A new £50 million UK-based research centre will harness the research power of leading universities both to develop clean technologies and help in the reduction of carbon emissions. It is a joint initiative of Yorkshire Forward and the region’s universities.

The Copenhagen summit demonstrated the complexity of establishing a global approach to climate change, leaving businesses unsure how to plan for an internationally regulated carbon emissions environment.

The Centre for Low Carbon Futures (CLCF) was officially launched in London on January 14th and will draw on the expertise of the world class researchers in the region as a focal point for understanding and demonstrating how business can evolve and adapt in a low-carbon world.

The official launch took place at the Palace of Westminster and was hosted by the York MP Hugh Bayley. Guest speakers were former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and the Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, Rosie Winterton.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has contributed £5.7m to the Centre, which is led by the Universities of Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York and draws on the strengths of all the region’s education institutions. It is developing an innovative way of translating research into business applications, adding value to regional and national economic development and will help in meeting regional targets to reduce Green House Gas emissions.

The Centre will provide the multi-disciplined approach needed to meet the challenges of a low-carbon society. It will use the combined research not only of the natural sciences, but also the social sciences, engineering and policy disciplines. By combining the power of the region's Universities with Yorkshire Forward and business, CLCF is well positioned to translate research for the benefit of business and communities.

Director Jon Price says "The Centre has a great opportunity to position itself at the forefront of developing practical measures to reduce carbon, on a regional, national and international level. This can be achieved through the practical application of product development from new low carbon technologies. It's a unique conduit for the region' academic and business communities to collaborate and deliver on clean technologies, providing a positive economic impact to the region."

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward, adds:"The Centre for Low Carbon Futures will put our region at the forefront of low carbon technologies. It will allow Yorkshire and Humber’s businesses to address low carbon challenges and access cutting edge solutions which will help them exploit the opportunities arising from climate change. In turn this will help build a competitive, sustainable and carbon efficient regional economy”.

Professor Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York and Chair of the Centre's Interim Board, says: "The Centre for Low Carbon Futures is an international initiative which will draw on the huge research strengths of experts in leading universities.  The universities of Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York also have longstanding relationships with global business and industry, and will be drivers not only of the knowledge economy but also the low carbon economy.”

Rosie Winterton, Minister for Yorkshire and The Humber, adds: “This excellent initiative will help us meet the two key challenges facing the country and our Region, those of climate change and developing a sustainable economic future.

“Collaboration between Universities and businesses is one of this region’s great strengths.  This new Centre will play a key role in helping us to continue to develop knowledge and technology to a world class level and ensure that our region is at the forefront of moves towards a low-carbon future.”