Plymouth Net Zero Expo 2025: Conversations, Connections & Climate Ideas

This November, Plymouth played host to its first-ever Net Zero Expo, with the goal to accelerate the city’s transition to a low-carbon future through tangible, practical and local solutions. Sponsored by BCR Associates, over 150 attendees experienced a new type of net zero event for Plymouth, where connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and conversations were had about how to make net zero a reality for the city.

Many guests were surprised the breadth of the net zero ecosystem in Plymouth, with the city leading nationally in many areas of climate action. Plymouth is one of only six cities in the country to be moving first on heat network zoning. Keynote speaker Altilium’s pioneering work in recycling electric vehicle batteries is happening right here in Plymouth, making them the UK’s first in this field. Another innovator and Expo exhibitor, Project Plan B, is the first textile-to-textile polyester recycler in Europe!

In partnership with Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group and Babcock International, the Expo delivered three keynote sessions with insights from climate leaders in the region. From delivering heat networks for low-carbon communities with Amberside and Buro Happold to Plymouth Citybus’ journey to an electric fleet, attendees were able to explore the scope of the challenges faced by businesses and organisations today. With keynote speakers represented by Babcock International and The Cornwall Bakery, the keynote programme offered organisations from charities and communities to SMEs and corporations a wealth of advice and resources.

Workshops throughout the day also offered visitors the opportunity to interact with and explore the climate solutions on offer locally. Expo sponsors BCR Associates demonstrated how they help a variety of businesses reduce their energy costs and improve sustainability through real-time energy visibility, while exhibitors Skentel ENERGY presented their live demo of their remote energy monitoring kit, featuring real-time data dashboards and example devices for a hands-on experience. Exhibitors WARM attracted those interested in conscious construction, showcasing their practical strategies for lower energy buildings, from airtightness to sustainable design.

The feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with a shared sense of being part of something so significant for the city. The exhibitors’ cutting-edge technologies in action, from Thorlux Lighting’s energy saving LED lighting to Stride Treglowen’s innovative architecture and sustainable design, gave guests the opportunity to explore local solutions firsthand, while the low-carbon lunch had visitors buzzing with discussion and collaboration.

“I had some fantastic conversations over lunch and networking with other sustainability-minded colleagues. It was inspiring to hear from innovative companies like Altilium Clean Technology on EV battery recycling, see demonstrations of airtightness in buildings from Sally Godber, explore products such as low-carbon concrete, and join discussions on Scope 3 emissions led by David Starley.”
– Dave Vickerstaff, Director and Architect at Bailey Partnership

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, the conversations and connections made at this year’s Expo will no doubt help shape Plymouth’s net zero journey. If you want to add to the momentum, register your interest for exhibiting or sponsoring the 2026 Plymouth Net Zero Expo here.

And if you missed any of the sessions from the day, you can access all speaker slides here.