Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future: The JUST-Systems Initiative
A Bold Investment in Community-Centric Approaches
The JUST-Systems project emerges as a pivotal research initiative aimed at positioning individuals and communities as key players in the pursuit of Net Zero. This endeavor is among two significant national projects that have secured nearly £10 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Transforming Community Aspirations into Action
This initiative focuses on crafting actionable strategies that resonate with community aspirations, ultimately striving to foster sustainable, resilient living environments. By employing a comprehensive systems methodology, the project aims to pinpoint pathways that not only expedite decarbonization but also tackle pressing societal issues like fuel poverty, economic sustainability, and social equity.
An Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Effective Solutions
Led by the University of Aberdeen, this multi-million-pound interdisciplinary collaboration brings together early-career researchers from six prominent universities alongside various stakeholders including local authorities, businesses, and community groups throughout the UK. The core objective is to explore how systems thinking can facilitate large-scale Net Zero solutions while dismantling obstacles hindering progress and empowering communities to take charge of their own developmental narratives.
Diverse Disciplines Uniting for Comprehensive Outcomes
The collaborative effort will integrate insights from social sciences, engineering disciplines, legal frameworks, geosciences, and humanities. This broad-spectrum approach seeks refined system-level solutions capable of addressing intricate carbon-related challenges while also responding to societal needs.
A Five-Year Commitment Involving Leading Institutions
The five-year-long project sees cooperation among the University of Aberdeen and other prestigious institutions—Stirling University; Strathclyde University; Edinburgh University; Warwick University; and Reading University. Partners include notable organizations such as the UK Committee on Climate Change along with governmental bodies from Scotland and Wales plus numerous regional councils.
A New Perspective on Net Zero Challenges
“Net Zero is often perceived merely as a technical transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable resources,” stated Professor Tavis Potts—the project’s lead who helps coordinate initiatives within the Just Transition Lab at Aberdeen. “This narrow perspective can lead to diminished social ownership over climate initiatives which are often seen as imposed without local benefits.”
“For effective results in achieving Net Zero goals,” he emphasized,” deep engagement with people’s needs must be prioritized.” Just-Systems aims to establish innovative approaches linking community involvement with advanced energy modeling techniques. This strategy seeks to create local momentum around decarbonization efforts while highlighting broader social advantages derived from climate action.”
Focus on Local Case Studies for Practical Applications
The project will engage deeply with five specific case studies across the United Kingdom focused on delivering place-based solutions that are both scalable and aligned with central objectives:
- Torry in Aberdeen: Addressing fuel poverty through collaborations involving NESFIT (North East Scotland retroFIT Hub) along with other charities aiming for improved wellbeing through sustainable development.
- East Ayrshire: Partnering with East Ayrshire Council’s Community Renewable Energy Project (CoRE) facilitates enhanced energy networks benefiting previously mining-dependent rural areas.
- Clackmannanshire: Supporting community-driven ambitions towards healthier living standards while fostering active participation in planning related to Net Zero objectives.
- Domiciliary Care Sector in Wales: Collaborating closely with the Welsh Government’s departments will investigate alignment possibilities between home care services’ operations amidst transitioning toward Net Zero frameworks.
- Bespoke Solutions in Reading: Focusing efforts on integrating low-carbon heating options via partnerships featuring public institutions—ensuring access improves especially within economically disadvantaged demographics supported by councils like Maid Energy NHS etc.
Pioneering System-Level Insights Towards Greater Sustainability Efforts
< p > During an announcement regarding these strategic investments , Professor Louise Heathwaite , ExecutiveEmpowering Communities for a Sustainable Future: The JUST-Systems Initiative
A Bold Investment in Community-Centric Approaches
The JUST-Systems project emerges as a pivotal research initiative aimed at positioning individuals and communities as key players in the pursuit of Net Zero. This endeavor is among two significant national projects that have secured nearly £10 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Transforming Community Aspirations into Action
This initiative focuses on crafting actionable strategies that resonate with community aspirations, ultimately striving to foster sustainable, resilient living environments. By employing a comprehensive systems methodology, the project aims to pinpoint pathways that not only expedite decarbonization but also tackle pressing societal issues like fuel poverty, economic sustainability, and social equity.
An Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Effective Solutions
Led by the University of Aberdeen, this multi-million-pound interdisciplinary collaboration brings together early-career researchers from six prominent universities alongside various stakeholders including local authorities, businesses, and community groups throughout the UK. The core objective is to explore how systems thinking can facilitate large-scale Net Zero solutions while dismantling obstacles hindering progress and empowering communities to take charge of their own developmental narratives.
Diverse Disciplines Uniting for Comprehensive Outcomes
The collaborative effort will integrate insights from social sciences, engineering disciplines, legal frameworks, geosciences, and humanities. This broad-spectrum approach seeks refined system-level solutions capable of addressing intricate carbon-related challenges while also responding to societal needs.
A Five-Year Commitment Involving Leading Institutions
The five-year-long project sees cooperation among the University of Aberdeen and other prestigious institutions—Stirling University; Strathclyde University; Edinburgh University; Warwick University; and Reading University. Partners include notable organizations such as the UK Committee on Climate Change along with governmental bodies from Scotland and Wales plus numerous regional councils.
A New Perspective on Net Zero Challenges
“Net Zero is often perceived merely as a technical transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable resources,” stated Professor Tavis Potts—the project’s lead who helps coordinate initiatives within the Just Transition Lab at Aberdeen. “This narrow perspective can lead to diminished social ownership over climate initiatives which are often seen as imposed without local benefits.”
“For effective results in achieving Net Zero goals,” he emphasized,” deep engagement with people’s needs must be prioritized.” Just-Systems aims to establish innovative approaches linking community involvement with advanced energy modeling techniques. This strategy seeks to create local momentum around decarbonization efforts while highlighting broader social advantages derived from climate action.”
Focus on Local Case Studies for Practical Applications
The project will engage deeply with five specific case studies across the United Kingdom focused on delivering place-based solutions that are both scalable and aligned with central objectives:
- Torry in Aberdeen: Addressing fuel poverty through collaborations involving NESFIT (North East Scotland retroFIT Hub) along with other charities aiming for improved wellbeing through sustainable development.
- East Ayrshire: Partnering with East Ayrshire Council’s Community Renewable Energy Project (CoRE) facilitates enhanced energy networks benefiting previously mining-dependent rural areas.
- Clackmannanshire: Supporting community-driven ambitions towards healthier living standards while fostering active participation in planning related to Net Zero objectives.
- Domiciliary Care Sector in Wales: Collaborating closely with the Welsh Government’s departments will investigate alignment possibilities between home care services’ operations amidst transitioning toward Net Zero frameworks.
- Bespoke Solutions in Reading: Focusing efforts on integrating low-carbon heating options via partnerships featuring public institutions—ensuring access improves especially within economically disadvantaged demographics supported by councils like Maid Energy NHS etc.
