Question of the Month: How are Innovation Spaces driving climate action

This month, we asked the IASP network whether their area of innovation, innovation district or science and technology park intends to implement new measures to combat climate change over the next five years. The results offered an encouraging picture of how climate action is being embedded into the strategic outlook of innovation spaces worldwide. 

Promoting responsible consumption and recycling emerged as the most widely planned measure, with 87% of respondents indicating this forms part of their 5-year plans. The result reflects the growing recognition that fostering a culture of sustainability across businesses, researchers, employees and visitors can have an immediate and lasting impact. Waste reduction, circular economy initiatives and recycling programmes are increasingly becoming standard features of innovation communities. 

Three further actions received also strong levels of support, including: 

• Reducing energy and water consumption through more efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and other energy-saving measures. (73%) 
• Using renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy. (67%) 
• Encouraging better use of natural resources throughout the park, district or area. (60%) 

Together, these results suggest that many innovation spaces are taking a balanced approach to climate action, combining investments in renewable energy with operational improvements that reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. While large-scale renewable energy projects often require significant investment and long-term planning, measures such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving technologies, and smarter resource management can deliver meaningful environmental and financial benefits in the shorter term.