topics and arguably, one of the biggest challenges facing our sector - Heat in buildings.
Read now: lnkd.in/ecyDkEHm
Gemma Bond Dodds, Director of Insight and Policy at BE-ST, will be taking part in the Making Retrofit Investable masterclass at The Business of Housing Conference tomorrow.
🎟️ Final seats available - buff.ly/c02iX0w
📅 3rd February
📍 Edinburgh International Conference Centre
