Mat Zero is the brainchild of Sri Ellen Hollema, one of 2022's GREEN GRADS. Mat Zero is a safe and sustainable solar heating solution for refugees, disaster relief and informal settlements.

It is a three part modular product consisting of a heated mat, an energy hub and solar panels. The Mat provides heat using safe carbon fibre heating technology that can be installed in any type of shelter. Each modular component can be used in combination or independently.

They are one of 15 out of 329 applications, to have been awarded a share of the Energy Catalyst Grant Early Stage facilitated by Innovate UK. The Energy House in the University of Salford has also agreed to support their product testing, enabling them to create any given environment to get data on the efficiency of the product, and conduct user trials in cold weather climates.

Follow their journey on instagram here

Opening this week; the Surface Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre 6th - 8th February

Nickie West, Managing Director, of the show tells us the theme for 2024 shall “focus on the ambition to design well while doing good – with a conscious effort to protect the planet by aiming for zero waste manufactures and sustainable alternatives. The natural world remains a key influence on the design industry, inspiring new techniques and processes, as well as offering a wealth of material substitutes.“

Look out for GREEN GRADS Rosy Napper at the show, who will be showcasing a small collection of sustainable homeware items using her ReCinder material.

Grant Gibson of Material Matters will be hosting a talk with architect Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects on the main stage of the show, Wednesday 7 March at 4pm. That’s one not to miss! And you can see the full main stage programme here.

Bright Talks presents ‘The shocking truth behind the stuff you throw away’ by Oliver Franklin-Wallis

Last year we reported on Journalist Oliver Franklin-Wallis' new book Wasteland. Watch him share some of his research documenting the shocking truths behind the stuff we throw away over at Bright Ideas Gathering. Beyond merely chronicling the global ‘waste industrial complex’, he discusses its important implications for our future and what needs to change: End Greenwashing, Buy Less, Buy Better, Fix Recycling, and End Waste Injustice.

The British Council have announced their International Collaboration Grants 2024. They will provide funding of up to £75,000 for arts and culture organisations to collaborate with each other and deliver new arts projects.

These arts projects can be international digital, face-to-face or hybrid projects, connecting the UK with countries around the world. Projects can address any theme but applicants must share their approach to diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability in the delivery of their project.

To find out more watch their YouTube video here

Deadline: 30 April 2024.

And finally a reminder that you have until 12.00pm on 9 February 2024…

… to submit your application to be a Design Council Expert!

The Design Council are seeking their next cohort of Design Experts to broaden their design community and reach all types of design leaders, to support and push forward their Design for Planet mission.

Take a look at their application guide lines and videos here.

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