The University of Plymouth has launched a £2.6million project to test new green technologies and help Devon's businesses do their bit to combat climate change.
The Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, which chipped in with £1.5million, will harness the university’s expertise and experience in sustainability to benefit the county’s employers.
Through a range of coordinated activities, it will make the existing knowledge base easier to access for relevant businesses, embed graduate talent in the economy and apply specialist research and development capacity to low carbon and growth needs.
Led by the university’s Sustainable Earth Institute, the project will run until 2023. It will help some organisations reduce their energy consumption and support others in development of new initiatives and innovations that can be brought to the wider market.
At the centre of the project is the Sustainability Hub, a refurbished building at the heart of the university’s main campus that aims to be a catalyst for low-carbon economic growth.
It has created a space where employers can meet with researchers and business experts to learn what will work for their companies.
More University of Plymouth news
It will also be used to trial and test new technologies and innovations – such as green walls and energy-saving LEDs – before they are applied in wider commercial settings.
Dr Paul Lunt, associate professor in environmental science, is director and academic lead for the Sustainability Hub: Low Carbon Devon project.
Most Read
He said: “To reach zero net carbon emissions by 2050 and meet the challenges of increased urbanization we will need new ways of thinking.
“Developments such as biophylic building design, with living walls and low energy lighting, offer significant opportunities to decarbonise our homes and businesses.
“The Low Carbon Devon project will work with existing and emerging local enterprises to help develop the skills and innovation to design buildings fit for a low carbon future.
What is the European Regional Development Fund?
Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.
For more information click
“By showing them best practice and new areas of excellence, this can act as a catalyst here in Devon and inspire low carbon economic growth across the county.”
The Low Carbon Devon project is the latest initiative highlighting the university’s sustainability expertise and earlier this year, it supported a national call to declare a climate emergency.
The university has previously earned five Green Gown Awards and three Guardian University Awards, embedding sustainability practices across its courses and campuses.
Don’t miss
Professor Iain Stewart, director of the Sustainable Earth Institute and a member of Devon County Council’s new Net-Zero Task Force, said: “Climate change is in almost every news bulletin these days and there is growing global recognition that we all have our part to play in addressing it.
How to contact William Telford and Business Live
Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
To contact William: Email: william.telford@reachplc.com - Phone: 01752 293116 - Mob: 07584 594052 - Twitter: - LinkedIn: - Facebook:
Stay in touch: BusinessLive newsletters have been re-designed to make them even better. We send morning bulletins straight to your inbox on the latest news, views and opinion in the South West. Get our breaking news alerts and weekly sector reviews too. Sign up now - it's free and it only takes a minute. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click .
And visit the Business Live South West LinkedIn page
“As a university, we have a long pedigree of outstanding sustainability teaching and research so can provide the perfect ecosystem of knowledge and skills that enables companies to engage with real specialists in a range of fields.
“The Sustainability Hub gives us the space to make those conversations happen, while also serving as a living lab where ideas and innovation can flourish for the benefit of the wider community.”
The Sustainability Hub was launched at an event in December 2019. The guest of honour was Michael Lewis, E.ON 海角视频’s chief executive, who delivered a talk about the energy sector’s responsibilities for responding to the climate emergency.