Sustainable Earth Institute
Promoting a new way of thinking about the future of our world
Sustaining life on Earth
The sustainability of life rests on the precarious balance between the interconnected health of our Earth, oceans and atmosphere. In turn, the stewardship of this complex system depends on the interconnected efforts of all those who rely on it.
The Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) connects the university’s world leading research and expertise with the wider world. We bring 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.
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 all sectors – private, public and third – to work together on innovative solutions for a more sustainable Earth.
We need to protect our dynamic and unique world – after all, good planets are hard to find.
United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project
The University of Plymouth is conducting independent research into perceptions and attitudes about the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project in Cornwall.
Researchers are investigating what emotions people feel about geothermal power, the impact of the media on communications, and communications between companies interested in the technology and residents living near geothermal sites.
Agri-Tech Cornwall
The University of Plymouth is proud to be a partner on the Agri-Tech Cornwall project, a £10 million initiative to help the United Kingdom become a world leader in agricultural technology and sustainability.
Researchers from the University will share their expertise and collaborate with small and medium-sized Cornish companies to research the future sustainability of the sector.
Future events
- Skills Bootcamp: Future Climate Leaders 27 January 2026 - 31 March 2026
Sustainability news
- Partnership tackles contamination in materials dredged from the ocean 2 February 2026
- Living walls boost biodiversity by providing safe spaces for urban wildlife 22 January 2026
- Consortium secures £3.6m for pioneering anaesthetic gas recovery and reuse technology 17 December 2025
- Rainforests under threat: report calls for protection and restoration to help the South West’s temperate rainforests thrive 19 November 2025
- Predicted CO2 levels cause marked increase in forest temperatures 5 November 2025
