Partnerships

The University of Exeter and IBM are partnering on a new PHD Studentship, which will explore Bayesian methods for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to help accurately predict the impacts of climate change. 

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Buildings consume more than 40% of the electricity used across the globe. Based on our research, University spin-out company Build Solar are integrating affordable and efficient solar technologies in to conventional construction materials. By embedding renewable energy generation into the fabric of buildings they are paving the way for carbon neutral buildings of the future.

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We are working with leading wetsuit manufacturer, Finisterre, to find a way of recycling petroleum based neoprene wetsuits. It is estimated that discarded wetsuits account for nearly 400 tonnes of chemical-based waste every year in the UK alone. This Knowledge Transfer Partnership project is bringing together experts from our Centre for Alternative Materials and Manufacturing Centre with this thriving local business to find a sustainable solution to the problem.

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Our scientists have been working with South West Water since 2006 to transform the way that upstream water catchments (e.g. moorland reservoirs and lakes) are managed. Since 2017, the NERC-funded SWEEP programme has supported a water management plan for the entire south west region, underpinning the water resilience theme of the company’s 2020-2025 Business Plan. In 2019, Ofwat said it ‘set a new standard for the sector’. South West Water and the University of Exeter are currently working together on the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) to pioneer an innovative, whole system approach to complex water challenges.

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The Centre for Energy and the Environment works with Riverford Organics Ltd to support the company to reduce its energy demand and account for its carbon emissions. Riverford processes and delivers over 50,000 boxes a week to homes around the UK. The boxes contain organic fruit and vegetables as well as meat, dairy and more. The Centre works with Riverford to reduce its carbon footprint as well as specific projects such as replacing diesel delivery vans and single-use plastic pallet wrap with alternative solutions.

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International petro-chemical giant, Shell aims to fully decarbonise by 2050. Our researchers are helping them to do this by accelerating the development of biofuels as a feasible alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This collaboration has succeeded in dramatically reducing the timeframes for development, in some cases from several years to 18 months, bringing a green future closer to reality.

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Marine-i supports companies working in wind, wave and tidal power generation to deliver the energy of the future. It helps marine technology businesses grow through research, development and innovation. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund it is a collaboration between the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, The Cornwall College Group, Cornwall Marine Network, Cornwall Development Company and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. The decade ahead will see the build of floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea to spearhead the UK’s drive to become a net zero economy by 2050.

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Origin are a Cornish coffee company driven by environmental sustainability. Working with experts from the University via the Tevi initiative, they are committed to eliminating waste from their operations and playing their part in the transition to a circular economy. Compostable materials for coffee capsules and biodegradable cups are just the start. Origin and the University are working together to help the whole coffee industry improve its sustainability.

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Part-funded through the European Social Fund and forming part of the European Strategic Investment Framework for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, ARCA will work with local businesses to co-design workshops and training programmes for individuals, microbusinesses and SMEs. 

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Although the global transition to electric vehicles is well-known, our engineering experts have worked with Supacat on a ground-breaking collaboration to spearhead a green revolution in defence and all-terrain vehicles. Together we are pioneering a new electric-drive version of their ATMP vehicle – which has been used by regular and special operations forces in combat zones across the world – to reduce carbon emissions.

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Experts from the Centre for Energy and the Environment and the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence have teamed up with Applegate and Ghyston to boost the region’s economic recovery in a sustainable way. Using artificial intelligence, they are matching organisations to local suppliers – helping communities to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic and reducing carbon emissions by avoiding the unnecessary transportation of goods and materials.

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We have joined forces with the National Trust to protect the natural world. We are sharing knowledge and research, to make a transformative impact on the environment. The collaboration will focus on three main themes: rethinking – how to reverse declines in nature and adapt to climate change; regeneration – managing changing multifunctional landscapes and exploring novel approaches and management techniques; and reconnection – engaging more people with conservation. It builds on more than 20 research projects and student placements between the organisations.

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The University of Exeter and Natural England have signed a three year partnership to boost nature. The partnership activities will focus on two critical themes to deliver transformative change: understanding environmental change and understanding what works for nature’s recovery. 

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The University of Exeter is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Network. The Exeter Centre for Circular Economy works with a wide range of businesses and was launched in 2018 by Dame Ellen MacArthur. The Centre is a multi-disciplinary team of economists, engineers, designers, sociologists, management academics and practitioners spearheading the transformation to a circular economy. The team also provides circular economy masterclasses. The ExeMPLaR Project takes a coordinated, regional approach so that plastics never become waste or pollution. The new National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Hub led by the University of Exeter will ensure fewer resources are used and more waste materials reused – delivering huge benefits to the environment and UK economy.

