Historic buildings in the UK are facing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, with sustainable retrofits like LED lighting and heat pumps being easily implemented. However, solar technology integration faces challenges due to visual impact, despite UK heritage guidance allowing for solar integration. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar roofs offer a solution by blending into the architecture, as seen in examples like York Minster, Westminster Abbey, and Canterbury Cathedral. Roofit.Solar CEO Andres Anijalg emphasizes the importance of marrying historic buildings with modern climate solutions, showcasing the potential for genuine, scaled climate leadership that protects both the history of buildings and the planet they stand on.
Tag: UK
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The Symbiosis Of Food And Climate Arise At COP30
COP30 focused on addressing the unequal distribution of climate impacts, with a focus on food and climate solutions. Initiatives were announced to promote healthy food and climate exchanges, including reducing food waste and methane emissions. Brazil, Japan, and the UK supported goals for resilient agriculture and reducing environmental impacts. The Gates Foundation added funds for smallholder farmer climate adaptation. The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge continues to mobilize investments to end hunger and malnutrition, with a focus on smallholder farmers and regenerative agriculture. The section also emphasizes the need for more media coverage on the impact of animal agriculture on climate change, the importance of finance in addressing climate-related issues in agriculture, and the updated Planetary Health Diet endorsing a plant-rich diet with reduced meat consumption to combat climate change.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/25/the-symbiosis-of-food-and-climate-arise-at-cop30/
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Toyota developing two-seater electric vehicle with solar roof
Toyota Manufacturing UK is leading a consortium to develop a lightweight micro-mobility electric vehicle with a PV roof, digital connectivity, and sustainable components, aiming to extend driving range by 20%. The project, supported by the University of Derby researchers and funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade with £15 million, focuses on creating a last-mile L6e-type vehicle with integrated solar PV. Partners in the consortium will collaborate on shared components to reduce costs and create economies of scale. This initiative aligns with other similar projects like the European Giants consortium and the French Croisière Verte team's use of portable solar with lightweight electric vehicles.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/10/28/uk-team-developing-tinyvipv/