GREENSCIES islington, London
In a world of finite resources, the GreenSCIES energy sharing project masterfully breathes new life into the timeless principle of 'waste is but an untapped resource.' By expertly connecting homes, businesses, and electric vehicles, this groundbreaking initiative weaves a powerful tapestry of sustainable energy that has the potential to alleviate high energy costs and revolutionise heating, cooling and mobility in cities around the world.
Project Overview
raising the bar for low carbon energy in urban areas
As cities worldwide seek clear-cut action plans to embark on a low-carbon future, Islington, one of London's busiest neighbourhoods, blazes the trail towards net zero with GreenSCIES— a community energy network delivering affordable, low-carbon electricity, heating, and mobility for 33,000 residents and 80 businesses.
GreenSCIES is no ordinary energy project, it's an ingenious energy network outshining its UK predecessors. By efficiently harnessing low-temperature waste heat from neighbouring data centres and office buildings, GreenSCIES efficiently shares locally sourced power, resulting in an impressive 80% reduction in emissions. This innovative 5th generation project not only ensures affordable consumer costs but also revolutionises the district's energy landscape— etching a captivating blueprint for other cities to follow suit.
THE GREEN SCIES Approach
A DAZZLING EXEMPLAR OF community-tech collaboration
Democratise
Engage local communities in decision-making to cultivate trust and instil a sense of ownership, inspiring Islington's populace to actively engage in the low-carbon energy transition.
Decarbonise
Harness renewable energy sources and integrate heat recovery and energy storage systems to liberate the community from fossil fuel dependency.
DECENTRALISE
Embrace interconnected local systems in favour of centralised power plants to increase resilience, adapt to fluctuating demands, and recover swiftly from potential disruptions.
DigitalisE
Facilitate real-time monitoring and control of generation and consumption, responding to energy demand oscillations, minimising waste and optimising resource usage.
Quote Source
”Being smarter and more sustainable with how we generate and how we consume heat and power in the heart of our cities is a key challenge for the UK to hit its 2050 net-zero targets. That will only be achieved through greater collaboration, and GreenSCIES is putting this into practice – bringing together a complex ecosystem of partners, from academia and the public sector through to large corporates and SMEs.”
Michael Lewis, CEO of E.ON UK
the green scies alliance
uniteD as a constellation of diverse stars, bound by a shared vision
Our journey required a transformative shift in perspective. To embrace sustainability, we need visionary plans transcending traditional solutions, adopting a ‘thrivability’ mindset that cherishes both human and planetary well-being, and forging resilient, equitable, and just transitions to a low-carbon future for all communities.
The expedition bore fruit, and now, we stand as a Centre of Excellence, eager to share our gathered knowledge and support to other communities, organisations, local authorities and landowners.
In a world where net-zero challenges loom large, unity is our guiding star. It's that spirit of togetherness that fuels our strategic alliance, piecing together the fragmented puzzle of a complex supply chain.
London Southbank University, Innovate UK and the London Borough of Islington sit at the helm of the GreenSCIES project in a tale of true collaboration from every corner of the board: academia, the public sector, the big leagues, and the inventive SMEs. And we're in this together, bound by the common thread of a low-carbon, resilient future.
a sense of connection.
the spirit of greenscies
Constructing smart energy infrastructure, aligned with community values and aspirations, is a pivotal stride on this path. By championing renewable energy and shedding our fossil fuel shackles, we can sculpt a healthier, sustainable legacy for future generations.
Beyond the tangible benefits of the GreenSCIES system, what is truly remarkable is the deeper connection and relationship the community has formed with their environment. They are more aware of the impact their energy consumption has on the environment and are taking steps to reduce it.
It is inspiring to see how individuals, businesses, and local governments are coming together to create a more sustainable future. As we continue to innovate and develop new technologies, let us never forget the importance of fostering a strong sense of community and connection to the world around us.
the ripple effect.
Scaling Thrivability
As we conclude our exploration of the GreenSCIES project, we recognise the tremendous impact it has had on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. This groundbreaking initiative serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and equitable future. However, the work is far from over; now is the time for each of us to take up the mantle and contribute to this critical mission.
Let the GreenSCIES project inspire you to think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace the principles of ‘thrivability.’ We call upon you – individuals, organisations, local authorities and policymakers – to join us in this quest for a greener, more resilient world.
Together, we can create innovative, inclusive solutions that tackle our environmental and societal challenges head-on.