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Sustainability experts from the University of Exeter Business School are working across the National Health Service (NHS) in a drive to replace single-use PPE with more environmentally-friendly alternatives. With the PPE industry forecast to grow at an annual rate of 8%, zero carbon, zero waste targeted face masks, gowns and other forms of personal, protective equipment are needed to tackle the vast amounts of contaminated single-use plastic going to landfill.

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We have worked with the Met Office for years on the development of prediction models to inform climate change projections. Building on this, we have now established a Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence, bringing together world-leading researchers to utilise data science and artificial intelligence to transform our understanding of the natural environment and develop solutions to real-world challenges.

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The Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures (SAF) is a partnership with the Centre for Environment, Aquaculture and Fisheries Science (Cefas) as well as governments and industry on aquatic animal health, food safety, and protection of the aquatic environment. With the world’s population set to increase to almost 10 billion by 2050, providing future generations with safe and sustainable farmed seafood is one of the critical challenges our researchers work on.

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Exeter is part of a pivotal innovative partnership with the National Grid Electricity Transmission, that will help decarbonise the electricity system in Great Britain and help to deliver Net Zero. 

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Researchers at the Environment and Sustainability Institute have been working closely with Cornwall Council on a Green Infrastructure for Growth project and the Making Space for Nature project. The projects aim to bring more wildlife to urban public open spaces and improve them for local communities. Green infrastructure such as trees and plants bring benefits such as reduced heat in summer, reduced flooding, reduced air pollution and benefit both wildlife as well as people’s mental and physical health.

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We are working with Devon County Council and a wide range of partners on the county’s carbon plan to improve the environment, reduce emissions and engage communities in action. One of the ways we support this work is through the Devon Climate Citizens’ Assemblies and the expertise of Professor Patrick Devine Wright, who is Chair of the Devon Net-Zero Task Force.

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Supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Children’s Investment Fund alongside a wide range of national and international partners, the Economics of Energy Innovation Systems Transition (EEIST) develops cutting edge complexity-based modelling solutions to support government decision making on low-carbon innovation and technological change to facilitate a rapid low-carbon transition. By engaging with policy-makers in large emerging economies, this project will contribute to economic development and support sustainable development globally. The programme brings together world-leading expertise to better understand, and contribute to climate policy initiatives in China, Brazil, India, the UK and EU.

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We are a project delivery partner for Eden Geothermal providing academic and research services. Eden Geothermal Ltd, which is part funded by the European Development Fund, was set up by three main partners: Eden Project, EGS Energy Ltd, and Bestec (UK) Ltd to unlock the geothermal energy deep in the granite beneath Cornwall. Eden Geothermal has secured funding to drill a 4.5km deep well at the Eden Project, and heat its famous Biomes, greenhouses and offices. The University of Exeter College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences is also providing PhD studentships in Geothermal Resource Extraction through the Eden Geothermal Project.

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Exeter City Futures is a partnership project to ensure Exeter is carbon neutral by 2030. Exeter City Futures is an innovative local community interest company developing a detailed roadmap to carbon neutrality. It is a project rooted in community action and Exeter recently ranked number 1 on a list of top 5 towns/cities with the lowest carbon footprint.

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The Impact Lab is a partnership of seven world class Devon based organisations comprising the University of Exeter, Exeter City Futures, the Met Office, the University of Plymouth, Plymouth College of Art, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and Rothamsted Research. The team offers free, collaborative support from world-class scientists and technologists to develop new products, services or processes.

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The Centre for Energy and the Environment works alongside public sector organisations in the South West under a partnership known as the South West Energy and Environment Group (SWEEG). Experience, information, research and technical advice are shared between its members on energy and climate change issues. Working in partnership, SWEEG members are leading the way in the energy and climate change transformation. Other SWEEG members include: Devon County Council; Devon and Cornwall Police Authority; Exeter City Council; East Devon District Council; Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust; Teignbridge District Council.

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The University helps partners transition to ‘net zero’ such as NHS trusts, councils, local and regional businesses. We want to put the South West on the map as a region of excellence in climate positive action, environmental growth and collaborative working. The SWeCan stands ready to support all sectors in the South West. A new impact tool provides a visual representation of your community’s carbon footprint, helping you spot the areas where your community climate change activities can make the biggest difference. Learn more about how the University can help: greenfutures@exeter.ac.uk

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The University can develop solutions for businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes from start-ups and SMEs to multi-nationals. We can help you to: innovate through research and development; transform your team with employee support, recruit new talent and access to networks; and accelerate your growth through business acceleration and scale-up support services. We can also help you find additional resources to make your money go further with our funding schemes. To find out more about the University of Exeter and the way we work with businesses and partners visit the Innovation, Impact and Business team website.

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