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Case Study

Space Sustainability – A Roadmap for Scotland

A strategic roadmap outlining how Scotland’s space sector can achieve net zero and lead internationally in sustainable space development and operations.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The new Scottish Space Strategy identified sustainability as a key thread of Scotland’s approach to space, alongside aiming to create 20,000 jobs and secure a £4 billion share of the global space market. Scottish Enterprise sought to turn strategic intent into a co-ordinated programme of action for industry, academia, and the public sector through the development of a Sustainability Roadmap for the totality of the space industry in Scotland.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Define what sustainability means in the context of space and understand the potential of the sector to contribute to ‘Net Zero’ ambitions
Identify examples of sustainable space best practices within industry and academia
Identify challenge areas for the sector
Develop an understanding of space sustainability initiatives globally
Foster collaboration with other UK and international sectors that have developed/developing sustainability strategies
Create a roadmap of milestones for the sector to achieve ‘Net Zero’ by 2045

Define what sustainability means in the context of space and understand the potential of the sector to contribute to ‘Net Zero’ ambitions
Identify examples of sustainable space best practices within industry and academia
Identify challenge areas for the sector

Develop an understanding of space sustainability initiatives globally
Foster collaboration with other UK and international sectors that have developed/developing sustainability strategies
Create a roadmap of milestones for the sector to achieve ‘Net Zero’ by 2045

OUR APPROACH

The Scottish Space Sustainability roadmap was developed based on a review of international best practice sustainability practices in both space and non-space sectors as well as through industry and stakeholder engagement.

DELIVERY TEAM

Ashley Stewart
Director & Senior Consultant
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Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
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Joginder Fagura
Senior Consultant
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External support: Astro Agency Ltd

OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

The roadmap charts a path to a more sustainable Scottish space sector through a series of short, medium and long-term work packages.  The Roadmap will allow Scotland to play a leading role in demonstrating a sustainable approach to spacefaring, and will also help the UK sector contribute to national net zero goals. Taken as a whole, the recommendations in the Roadmap create a unique opportunity to ensure that the Scottish space sector develops sustainably with a minimum impact on both the orbital and terrestrial environment.

A copy of the report can be downloaded here.

“It’s almost a year since Glasgow hosted COP26, where world leaders gathered to address climate change and the global action needed. This roadmap represents another historic moment in our journey towards net zero and is further proof of Scotland’s commitment to take positive environmental action.

By working together industry, academia and the public sector can find solutions to the worldwide challenge of making space more sustainable, helping to protect the Earth and space for future generations.”

Jane Martin
Managing Director at Scottish Enterprise

Dr Ashley Stewart

Director & Senior Consultant

I’m Ashley, a Director and Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, from AI and Automation to Space, Immersive and Geospatial, helping to advance Scotland’s wider enabling technologies.  I support the growth of high-innovation sectors where Scotland has the potential to lead globally.

For over 15 years at Optimat, I’ve helped industries, organisations and governments use digital and emerging technologies to unlock growth and sharpen their competitiveness. Recent work has focused on AI, building a clearer picture of Scotland’s capabilities and adoption opportunities, and on Space, where I’ve delivered insights that shape strategies for industry growth, Net Zero pathways and new infrastructure, such as spaceports. Across the full breadth of digital and emerging technologies, my role is about turning evidence into action and ensuring Scotland stays globally competitive as technologies and industries evolve.

Another core area of expertise is cluster development and strategy. I established, and now lead, Location Data Scotland, building it from the ground up into a vibrant geospatial community. Beyond geospatial, I’ve developed roadmaps and action plans across digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace. This combines market and technology analysis with stakeholder engagement to map assets, identify opportunities and design interventions that support innovation and competitiveness.

Before joining Optimat, I worked as a Research Technologist in academia, gaining insight into how technologies move from research to real-world application. That experience, combined with two decades in consultancy, enables me to bridge research, policy and industry to help clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions. I hold a BA in Marketing, an MSc in IT & Web Development, and a PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning & Communities of Practice.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.

Joginder Fagura

Senior Consultant

I’m Joginder, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in designing and delivering evidence-based economic development and sector growth strategies, working with public sector clients across the UK. My passion lies in translating complex evidence into practical recommendations that help organisations and industries make smarter investment and policy decisions.

I started my career in consultancy with Optimat in 2000. I’ve led and contributed to high-profile studies spanning advanced materials and manufacturing, clean energy industries, life sciences and medical devices. Much of my work has focused on mapping supply chains, identifying market opportunities, benchmarking international best practice, and shaping innovation ecosystems.

I particularly enjoy projects that bring industry, academia, and government together to explore how innovation can drive sustainable growth.

Prior to joining Optimat, I worked as a material scientist, designing bespoke, high-performance materials for demanding application. This practical grounding in industrial research and product development has been invaluable in understanding both the technical and commercial realities of innovation, enabling me to provide clients with advice that is both evidence-based and pragmatic.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Brunel University and an MSc in Polymer Sciencefrom Lancaster University.