With a vision to use sustainable materials and innovations within the yacht building industry to make the future greener and carbon neutral. The Duke Voyager’s Shipyard, a sustainable start-up working in collaboration with the University of Kent to transform the yacht building industry was nominated in the Net Zero 50 List.
The University of Kent became involved in the project earlier this year after Tony Duke attended a net zero workshop organised by the University and funded by the Government’s Community Renewal Fund as part of a wider programme in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
The reception was hosted by Lord Jim Knight who welcomed nominees to the House of Lords and outlined the challenges faced in reaching our climate goals.
Dr Mattie Yeta, freshly returned from COP27 provided insight into current global efforts and the potential for sustainable growth across sectors.
Prof Adam Beaumont (Eden Project) presented the People’s Choice Award to the UK Schools Sustainability Network, winner of the online vote from the Net Zero 50 list with over 5000 votes.
Dr Robert Barker, a Lecturer in Chemistry and Forensic Science at the University, is working with the Shipyard to explore sustainable alternatives to traditional yacht components and systems and manufacturing processes. This will include identifying suitable manufacturing sites and partners to ensure the yacht lifecycle -from production and operation to disposal- amounts to net zero carbon emissions.
Tony Duke said, “Working with Rob and his PhD student Alix Blissett has really pushed forward our green vision. The specialist knowledge and expertise available through the University’s Innovation programme will keep us on track to start the yacht build in 2023.”
The Net Zero Deep Dive Training Programme consisted of a series of workshops led by experts within the University of Kent, designed to change hearts and minds on what does ‘net-zero’ mean and what are the challenges – from technological, to moral, to achieving it. Qualifying businesses who attended the workshops were able to apply for up to £5,000 to continue to work with Kent academics to meet their net zero goals.
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