Net-Zero Carbon / Climate Action

World-leading University of Plymouth research, Knowledge Exchange, courses and campus
Plymouth Civic Centre, credit: Soundview Media

Plymouth Civic Centre, credit: Soundview Media

Taking climate action to meet net zero carbon

Achieving net-zero is a whole-system challenge which requires sustained and coordinated action across all sectors of society. Universities have an important role in helping the UK to meet carbon net-zero; carrying out research and innovation, demonstrating leadership, supporting education and skills development as well as developing sustainable campuses. Universities also have an important role in driving climate action locally; building on their independence, trust, networks and their range of expertise, through the knowledge exchange agenda.
SDG13 co2 cartoon

2022 THE Impact Award for SDG13: Climate Action

The University of Plymouth was ranked 15th worldwide (2nd in UK) for the UNSDG 13: Climate Action in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022. The rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recognised the University’s work to drive climate research and innovation, to support local climate action and its efforts to reduce energy use on its campuses.
2022 THE Impact Award for SDG13: Climate Action
Explore some examples of the University's research, knowledge exchange projects, academic expertise and courses related to carbon reduction and climate action (aligned to the Devon Carbon Plan themes).

Built Environment

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Transport

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Food, Land and Sea

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Energy Supply

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Economy and Resources

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Behaviour Change / Community Engagement

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Climate Adaptation

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Knowledge exchange projects

The University has a number of activities taking National and local Climate Action leadership.

River flowing at Burrator, Dartmoor Devon Net-Zero Taskforce
 Professor Ian Bailey and Professor Iain Stewart members of the Devon Net-Zero Taskforce assisting in the development of the Devon Carbon Plan.

The Ocean Organ Net-Zero Visions
 The project is a collaboration bringing communities together with creatives to create a net-zero vision for their community.

Low Carbon Devon hero image Low Carbon Devon
 The project is supporting low-carbon economic growth in Devon, bringing together Research and Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, and Carbon Reduction.

Offshore renewable energy research festival 2021. Wind farm.  Future Plymouth 2030
 Supporting the built environment sector to learn, share and take practical steps towards a sustainable future for Plymouth and the South West.

the grand challenge - iMayflower - Plymouth aerial photo Plymouth Net-Zero Partnership
 Plymouth Net Zero Partnership brings together the City’s largest carbon emitters to drive credible, measurable action on climate change.

Sphere February 2021 sustainability hub Sustainability Hub
 The hub provides a collaborative space for sustainability research, education and partnership working.

Drake's reservoir Universities UK
 Professor Judith Petts CBE, the University’s Vice-Chancellor has led the development of a new set of climate commitments endorsed by 140 universities.

Wheal Coates abandoned tin mine on Cornish coast at sunset. St Agnes. Getty The South West Natural Powerhouse
 A movement that aims to connect natural capital assets – our resources – with the South-West’s ambition for clean growth.

CFP 9 Immersive vision theatre interior Environmental Futures and Big Data Impact Lab
 Assisting Devon-based SMEs with creative thinking to address big data and environmental challenges.

Net Zero Sustainability

Campus – on the path to net zero

We're leading by example and creating a sustainable campus that reduces our impact on the environment across all aspects of our operations – with targets to reach net zero for scopes 1 and 2 by 2025.