Accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.

The foundation of change today to power the possibilities of tomorrow.

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Our Mission

Driving the clean energy transition through democracy and social justice

At the SRM Foundation, our mission is to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. We firmly believe that this transition is not only imperative for environmental sustainability but is intricately linked to democracy, social justice, and the responsible governance of local energy resources. By embracing an intersectional approach, we aim to foster a regenerative system that addresses the urgent needs of climate change.

Hands holding a seedling - growth and sustainability
Core Pillars

Built on principles of justice, intersectionality, and sustainability

Democracy & Social Justice

At its core, the SRM Foundation was established on the principles of democracy, social justice and intersectionality as the basis for advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals through our grant initiatives.

Intersectionality

Our approach acknowledges the correlation of environmental, social and economic issues affecting today's society. Through our initiatives, we seek to embrace holistic solutions contributing to the transition from an extractive to a regenerative economy.

Sustainable Economy

We are partnering up with like-minded organisations that share our views on the energy transition to provide support to worthy projects in the areas of advocacy and government policy, research and innovation, and education.

Engineers working on wind turbine
About Us

Objectives for Public Benefit

The SRM Foundation was formed under the vision of energy executive Francesco Mazzagatti to advance his vision for a properly structured transition to sustainability. In line with our charitable status, the SRM Foundation aims to benefit the public through the advancement of the following objectives:

  • Conserve, protect and restore the physical and natural environment, in particular to mitigate the effects of pollution, deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions
  • Advance the education of the public in sustainability, environmental protection, clean energy and related subjects
  • Advance science by engaging in and supporting research into sustainability, environmental protection and clean energy
  • Relieve financial hardship and unemployment among those in need as a result of youth, age, ill-health, disability or other disadvantage
Our Manifesto

Championing the cause of a properly structured green energy transition

At the SRM Foundation, we stand at the forefront of advocating for and championing the cause of a properly structured green energy transition. Recognising the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, we assert that transitioning to a sustainable, green energy system is not merely a choice but an imperative for the well-being of our planet and future generations.

Grant Initiatives

Our grants will encompass, but not be limited to, the following initiatives

In order to promote our vision of a sustainable future, the SRM Foundation supports energy transition projects and initiatives in the areas of advocacy and government policy, research and innovation, education and awareness and social justice.

Decarbonisation Carbon Offsetting Research & Innovation CCS & Renewable Energy Technologies Stakeholder-Centric Strategies Collaborative Endorsements
Our Initiatives

Supporting initiatives across key areas

To achieve our mission, the SRM Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives across various different areas.

Floating solar farm - Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation

Support research and innovation at higher-education institutions to enhance the capacity and skillsets required for a successful energy transition.

Wind energy engineer - Socially Just Transition

Socially Just Transition

Advocate for socially just energy transition that protects both the land and the rights of existing workforces.

Team with wind turbine model - Education & Awareness

Education & Awareness

Raise awareness among policymakers and the general public about the benefits of a clean economic system.

Hydroelectric dam - Advocacy & Government Policy

Advocacy & Government Policy

Work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policy advocacy and corporate accountability.

Project Spotlight

Waterside Farm: Boosting Biodiversity at Robert Gordon University

Dec 4, 2024 · 4 min read

Aerial view of Waterside Farm - 55 acres alongside the River Dee

The SRM Foundation and its Chief Executive Officer Francesco Mazzagatti are proud to support Robert Gordon University with launching one of the largest biodiversity projects on a university campus in Scotland, aiming to transform a 55-acre site into a thriving habitat for both flora and fauna.

Plans are in place to restore Waterside Farm into an area of biodiversity, enhancing the already high carbon-holding capacity of the site, and demonstrating an exemplary approach to land stewardship in a sustainable and ecologically positive manner. Lying directly opposite RGU's iconic library tower, the site offers the University a chance to showcase its green credentials by acting as custodians to this habitat and carbon-rich environment.

The SRM Foundation has donated £100,000 to help the vision for Waterside Farm become a reality and to enable RGU to become exemplary conservationists with its plans for a habitat for a range of threatened species, whilst safeguarding this area for the future. RGU is working alongside environmental consultancy firm The Habitat People to bring it back to its more natural state.

"RGU's vision for the Waterside Farm, to restore the habitat to its original form and bring back the native species, and to maintain it rather than try to improve it through methods that are not indigenous to the site, is aligned with the SRM Foundation's overall approach to biodiversity."

Francesco Mazzagatti, CEO, SRM Foundation
RGU's iconic library tower overlooking the River Dee and surrounding greenery
Conservation volunteer working with native plants at Waterside Farm The Habitat People team member among the trees at Waterside Farm Fieldwork - walking through the tall grasses of Waterside Farm Aerial overview of the Waterside Farm restoration site

The restoration of the site includes reintroducing wetlands by adding reedbeds in specific areas of Waterside Farm as well as having controlled flooding in place to allow the reedbeds to mature. Early groundwork includes the installation of bird boxes, which has already proven successful with a pair of owls nesting at the site.

"RGU has a strategic commitment to playing its role in creating a more sustainable future through minimising our environmental footprint and realising our moral purpose for the common good. Waterside Farm is a great example of the University actively working towards these important environmental goals."

Veronica Strachan, University Secretary & Vice-Principal Corporate Services, RGU

The University purchased Waterside Farm, just off the South Deeside Road, in 2006. The area has a long history; military maps show that in the 1700s the River Dee was a two-stream waterway, and 19th-century maps show the river was diverted to a single channel as a result of agricultural activity on the site. The Habitat People are now working to re-establish what it may have looked like 250 years ago.

"The key outcome for Waterside Farm will be when all manner of species of plants and animals make it their home and begin to thrive. This is a long-term project, and it is the future generations who will benefit the most from the efforts to make this patch of land a paradise for biodiversity."

David Hunter, CEO, The Habitat People

The Habitat People found two main invasive plant species at the site: Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. The former can be removed simply by pulling it out of the ground while the latter requires specialist injection treatment.

In October 2024, RGU held a listening event for local stakeholders to outline the proposals and help strengthen links between the University and the communities around Waterside Farm. Those in attendance overwhelmingly support Waterside Farm as a natural space and the restoration proposals.