What we do

For businesses and governments to thrive in this era of rapid environmental change, access to decision-critical information and sector expertise is vital. Through the integration of environmental research, data science, AI and cutting-edge technologies, we provide organisations with the capabilities to innovate and adapt. We have established the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence which uniquely provides highly localised data and tools to help organisations thrive in the decades ahead.

The University of Exeter team leads the UKRI National Circular Economy Research Hub, bringing together academics, industry practitioners, policy makers and civic society to deliver Circular Economy research and innovation. Our academic teams are leading essential work to improve data traceability and transparency across supply chains in the circular economy, and we are the first University to partner with the pioneering Ellen MacArthur Foundation on circular economy practices.

Smart, nature-based solutions enhance your organisation’s reputation and make a positive impact on the environment. At the University of Exeter, we are home to some of the world’s leading expert teams for natural systems and biodiversity renewal, including the Environment and Sustainability Institute and the European Centre for Environment and Human Health. Partner with us to access cutting-edge solutions – from natural-capital assessments to biodiversity footprints – that deliver multiple benefits for your organisation and the natural world.

In a world striving to reduce carbon emissions, our experts can give you the confidence to accurately measure your carbon footprint and the tools to reduce your emissions effectively. We can equip you with the knowledge and insight to accurately measure your emissions, all the way from Scope 1 to Scope 3, and identify the most efficient and high-impact actions for your organisation to take.

Our team that includes 5 of the world’s top 21 most influential climate scientists works with global partners to inform investments, policies and business operations. The projects we undertake cover a wide critical range of areas, from energy transition to food security. Currently, our thought leaders are working with global partners to identify the positive tipping points that will be most effective in delivering a net zero economy.

In a fast-changing sustainability landscape, it can be difficult to identify your next step forward. Our specialists can support you with comprehensive sustainability audits that are tailored to your needs – whether that involves mapping your biodiversity impacts and Scope 3 emissions or identifying skills gaps and opportunities for green growth. These diagnostics can be critical in helping you achieve your long-term sustainability goals to future proof your business and develop industry-leading practices.

In today’s environmentally conscious market, understanding the lifecycle impact of your products and services is crucial. Our LCA specialists use cutting-edge methods and comprehensive datasets to evaluate environmental impacts – from supply chain to production to disposal – enabling businesses to make informed, sustainable choices. We can help your organisation identify the most effective changes to make, enhance sustainability and efficiency, comply with evolving regulations, and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability targets.

Finance has a vital role to play within the green transition and, as businesses face growing pressure to align with environmental goals, our cutting-edge research and advisory services in sustainable finance help organisations integrate ESG criteria, access green funding, and develop resilient financial strategies. The University of Exeter Business School is home to several world-leading experts in sustainable finance, who are working with partners such as USS and Capgemini Invent to promote financial and investment practices that are sustainable, responsible, and future-proof.

Critical minerals are essential to a sustainable future, especially as global demand for renewable energy grows. However, the production of many of these metals is currently monopolised by a small number of countries, meaning that supply chains could easily be disrupted. The world-renowned Camborne School of Mines based at The University of Exeter has the global expertise and partnerships to help the industry to accelerate production, enhance responsible standards in the provision of raw materials, and develop skills for a renewable energy future.