The University of Plymouth is leading a two-year project to reduce carbon emissions in South West England.
The Great South West (which includes Cornwall and the Isles Of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset) is on an ambitious journey to become the first region in the UK to achieve net zero – a challenge that calls for sustained and coordinated action across all areas.
By bringing together researchers from a wide range of fields and enterprises of all sizes and sectors, this new project aims to facilitate the much-needed whole-systems approach to decarbonisation.
The University, which achieved PAS 2060 verification for carbon neutrality – externally verified by NQA – earlier this year , is building on the successes of its Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project. The new Net-Zero Exchange is focused on developing a regional network by hosting knowledge exchange events and net-zero training, as well as providing funding for solutions-focused collaborations.
Through its free online platform, Net-Zero Exchange offers a space to connect with others, discuss net-zero issues, and contribute to a community of support by sharing knowledge and resources.
Integrating academia with industry is a common theme throughout the project’s ambitions, from a steering group composed of both University of Plymouth researchers and enterprise representatives, to events developed in partnership with experts in both industry and academia.
Using the Net-Zero Exchange platform, a series of events will explore cross-cutting themes that pose a carbon challenge. Key event themes for 2024 include:
- The built environment and heating
- Transport
- Energy
- All enterprises aiming to reduce their carbon
A Net-Zero Solutions: Kickstarting your collaboration event on Wednesday 31 January, 2024 is aimed at researchers and enterprises interested in finding collaborators to co-apply for the Net-Zero Solutions Fund.
Up to £7,500 is available for collaborative projects that tackle net-zero challenges or exploit low-carbon opportunities.
