A groundbreaking Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) led research project which helps farmers, land managers and foresters choose the most cost effective ways of reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, has won a prestigious Green Gown Award. The team, led by Dr Dominic Moran, produced a robust method by which those involved in land management can decide which of the technically feasible ways of reducing their GHG emissions will be most effective and economically efficient.

They produced “Marginal Abatement Cost Curves”  for the agricultural sector which were used by the Committee on Climate Change in the report “Building a low-carbon economy”, published December 2008. SAC have subsequently developed new cost curves which are published in the Committee’s new report: Meeting carbon budgets – ensuring a low-carbon recovery.

Commenting on the award, SAC Principal and Chief Executive Professor Bill McKelvey said:

“I am delighted with this award and especially pleased for the team. This proves the value of the cross disciplinary cooperation both within SAC and our research partners. It is an approach SAC believes in and is a key strength. Already this work has led to 6 more projects, funded by the UK Committee on Climate Change, DEFRA and Scottish Government. It allows them to develop policy based on existing evidence”.  

The SAC won the prize for the Agricultural MACC (see below), which was published in the CCC's first report: