Sustainable Earth Institute
Advancing research, knowledge and innovation for a more sustainable earth
Our mission is to solve complex global sustainability challenges through a holistic, solutions-oriented approach to research, education, innovation and knowledge exchange.
At Plymouth, one of our key strengths is in using research and technology to develop evidence-led sustainable practices. We work in partnership with communities and organisations around the world to co-create climate-smart solutions, informed by accurate and reliable environmental data to deliver optimal benefit for society and the environment.
Professor Will Blake
Professor of Catchment Science
Contact the Sustainable Earth Institute
If you’re an academic looking for a connection to industry, an organisation looking for research support or an individual who is inspired to work towards a sustainable future then contact us to find out how we can help.
By email: sei@plymouth.ac.uk
On X: @PlymEarth
On LinkedIn: @Sustainable Earth Institute
1 Kirkby Place, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA.
Join our public mailing list
As a member of the public you can sign up to our mailing list to receive our monthly e-bulletin and updates about University of Plymouth and public sustainability events, workshops and news.
Join the public mailing list
University of Plymouth staff and student mailing list
As a member of staff or a student at the University of Plymouth (or a partner college) you can join our mailing list to receive a monthly e-bulletin and updates about sustainability events, workshops, research funding calls and news.
Sign up to the University of Plymouth staff and student mailing list
Please note - if you do not have a registered University of Plymouth or partner college email address you will be moved to the public mailing list.
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Join our staff research forum
Open to University of Plymouth researchers, the Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) Research Forum brings together academics from across the University interested in working towards a sustainable future.
As a member of the Forum, you will receive information about funding and collaboration opportunities, and invites to transdisciplinary workshops and informal meet-ups.
Research priorities
The Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) brings together researchers from natural and social sciences, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business, to take an interdisciplinary, systems-thinking approach to help tackle sustainability challenges. We also connect the University’s world-leading research and expertise with the wider world.
Our research responds to the call of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to both global efforts, and the needs identified locally where our capabilities can make a difference.
We engage with government, industry, community groups and individuals, both locally and globally, to work together on innovative solutions for a more sustainable Earth.
Our four research priority themes are:
- Natural resources / Affordable and clean energy
- Net-zero carbon / Climate action
- Smart cities / Sustainable cities and communities
- Healthy landscapes / Life on land
Natural resources
Discover how we are accelerating the transition to renewable energy by developing efficient energy infrastructure and technology, promoting natural asset management, and examining how we consume energy more responsibly.
Net-zero carbon
Find out how we are helping the UK to meet carbon net zero targets by carrying out research and innovation, demonstrating leadership, and supporting education and skills development, as well as developing a modern, sustainable campus.
Healthy landscapes
Learn how researchers are working with communities to co-design solutions to the challenges they face, including degraded land and soils, and how technological advancements are supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.
Featured knowledge exchange projects
Entrepreneurial Futures
A major new £5.6 million initiative working with businesses and communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to deliver activities around net zero, clean energy, agri-robotics, immersive technologies and coastal communities.
Net-Zero Exchange
We are supporting the race to net zero by bringing a wide range of researchers and enterprises together, taking a whole-systems approach to research, engagement and solutions to tackle cross-cutting decarbonisation issues.
Environmental Land Management Strategic Knowledge Exchange Hub
The ELMS Exchange project works with farmers and landowners to explore the validation of on-farm soil assessment and land management actions from the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
Resilient Catchment Communities
Increasing community understanding of river resilience by delivering six nature-based solution demonstration sites for natural flood management across Cornwall.
Sustainability news
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University of Plymouth shortlisted for two Green Gown Awards
The University is in the running for the Sustainability Institution of the Year and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability categories
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University experts continue push for global shipping sustainability
Academics attended a Westminster event where they showcased work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
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Graduate’s research contributes to hospital trust’s air quality assessments
Elliot West studied air pollution levels in and around Derriford Hospital during his MSc Environmental Consultancy programme
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Plymouth ranked among world’s 100 best universities for sustainability
The University placed 84th globally – and 15th in the UK – in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
- More related news
Future events
- Tamar Valley Food Hubs 18 July 2025 15:30 - 15:45
- Growing with Nature Networking Event 24 July 2025 16:30 - 19:30
- Tamar Valley Food Hubs 25 July 2025 15:30 - 15:45
- Tamar Valley Food Hubs 1 August 2025 15:30 - 15:45
- Campus cafes events 3 July 2025 - 4 August 2025
Sustainability at University of Plymouth
Sustainability is embedded not just in research across the University, but also in our course provision and campus operations.
Strategic Research Institutes
Our interdisciplinary institutes support collaboration, provide first-class research environments, and showcase the impact of our groundbreaking work.
Sustainability study opportunities
We are recognised as an innovative leader in higher education for sustainability. Learn about our sustainability-conscious study opportunities.
Sustainability operations
We're leading by example and creating a sustainable campus that reduces our impact on the environment across all aspects of our operations.