Francesca Vukovic and Real Ideas
Internship case study
The
Entrepreneurial Futures Net Zero Internship and Leadership Programme
was a funded internship opportunity, placing current students or recent graduates of the University of Plymouth within businesses throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to work on a specific low-carbon challenge or opportunity. Francesca worked as a Net Zero Intern for Real Ideas – the 12-week internship aimed to advance the organisation's commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions while also exploring local energy generation opportunities at the community level.
Francesca supported the Shared Infrastructure team by conducting energy audits, researching alternative energy solutions, analysing the evolution of the energy market, and exploring financing options and partnership opportunities for community-level heat and energy generation. These activities enabled the development of a comprehensive roadmap report for achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by assessing feasible short, medium, and long-term solutions in Real Ideas' community buildings.
3 What was achieved?
- Produced a comprehensive energy audit report, enabling the identification of inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement regarding energy use.
- Enhanced the emissions monitoring framework for ongoing data collection, emissions tracking, and reporting.
- Conducted a feasibility report on local energy generation by analysing local energy generation options which included solar and heat pumps.
- Provided an overview of available and emerging financing models for community energy projects including potential partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Created a Net Zero Roadmap which outlined the steps necessary for Real Ideas Organisation to achieve Net Zero emissions including actionable Net Zero recommendations and KPIs.
- Presented findings to the Governance and Strategic Development Group and summarised project outcomes and future recommendations in a supporting report.
My internship has been a whirlwind of experiences – no two days were the same! I have worked on a variety of projects, from conducting energy audits, to updating the organisation’s Building Management Systems (BMS) and analysing energy and waste data. I have also explored the feasibility of longer-term solutions to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions and climate adaptation such as solar panels, ground source heat pumps and green roofs.
I particularly enjoyed creating the 'Journey to Achieving Net Zero' PowerPoint slides and presenting my findings to the Governance and Strategic Development Group as it enhanced my research, critical thinking, and communication skills. Although this was my first time presenting to senior managers, the Government and Strategic Group were impressed with my work. This would not have been possible without my hard work and passion for the project."
Francesca, Net Zero Intern
Given the complexity of tackling Net Zero, we've been truly amazed by the quality of work and insight Fran has brought to Real Ideas. Through the University of Plymouth Entrepreneurial Futures Net Zero Internship and Leadership Programme, Fran has been instrumental in helping us understand the journey we’re embarking on to achieve Net Zero.
In a relatively short time, Fran has mapped out a clear, digestible plan with actionable steps for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing biodiversity. Thanks to the quality of Fran's work and her thoughtful approach, we've also been able to secure additional short-term funding to begin turning these ideas into action with her support. We couldn't be more thrilled with the impact she's already made!"
Real Ideas
3 What was the impact?
- Investigated and summarised the complexities of Real Ideas' journey toward achieving Net Zero by 2030.
- A Net Zero Roadmap has been made available to all staff and recommendations will be implemented based on feasibility and appropriateness as decided by the Governance and Strategic Development Group. This aims to reduce the environmental impact of the organisation's operations, resulting in cost savings, the enhancement of the organisation's reputation as a social-environmental enterprise, and will contribute to global sustainability efforts.
- After completing the 12-week internship, Francesca's contract at Real Ideas was extended until the end of January 2025 working as an Operations Assistant. In her role, she aimed to implement the short-term actions suggested in the Net Zero Roadmap and worked on two new projects which will be assisting with the launch of the organisations' environmental plan and supporting the streamlining of printing operations.
Sustainable Earth Institute
Funded by UK Government
Cornwall Council
Council of the Isles of Scilly
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund
Net-Zero Exchange
Entrepreneurial Futures