The James Hutton Institute is delighted to report that it has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,750 tCO₂e or 14% in 2024/25, more than doubling its annual reduction target of 6%.
Overall emissions are now 35% lower than the baseline set in 2019/20, easily surpassing its long-term target of a 25% reduction.
Sustainability coordinator Stefan Jindra said: “The Hutton offers world-leading scientific solutions for the sustainable management of land, crops and natural resources that support thriving communities, but is keenly aware that the work it does to reduce the impact on the environment and to ensure that agriculture can adapt to a changing climate, has an environmental impact itself.
“The electricity consumed in laboratories or growing facilities, the fuel needed at farms, the commuting and business travel, the procurement of goods and services and the day to day running of five sites with more than 35 buildings and over 500 employees all have an impact.
“The biggest improvements in 2024/25 came from lower procurement emissions (mainly due to better data), reduced grid electricity use and less business travel.”
The Hutton began reporting emissions in 2014/15 and set a baseline of 16,450 tCO₂e in 2019/20. Most of its emissions come from procurement (60%), followed by energy use, farms, and travel.
Recent construction projects, including new facilities at Invergowrie, Aberdeen and Glensaugh, temporarily increased emissions, but overall emissions have remained on track.
With the exception of 2022/23, the Hutton has consistently achieved and exceeded its annual target emissions reduction and has now compensated for the excess emission recorded that year. Emissions in 2024/25 are already below the target set for 2025/26.
Further details can be found here How sustainable is the Hutton?