Net-Zero Exchange

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

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. 
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?

Establishing a researcher/enterprise network

We're working to develop a hive network of researchers and enterprises from across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and beyond.
Hosted on an online platform, our Net-Zero Exchange Network is 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.
Our Net-Zero Exchange Network is open to:
  • all researchers from all disciplines and from any university
  • enterprises of any size and any sector, located anywhere across the world.
Sustainability Hub Event
George Gillow from Kensa presenting at Heat Pumps in Practice: Ground, water or Air?
George Gillow from Kensa presenting at Heat Pumps in Practice: Ground, water or Air?

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, aiming to bring together diverse industries and research areas so we can take a whole-systems view of issues in our region.
In 2024, we’ll be holding a range of both face-to-face and online events around the following themes:
  • buildings and heat
  • transport
  • power (including hydrogen)
  • enterprises wanting to reduce their carbon footprint from all sectors.

Training on Net-Zero

Our Knowledge Exchange and Impact Officer, Mr Saul Whitford is working alongside researchers from across the Sustainable Earth Institute's diverse disciplines as well as our external collaborators to develop and deliver:
  • a 3hr Net-Zero Literacy course
  • a 12hr (4-week) Net-Zero Action course
  • a 60hr Future Climate Leaders course.
If you are in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, then please look at our Future is Green short courses 
Workshop at the Sustainability Hub

Funding Net-Zero Solutions

We want to enable enterprises across the Great South West and University of Plymouth researchers to team up and take on a carbon challenge, so we have offered funding to support collaborative projects.
Applications for the Net-Zero Solutions Fund closed on 27 March.

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 Sustainable Earth Institute and enterprise representatives.

Project Team

  • Manager of the Sustainable Earth Institute/Director – NetZero Exchange
  • Business Development and Partnership Manager - Net-Zero Exchange
  • Knowledge Exchange and Impact Officer (Net-Zero Exchange)
  • Network Officer (Communications and Events) - Net-Zero Exchange

Researchers on the Steering Group

Enterprises represented on the steering group

 

Research expertise within the Sustainable Earth Institute

The Sustainable Earth Institute is about promoting a new way of thinking about the future of our world. It's about the science of the planet, its health and well-being and what that means for us.
Discover more about sustainability research at University of Plymouth.
Wind turbines