Impact: LJMU low carbon centre showcases best university practice

LJMU’s business support project Low Carbon Eco Innovatory (LCEI) is being held up as a model of best practice in Europe.

LCEI was selected from HEI project from across Europe to take part in a virtual workshop led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The workshop brought together international experts, practitioners and academics to share their knowledge and experience with stakeholders from Italy involved in industry-science policy and practice. Discussions focused on the challenges, successes and lessons learned from university projects driving sustainable transitions for business and society.

LCEI project leader at LJMU Paul Dickson and the project’s lead at University of Liverpool Matt Fulton, alongside LCEI Industry Liaison Officer Lesley Lambert, shared their insights from the project over the past six years.

A partnership between LJMU, University of Liverpool and Lancaster University, LCEI is part-funded by the ERDF and supports SMEs in the Liverpool City Region to reduce their carbon emissions and develop innovative low carbon products, processes and services.

Since 2015 LCEI has supported more than 370 SMEs, helped develop more than 157 new low carbon products and helped save around 15,000 tonnes CO₂.

Project Manager Paul Dickson said: “Universities have a vital role to play in the green transition, and LCEI has been successful in opening up the world-class research, resources and facilities at LJMU to SME businesses, helping them on their path to sustainability. We are proud of the work LCEI does and it’s fantastic to share best practice with others around the world.”