research

Climate Neutral Operational Systems

Harnessing the resources of our natural environment to create new products and sustainable system.
40
less greenhouse gases by 2030
30
reduction in pesticides by 2030
8
less fertiliser use by 2030
4
Key Challenges
45
Researchers
Our Mission

Building a Climate-Neutral Future

At BiOrbic, we’re rethinking how farms, forests, and fisheries operate, making them low-emission, increasing efficiency and resilience. This pillar focuses on reducing greenhouse gases and chemical use, improving how natural resources are managed.

By developing climate-neutral systems, we aim to balance productivity with sustainability, helping Ireland meet and exceed EU targets for a cleaner, greener future.

Research Programmes

What Research is BiOrbic Doing?

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 Forestry Cropping Systems
Climate Neutral operational systems 

Animal Agriculture

This challenge explores how livestock farming can reach net zero emissions while restoring nature on farms. Researchers are developing new ways to manage grasslands, animals, and nutrients to reduce emissions and improve biodiversity without sacrificing productivity.

key research areas

Reduce methane and nitrogen loss from animal systems.

Support biodiversity, soil, and water quality.

Create viable, sustainable farming models for the future.

active Projects 
Producing and testing sustainable feedstocks in green biorefinery systems
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 process, in order to identify suitable feedstocks, optimise production pathways, and assess their potential applications and sustainability for commercial implementation.PI: James Gaffey, Dr. Joanna Tierney, Staff: Megan O’Brien (PhD)
Future-proofing the sustainability of pasture-based dairy-beef production systems
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 pasture based dairy-calf to beef considering biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions and water quality to deliver environmentally and economically beneficial future dairy-beef production systems. Ciaran 2024: To compare the performance of […]
Farm Zero C
PI: Prof. Kevin O’Connor, Prof. Tommy Boland, Dr. William Burchill, Prof. Maeve Henchion Management: Reduce farm emissions on Shinagh estates dairy farm by 50-65% Staff: Padraig Walsh, Enda Buckley Enteric Methane Mitigation: Trial combination of methane reducing feed additives at grazing and during housing. Staff: Alan Kelly, Stafford Vigours, Karina Pierce, Zoe McKay, Aaron Casey […]
Farm Zero C
Management - Reduce farm emissions on Shinagh estates dairy farm by 50-65% / Enteric Methane Mitigation - Trial combination of methane reducing feed additives at grazing and during housing. / Soil Health - Investigate soil health improvements, bio-stimulants and slurry separation for potential on Irish farms. / Social Science
Development of novel multispecies sward mixtures to enhance sustainability and resilience of livestock production systems
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 within these swardsPI: Dr. Helen Sheridan, Staff: Dr. Zoe McKay, Prof. Tommy Boland, Dr. Joanna Tierney, Soliu Mustapha (PhD)
Adesco: More efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly storage of cereal grains in temperate climates
To investigate the potential of organic acid preservation of feed ingredients for pigsPI: Prof. John O’Doherty, Staff: Shane Maher (PhD)
ABP: Pathways to sustainable pasture based beef production
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 beef production systems in Ireland. This project aims to gain more insight and to explore a possible difference in the overall environmental impact, from the incorporation of more diverse swards […]
Climate Neutral operational systems

Marine

This challenge explores how seaweed and other marine bioresources can power a sustainable blue economy. By improving aquaculture methods, developing low-impact processing technologies, and protecting coastal ecosystems, BiOrbic researchers aim to create a climate-resilient, circular marine industry. The work supports new value chains for food, health, and energy products while advancing ocean conservation and sustainable community development.

key research areas

Build sustainable, low-impact seaweed farming systems.

Develop clean, zero-waste processing for marine products.

Protect habitats and strengthen climate adaptation.

active Projects
Nutramara: Validation of Green Extraction and Bioactivity of Marine β-Glucans and assessment of seaweed bioactives for Human Health Applications
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 potential applications in skincare and functional nutrition. With the increasing demand for sustainable, bioactive-rich ingredients, this study seeks to enhance Nutramara’s green chemistry-based extraction process while evaluating the functional properties […]
Mapping & Modelling of Macroalgal Biomass availability; Unlocking the potential of coastal ecosystems for the sustainable development of marine bioresources, habitat protection and climate change mitigation.
To map & develop qualitative and quantitative models of marine biomass availabilityPI: Dr. Nessa O’Connor, Staff: Dr. Abby Gilson (PD)
Aquaculture food waste prevention and complete utilisation using a cascading approach
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 for use as a fishmeal substitute in aquaculture.PI: Dr. Ronald Halim, Staff: Fateme Saaditanavaz (PhD), Prof. Brijesh Tiwari
Climate Neutral operational systems

Forestry

This challenge aims to unlock that potential by advancing sustainable forest management and biobased innovation. Researchers are building integrated solutions to assess sustainability, transform wood waste into valuable materials, and model pathways toward net-zero emissions. The work supports Ireland and Europe’s climate goals through circular, data-driven, and socially balanced forestry practices.

key research areas

Turn wood waste into low-carbon materials.

Model carbon-neutral forestry systems.

Boost afforestation through policy and innovation.

active Projects
Lignocellulosic thermoplastic production from forestry resources
To develop value-added novel lignocellulosic thermoplastic from forestry resources.PI: Dr. Yuanyuan Chen, Staff: Saiqa Yaqoob (PhD)
Development and Characterisation of sustainable lignin-based nanocomposites
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 materials for application in supercapacitor electrodes, focusing on the effect of hybridization with silica and varying synthesis parameters to optimize porosity and electrochemical performancePI: Dr. Maurice Collins, Staff: Julieta Nicole […]
Climate Neutral operational systems

Cropping Systems

This challenge aims to future-proof Ireland’s food and feed supply by developing climate-neutral, resilient, and diverse cropping systems. Through innovations in crop science, soil health, digital decision tools, and circular bioeconomy practices, this initiative will help Ireland meet EU Green Deal targets while unlocking new agri-food opportunities.

key research areas

Broaden Ireland’s crops to boost food security and cut imports.

Apply natural biostimulants to replace chemicals and enrich soil.

Transform residues and grass into renewable energy and bio-products.

active Projects
Diversification of Irish Plant Protein sources to underpin the high value opportunities linked with indigenous, sustainably sourced protein feedstock
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 for bioprocessing and food.PI: Ewen Mullins, Atikur Rahman, Cathal McCabe, Edna Curley, Ian O’Connor,, Staff: Talita Sabino (Technician), Ivy Marahas (Research Assistant)
impact

Why This Research Matters

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.

Strategic Alignment

Aligned with Key EU and National Targets

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
  • Greenhouse Gases – 55% reduction by 2030
  • Net Zero by 2050 through reductions in emissions and C-sequestration
Farm to Fork strategy
  • Fertiliser – 20% reduction by 2030
  • Pesticides – 50% reduction by 2030