Cambridge cluster on road to Net Zero

Hosted by Cambridge Network, held at Howard Group’s Unity Campus, with a keynote from Chris Welch of Welch’s Transport, the event bought together the scientific, research and technology business communities to focus on the practical aspects of achieving net zero carbon in a science park environment.

“Welch’s Transport has made a commitment to advancing sustainability and supporting multiple businesses and organisations in their pursuit of net-zero goals. Through our new Net Zero service, it is 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. I’m excited for the outcomes of the collaboration with these influential organisations and to see how we can unlock new avenues for progress together.” said keynote speaker, Chris Welch, Commercial and Operations Director of Welch’s Transport.

Unity Campus is an exciting new urban innovation district in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Located 8 miles south of Cambridge, the 11-acre Campus is undergoing a major expansion. Directly addressing the urgent market demand for additional life science R&D space in the Cambridge area, three new wet laboratory buildings are currently under construction and will provide a total of over 87,000 sq. ft to the market. Katherine Friend, Director of Investment and Asset Management, Howard Group, 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 on Campus 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.”

With 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 Unity Campus as a case study in sustainable science park environments. Welch’s Net Zero has partnered with the campus to eliminate delivery emissions with its fully electric HGV and emissions-free Urban Consolidation Centre. The partnership is the first step to creating a greener Cambridgeshire, with Welch’s 19-tonne vehicle able to deliver zero-emissions general haulage, palleted, parcels and hazardous goods.

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.”