What is STEPPING UP?

Current systems of water, energy and food provision are unsustainable and the decisions made in each sector, though often arising independently, have implications for sustainability in each of the others. Faced with challenges that include changing climates and increasingly urgent greenhouse gas mitigation targets, rising resource scarcity and growing societal inequalities, there is need for a step- change that puts the UK on a pathway towards sustainable Water-Energy-Food (WEF) management.

Stepping Up undertook research to understand the processes, implications and challenges of scaling up nexus-innovations to achieve transformational change at different scales. We use a mixed method approach, consisting of quantitative and qualitative modelling techniques. Recognising the critical importance of a transdisciplinary approach, we are engaging with stakeholders throughout the project to develop insights into the drivers, motivations, enablers, and constraints of up-scaling nexus-innovation in the UK.

STEPPING UP was a 3-year, EPSRC funded collaboration between sustainability researchers at universities and research institutes across the UK. To find out more about the project and what we found, read our final report

Final report download