Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray: final evaluation report

Digital Innovation Lab

Introduction

Robert Gordon University’s Digital Innovation Lab is using immersive and visualisation technologies to support Scotland’s decarbonisation and net zero goals. With a focus on smart retrofitting and climate adaptation, the Lab brings together computing, data science, engineering, and architecture to help local authorities and stakeholders model and plan for a low-carbon future.

Just Transition Fund contribution

Supported by £1.03 million from the JTF, the project established a state-of-the-art production lab and immersive visualisation space. This was complemented by £560,000 in in-kind contributions from RGU. Equipment procured includes advanced scanning technology and LiDAR data (valued at £300,000), enabling accurate modelling of the built environment.

JTF enabled the creation of a high-tech production lab and immersive visualisation space. It supported the purchase of advanced scanning equipment and LiDAR data (valued at over £300,000), significantly enhancing the Lab’s capacity to model and analyse built environments and supporting users to make informed decisions around energy efficiency and climate adaptation. Six individuals were trained as certified drone pilots, and technical staff were upskilled in digital modelling, data interpretation, and immersive technologies.

According to the Vice Principal for Economic Development at RGU, the project would not have been possible without JTF support, as the funding enabled the Lab’s establishment and early-stage development.

Outcomes and strategic impact

The Lab is providing new tools for visualising building retrofit requirements. One significant finding from their stakeholder engagement was the scale of retrofitting needed for over 31,000 council-owned homes in the region to meet net-zero emissions targets by 2030. Its modelling capabilities support data-driven decisions to reduce emissions, boost efficiency, and cut costs. The Lab has developed immersive models to support local authorities in assessing climate risks. For example:

• Aberdeen City Council - a digital twin of Castlegate and Union Street was created, enabling planning for energy-efficient renovations;
• Aberdeenshire Council - a Stonehaven Harbour model simulates storm surges and climate-induced flooding to inform resilience strategies; and
• Moray Council - a digital recreation of Elgin Town Hall assists in heritage preservation and energy efficiency planning.

The project has created four specialist roles at RGU and built technical capacity in drone operations and immersive modelling. Over time, the Lab is expected to contribute to regional job growth by supporting decarbonisation projects that drive demand for green construction and retrofit skills.

Just Transition outcomes

The Digital Innovation Lab aligns with multiple Just Transition outcomes, including:

• Jobs, skills, and economic opportunities: training of specialists in digital construction methods and climate-focused modelling.
• Business and economy: supporting economic transition by creating a sustainable model for engaging with local authorities and, in the future, private businesses.
• Communities and place: empowering local authorities with tools to support the development of the local built environment.
• Decarbonisation and efficiencies: facilitating emissions reductions through intelligent retrofit modelling.
• Adaptation and resilience: developing climate impact visualisations for infrastructure planning.

Lessons learned and future growth

While the Lab has made strong progress, early development faced challenges. Restrictions on private sector engagement, short funding cycles, and complex intellectual property discussions delayed implementation and procurement. Despite this, the Lab is now well positioned amongst those leading in digital innovation for decarbonisation. RGU is actively working to secure long-term sustainability, with the project under consideration for £9 million in Aberdeen Investment Zone funding.

The University is also exploring partnerships with the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) and private sector stakeholders to develop commercial applications, such as visualisation tools for construction firms, insurers, and investors.

A key ambition is creating a digital twin of North East Scotland, enabling real-time climate impact modelling, urban planning, and investment forecasting.

Conclusion

The Digital Innovation Lab represents a step forward in the use of immersive technologies to support Scotland’s net-zero transition. By enhancing decision-making through data visualisation, the Lab is helping local authorities and stakeholders accelerate decarbonisation efforts, strengthen climate resilience, and foster economic adaptation.