Inter-university, inter-research establishment and intercontinental research solutions are being pooled to develop practical solutions to reducing emissions.

A racing car powered by chocolate and steered by carrots
Developing a low carbon car fleet
Reducing carbon emissions in Wales

A racing car powered by chocolate and steered by carrots

Researchers at the University of Warwick have unveiled a Formula 3 racing car powered by chocolate, steered by carrots, has bodywork made from potatoes, and can still do 125mph around corners.

It is the first Formula 3 racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials.

The steering wheel is derived from carrots and other root vegetables, a flax fibre and soybean oil foam makes up the racing seat, there’s a woven flax fibre bib, plant oil based lubricants and the engine is configured to run on fuel derived from waste chocolate and vegetable oil. It also incorporates a radiator coated in a ground-breaking emission destroying catalyst.

Developing a low carbon car fleet

Aston University, the University of Birmingham and Coventry University are assessing the future of low carbon transport, with a view to brining a fleet of alternative energy cars to the streets of Birmingham and Coventry.

A total of 110 ultra low carbon (ULC) vehicles are set to be showcased in the two cities to trial a range of alternative transport technologies.

The consortium, which includes partners from both vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure providers, together with academic institutions, is supported by Birmingham and Coventry City Councils, Advantage West Midlands, E.ON, in addition to the universities.

This project will showcase alternative transport in the UK and to assess the feasibility of alternative fuel sources, such as electricity and hydrogen and the latest inductive power transfer technology as an alternative to plug-in street charging systems.

Reducing Carbon emissions in Wales

Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture will lead a new £34M European funding drive designed to help Welsh businesses develop innovative carbon reduction projects and meet strict carbon emission targets.

The Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) – an all-Wales university research project led by the University’s Welsh School of Architecture – has secured £34M, over the next three years, from the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO).

Part of the European Research Development Fund (ERDF’s) Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment programmes, the cash injection will enable Wales and Welsh Universities to lead the way in the development of new research to cut carbon emissions.