Net-Zero Exchange

A network of researchers and enterprises exploring a whole-systems approach to net zero
Net-Zero Exchange Banner

Net-Zero Exchange

A network of researchers and enterprises exploring a whole-systems approach to net zero

Achievements so far

 

What is Net-Zero Exchange?

The Great South West is on an ambitious journey to become the first region in the UK to achieve net zero, a challenge that will require sustained and coordinated action across a number of different systems and all sectors in society. The Net-Zero Exchange project will support this ambition by bringing researchers and enterprises from a wide range of fields together so we can take a whole-systems approach to net-zero research, engagement and solutions. 
The Net-Zero Exchange aims to build on the successes of the Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project by further developing University connections with enterprises across the Great South West area (Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall), and beyond, and by creating interdisciplinary knowledge exchange opportunities.
Net-Zero Exchange: A network supporting the race to net zero
 

What is the Net-Zero Exchange working on?

 
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Establishing a researcher/enterprise network

We have developed a hive network of researchers and enterprises from across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and beyond.
Join our LinkedIn network – a space for you to connect and collaborate with others on your journey to net zero, discuss challenges and opportunities in our region, and both offer and find support on cross-cutting net-zero carbon issues.
Biochar SEI event

Providing knowledge exchange events

We're collaborating with researchers from across the University as well as external stakeholders to develop and deliver a series of knowledge exchange events.
Each event is centred on a broad carbon challenge theme, such as buildings and heat, transport or power, aiming to bring together diverse industries and research areas so we can take a whole-systems view of issues in our region. 
Explore some of our past events: Past events from the Sustainable Earth Institute  
 

Short courses

We have developed a range of courses, from measuring your organisation's carbon footprint to developing our next Future Climate Leaders.
Find out more about opportunities for enterprises in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly offered by the Future is Green . 
Sustainability Hub
 

Internships: Sustainability Changemakers

Learn more about our Net Zero Internship and Leadership Programme , which ran until March 2025 and offered funded placements for University of Plymouth students and recent graduates to tackle low-carbon challenges with businesses across Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and Devon.
Close up of the Sustainability Hub's external facade
 
Mike Corran, Managing Director of Prestige Packaging, with Dr Antony Robotham (Credit: Jude Palmer/Royal Academy of Engineering)
Dr Antony Robotham (right) collaborating with Prestige Packaging (Photo credit: Jude Palmer / Royal Academy of Engineering)

Research collaborations

We have enabled enterprises across the Great South West and University of Plymouth researchers to team up and take on a carbon challenge through the Net-Zero Solutions Fund .
Through the Entrepreneurial Futures project , our team supported enterprises in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through our expertise in built environment and nature-based carbon offsetting research.
 

Get inspired

Take a look at some successful research collaborations carried out with Low Carbon Devon for inspiration on the different ways you could cut carbon

 

Who are we?

Net-Zero Exchange has a core project team as well as a steering group of researchers from across the university and industry representatives.

Project team

Researchers on the steering group

 

Enterprises represented on the steering group