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Less Greenhouse Gases by 2030
Reduction in Pesticides by 2030
Less Fertiliser Use by 2030
Researchers
Building a Climate-Neutral Future
Balancing Productivity with Sustainability
The Climate Neutral Operational Systems pillar focuses on making farming, forestry, and fisheries more sustainable. Each challenge explores practical ways to cut emissions, use resources efficiently, and protect the environment.
Animal Agriculture
Marine
Foresty
Cropping Systems
Active Projects from
Across This Area of Research
A research project to establish the world’s first commercial carbon neutral dairy farm.
To utilise novel strategies in relation to animal breeding, alternative forage use and supplementation of novel feed additives to improve the environmental sustainability of Irish…
Development and assessment of products produced through green biorefinery. To investigate the characterisation, processing, and scalability of different green biomass feedstocks within a green biorefinery…
To improve the persistence and resilience of the forage herb component of multispecies swards (MSS), and to determine the agronomic performance of additional novel species…
The aim of this project is to investigate if there is any impact from sward types on water usage and water quality in pasture based…
To investigate the potential of organic acid preservation of feed ingredients for pigs
To map & develop qualitative and quantitative models of marine biomass availability
To achieve zero-waste approach for developed value chains. To design a microalgae-based cascading biorefinery process that converts aquaculture wastewater into omega-3 lipids and alternative proteins…
This research aims to validate and optimize the green extraction of β-glucan and other marine bioactives from Irish seaweed, focusing on their health benefits and…
MARine bioMass valorizAtion for fooD and fEed innovation
Optimizing the Algal Biomass Value Chains for Sustainable Economic Growth in the Atlantic Area
Personalised emulsions with encapsulated fish oil for targeted and controlled delivery of omega-3 fatty acids and removal of off-flavour
Developing new cutting-edge synthetic routes that can tailor the molecular structure of lignin to produce carbon-based nanostructures. Julieta: To develop and characterize lignin-based nano-structured carbon…
To develop value-added novel lignocellulosic thermoplastic from forestry resources.
Bio-based composites for improving the wind energy sector’s sustainability
SCALED-UP PRODUCTION OF NEXT-GENERATION CARBOHYDRATE-DERIVED BUILDING BLOCKS TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF A SUSTAINABLE EUROPEAN CHEMICALS INDUSTRY
To investigate the potential of growing alternative sources of plant protein on the Island of Ireland that can service the bioeconomy as climate neutral feedstuffs…
Adapting Oats to Final Frontier
Why This Research Matters
Cutting Emissions, Protecting Ecosystems
Farms, forests, and fisheries can fight climate change. Our research finds practical ways to cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and grow the economy.
Reduce Emissions
Transform farms, forests, and fisheries to cut greenhouse gases and reach climate targets.
Boost Resource Efficiency
Use land, water, and inputs like fertiliser and feed more sustainably.
Innovate for Sustainability
Develop practical, real-world methods for carbon-neutral food and material production.
Protect Ecosystems
Ensure operational systems support biodiversity, soil health, and clean water.
Aligned with Key EU and National Targets
Supporting Climate and Environmental Commitments
Our research aligns with EU and Irish national targets, which set measurable goals for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and marine systems. These targets ensure our work supports wider climate and environmental commitments in Ireland and Europe.
European Green Deal
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Greenhouse Gases – 55% reduction by 2030
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Net Zero by 2050 through reductions in emissions and C-sequestration
Farm to Fork strategy
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Fertiliser – 20% reduction by 2030
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Pesticides – 50% reduction by 2030