Low Carbon Economy
Cornwall and Low Carbon
Cornwall is already at the forefront of low carbon development. Designated as the first UK low carbon economic area, Cornwall’s natural and rich asset base supports a broad base of environmental technology development.
The CUC partners' expertise in these areas is formidable. The breadth of the partnership means that we can present a comprehensive offer to business with dedicated business facing contacts. We have world class and internationally renowned research strengths, R&D facilities, specialist equipment and high quality teaching facilities.
Research teams from the University of Exeter and Plymouth University are working at the leading edge of marine, solar and geothermal renewable energy technologies and their social and policy implications, conservation and ecology. The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) has expertise in clean technology, the natural environment and socio-environmental impacts. The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has leading European research expertise in the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health (ECEHH). The Peninsula Partnership for the Rural Environment (PPRE) is exploring developments in bio fuels, aerobic digestion and biomass; all share this expertise with industry through collaborative research, regular seminars and workshops.
Many of Cornwall's leading businesses in these fields are staffed with graduates from CUC partners and supported by services from the University of Exeter’s Business Mentors in Environmental Technology. Cornwall College has responded to the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) by developing new courses in Carbon Management and Planning for Energy for business.
We have a ready source of high level and vocational skilled labour, at the forefront of emerging technologies, with the relevant support skills and trades. Indeed we had the first FdSc and BSc in Renewable Energy in the UK. All the components are in place to respond to emerging skills training provision.
Unlocking Cornish Potential, the CUC graduate placement scheme has proven experience in supporting microgeneration SMEs in undertaking business development projects. Cornwall has a significant cluster of highly specialised SMEs, complemented by a number of pioneering projects eg the Eden Project, Hot Dry Rocks and the Eco Town project, underpinned by sustainable construction research expertise.
Low Carbon Contacts and Resources
PRIMARE
PRIMaRE Peninsula Institute for Marine Renewable Energy is a joint project between the Plymouth University and University of Exeter. Its research areas include: resource characterisation, marine renewable energy systems, environmental and biodiversity impacts, safe operations and navigational risk, underwater and surface electrical systems and socio-economic factors.
University of Exeter's Environment and Sustainability Institute
Environment and Sustainability Institute Based at the University of Exeter on the Tremough Campus, the ESI helps businesses respond innovatively to the challenges and opportunities associated with environmental change
European Centre for the Environment and Human Health
European Centre for the Environment and Human Health in Truro is part of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. Its research areas include: how climate change will affect human health positively and negatively and the impact of pollutants, using the natural environment to promote health and wellbeing, particularly in businesses and health impacts on coastal communities.
Peninsula Partnership for the Rural Environment
Peninsula Partnership for the Rural Environment (PPRE) specialises in knowledge, research and action appropriate to the rural environment, including renewable energy.
Camborne School of Mines
Camborne School of Mines, run by the University of Exeter offers Research and Development and consultancy for business.
Cornwall College
Cornwall College can provide access to skilled technicians and expertise, courses for business in Carbon Management and Planning for Energy. Cornwall College Business Research Centre has expertise to share in Carbon trading and capital raising.
Unlocking Cornish Potential
Unlocking Cornish Potential – can provide access to graduates to develop your business.
Duchy College Air Testing
Duchy College can help with indoor and outdoor air quality testing.
Clear About Carbon
Clear about Carbon focuses on increasing carbon literacy in the workplace.
Environmental Skills Network
Environmental Skills Network facilitates the growth and sustainability of businesses within, and diversifying into, the environmental sector through skills development and business support.
Invest in Cornwall - Relocation and Start Up
Invest in Cornwall encourages and enables business relocation and start up in Cornwall.