Business leaders from Cambridge’s innovation cluster met recently to discuss practical strategies towards achieving net zero in their supply chains.
The ‘Driving Sustainability in Science Development’ event was hosted by Cambridge Network at Howard Group’s Unity Campus.
With a keynote speech from Chris Welch of Welch’s Transport, the event focused on the practical aspects of achieving net zero carbon in a science park environment. Welch’s Net Zero initiative has partnered with Unity Campus to eliminate delivery emissions with its electric HGV and emissions-free Urban Consolidation Centre.
Referring to the new service, Chris explained, “It’s our ambition to harness the power of electrification and revolutionise transport and logistics in Cambridge.
“We understand that to have real impact, we must extend our reach far beyond our own operations. That is why we are thrilled to partner with Cambridge Network and Howard Group to enable us to explore practical solutions that support the sustainability of Cambridge’s world leading science and innovation parks.”
Unity Campus, south of Cambridge, is an 11-acre campus currently undergoing a major expansion to address the urgent market demand for additional life science R&D space in the area. Three new wet laboratory buildings are being built which will provide over 87,000 sq ft extra capacity.
Howard Group spokesperson Katherine Friend said: “At Howard Group we are taking great strides in developing a business which has as a priority the nurturing and protection of our environment, and Unity Campus is a wonderful example of how we are ensuring this aspiration translates into action and achievement.”
“We were therefore delighted to be able to host so many Cambridge Network guests for this event to share our experience of developing a sustainability strategy for the campus as well as learn how others, like the team at Welch’s Transport, are innovating to tackle the challenges we are all facing and need to address in this area.”
Including representatives from more than 15 science, technology and innovation parks in Cambridgeshire, the event was an opportunity for developers, landlords and tenants to discuss strategies to achieve net zero using the campus as a case study.
Louise Rushworth, Events Manager, Cambridge Network, said: “I’m delighted to foster the connection between Unity Campus and Welch’s Transport to deliver this topical event on sustainability.
“Cambridge Network has been the initiation for many collaborative relationships as businesses and innovations in the region have developed and much of that success has come from deliberately mixing sectors and ideas.
“Our members can achieve real change, especially when we work together so it’s an honour to have facilitated this first step and to be able to share the knowledge with our community.”