Exeter’s Net Zero Heroes

The aim of the Cycle Whatever the Weather Challenge is to encourage new, existing, and non-cyclists of all ages to cycle more, even when the weather turns grey. "I’m trying to raise awareness and create a new mindset; don’t drive when it rains or looks like it might; get on your bike as a positive choice for your health and the planet"

Kalkidan is owner of Sanchos, an award-winning sustainable fashion brand. During the initial hit of the pandemic Kalkidan experienced a 100% drop in business. She adapted through a digital-focused approach that served locals, opened the door to national customers, and led to a 50% increase in profits. Kalkidan is an inspirational Exeter voice, ensuring that diversity and inclusion is always at the heart of every city conversation.

Year 8 pupil At Exeter School, Jack, is one of six young people selected out of 1000s of national students to share their views on climate change for Good Energy, the UK’s first renewable electricity supplier. Jack said: “I applied for the Good Energy’s Good Future Board because I thought it could be an amazing opportunity to get involved with people doing some good for the world…"

After the pandemic meant cancelling the original plan of organising lead rides for Yr 6 pupils before arriving at St Peter’s CofE, Ali took on the task of cycling all the routes herself and tracking them via GPS. The digital maps, which highlight pinch points for students to be aware of, were embedded in videos that include advice from Ali on safe cycling and how to store bikes once students arrive at school, and were then circulated with the incoming students.

Philippa Roberts is co-founder of Binit, and is proud to have been established in Exeter with support from ECF’s accelerator. She has helped enhance commercial waste collections across the city and is helping to reduce heavy vehicles and litter on the streets. Philippa has gone on to win large contracts with organisations such as the University of Exeter, who declared a climate emergency in 2019.

Dan is the owner of Grocer on the Green, providing a vital grocery service to St. Leonards and the wider Exeter community. During initial hit of COVID-19, Dan made the difficult decision to close his shop to safeguard his family and customers. With the help of his loyal customers, Dan was able to adapt his business through the donated use of a community hall at St. Leonard’s Church, with all orders now made via phonecall or email.

Ride On are a cycling charity based on Exeter Quay, with a vision for a cleaner, healthier and more active Exeter. Ride On train volunteers to refurbish donated bikes which they sell at affordable prices, as well as running maintenance training courses and self-service bike maintenance sessions in their workshop.

Volunteers of the Exeter Cycling Campaign work tirelessly to challenge poor planning designs from developers. These volunteers engage with the planning processes of local authorities by reviewing planning applications every week, point out where local and national planning policies are being breached and propose how designs can be improved to better enable active transport.

Since 2005, Mark has championed shared mobility as a way for people to have access to cars whilst significantly reducing their environmental impact. Over the years Co Cars, the company Mark founded, has expanded to include not only cars but also electric bikes and cargo bikes. The last 18 months has seen their popularity and impact soar as more and more people embrace a shared, zero carbon future.

Emma Osmundsen is the project lead of Exeter City Living a local sustainable housing developer created to address fuel poverty. "We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the city’s net zero 2030 goals. Our homes are built to be more energy efficient and are more climate resilient. We hope that other developers will follow suit in the building of sustainable homes which will reduce the carbon footprint in Exeter."