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Powering innovation with purpose: our Net Zero commitment

April 22, 2025
Powering innovation with purpose: our Net Zero commitment

Oxford Innovation Space has long been at the forefront of supporting innovative businesses, helping them grow and make an impact. As the UK’s largest network of innovation centres, we recognise our responsibility to lead the way in sustainability—not only through the businesses we support but in how we operate.

That’s why we are proud to publish our Net Zero Report, outlining our commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and the practical steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact.

What Net Zero means for Oxford Innovation Space

Reaching Net Zero means reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% from our baseline year, ensuring we minimise our carbon footprint across all operations. To achieve this, we have set clear, measurable targets, including:

  • a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030
  • procuring 100% renewable electricity by 2027
  • reducing Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2040
  • achieving Net Zero across all emissions by 2050

These targets align with science-based pathways for limiting global warming and reflect our ambition to drive meaningful change.

Our approach to sustainability

Oxford Innovation Space is uniquely positioned to lead in this area. With nearly 1,000 businesses across our network, many of whom are working on green technology, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives, we are embedding sustainability into our day-to-day operations, supply chains, and partnerships.

Our strategy focuses on:

  • optimising our centres – reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and embedding sustainable practices
  • supporting innovative businesses – providing space and resources for climate-focused start-ups developing breakthrough solutions
  • engaging with partners and suppliers – collaborating on reducing indirect emissions and championing sustainability across the value chain

Tracking our progress

Transparency is key to accountability. That’s why we will publish annual updates on our progress, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

Our goal is not just to reduce our own emissions but to inspire and empower the businesses we support to adopt more sustainable practices—helping to create a stronger, greener economy for the future.

Read the full Net Zero Report and explore our ESG commitments here.