RBS unveils 8 green innovations at global headquarters

The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced the eight eco-innovations that will be trialled at its world headquarters in Gogarburn as part of its innovation sponsorship programme.


The eight innovations, from new water systems to beehives, will be implemented by a range of SMEs who pitched their ideas to the bank as part of the Gogarburn Innovation Challenge, was launched in April.

Catherine Stones head of major projects at RBS, said: “We had an overwhelming response and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the innovators who took the time to submit their applications. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the successful innovators and seeing the trials in action.”

The Gogarburn Innovation Challenge sought innovative products from SMEs who employ no more than 249 people. It aimed at tackling a range of eco-based challenges including reducing energy, water and waste consumption as well as enhancing biodiversity.

The innovations

Hydromx – a nanofluid from Energy Effective Ltd, which replaces water in heating systems to improve efficiency by 20-35%

Waterblade – a device that will be fitted to washroom taps, halving the amount of water needed to wash hands effectively

air2eau – an atmospheric water generator which turns water from the atmosphere in pure drinking water

Topolytics – a cloud system that makes it easy for the bank to organise information on environmental impact

Coolnomix – a system which saves 25-35% of electrical running costs of air conditioning units

Ecocent – a hot water system which harvests waste thermal energy to heat water for domestic use

eXpert Fridge – a device which will be used by the bank to reduce the energy consumption of refrigeration 

Honeybee colonies will also be installed on campus to enhance the biodiversity of the area

The Gogarburn Innovation Challenge forms one part of several RBS Innovation Gateway schemes that provides SMEs the chance to trial their innovations on the RBS estate.

It is expected to save more than 40,000 tonnes of CO2, 20 million litres of water and around £7.5m each year.

Writing in a blog on edie earlier this year Marcela Navarro, head of customer innovation for RBS, listed which projects have been successful so far. 

Matt Mace

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