A UK-first Institute of Carbonomics, right here in Derby

Climate change is closing in on us, and the pressure to convert to a more sustainable lifestyle has given rise to carbonomics; an emerging research field dedicated to helping businesses reduce their global emissions.

What is Carbonomics?

Carbonomics is a framework for viewing the global economy through the lens of carbon. It is the idea that as the world transitions to a net-zero future, the value and price of carbon will fundamentally reshape business, finance and investment. Think of it as the economics of climate change. It is about understanding how everything from government policies and new technologies to carbon taxes and carbon markets will affect industries, create new opportunities, and guide us towards a more sustainable, low-carbon world.

The Institute of Carbonomics

Derby is a future-focused University with the determination to combat urgent global threats. Our research ethos is simply to make a positive impact, and our expertise is geared towards creating a world that is stronger, safer and more sustainable for generations to come. We are already a recognised leader in coral reef restoration; an international project founded in Derby which encourages corals to reproduce in a laboratory setting. Healthy new corals are then transferred onto damaged reefs around the world to support the future of this precious ecosystem. The best part; we are only just getting started.

Opening the Institute of Carbonomics, made possible by our unique collaborations with Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE) and McDonald’s UK & Ireland, has propelled the University of Derby onto the worldwide stage where we, as a team of experts, have a platform to drive innovation in carbon economics, transform supply chain practices, and deliver measurable, real-world carbon reduction at scale. The Institute will act as a global catalyst for government and businesses of all sizes to work together as we journey towards the UK target of being net-zero by 2050.

Research undertaken at the Institute will provide industries, including ICE, with critical insights into how they can decarbonise their operations and supply chains, while integrating financial market price signals and risk tools that guide decision-making across the economy.

Both ICE and McDonald’s are frontrunners when it comes to embracing evolution within their brand and are eager to support decarbonisation among their supply chain partners to achieve a more sustainable business plan.

The Institute of Carbonomics will house a large proportion of our work pertaining to our zero carbon research theme which spans manufacturing, business and energy; transport and smart cities; and nature-based solutions. It will also cut across our Business, Economics and Social Policy theme.

Partnering for innovation

The University of Derby attracts industry leaders from across the globe who share a passion for sustainability and a desire to make a positive change. Industry engagement is high on our agenda to ensure our teaching and research is relevant and our graduates become sought-after talent.

Through our collaboration with global corporations ICE and McDonald’s, we will be introducing two new first-of-their-kind academic roles to lead vital research at the Institute of Carbonomics; the ICE Founding Chair and Professor in Carbonomics and the McDonald’s Professor in Carbonomics. As well as a leading Professor, ICE will also be funding several PhD and post-doctoral positions who will all be based in the Derby International Business School. The Professor backed by ICE will be tasked with exploring how financial markets can externalise the cost of pollution, while our Professor jointly funded by the University and McDonald’s will focus on making carbon reductions to supply chains.

Making a global impact

We can all visualise the effects of climate change and imagine the devastating consequences of not taking action. Tackling climate change is as a simple as reducing carbon usage, meaning our pioneering work in the emerging academic field of carbonomics is huge.

Our researchers in the Institute of Carbonomics, based in the Cavendish Building, have the potential to change the course of history by finding leaner, greener business models that facilitate growth. The aim of the Institute is to identify carbon-economic issues with global supply chains to then be able to create and deliver more sustainable solutions that will make a lasting impact.

While accelerating innovation, we are slowing the worldwide climate crisis; all from the city of Derby.

What is Carbonomics?

Our Professor Chris Sansom and Gordon Bennett of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) explain what our UK-first Institute of Carbonomics is set to explore, and have an impact on.