The Marine Institute has published its Climate Action Roadmap 2025, setting out a clear strategy to cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and embed sustainability across its operations.

The roadmap outlines how the organisation is aligning with national climate targets while continuing its core mission of protecting Ireland’s ocean.

The Institute reported a 44.6 per cent improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2009 and a 5.7 per cent reduction in overall carbon emissions, despite increased operational demands. In 2024, its research vessels spent 119 more days at sea than the previous year. However, fossil carbon emissions rose by just 0.7 per cent, thanks to a tenfold increase in the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a low-carbon biofuel. Around 20 per cent of the fuel used to operate the vessels was HVO, totalling 500,000 litres.

The roadmap includes plans to install two new solar PV systems at the Institute’s Oranmore headquarters, which are expected to generate up to 26 per cent of the site’s electricity needs. Other measures include upgrades to heating and ventilation systems, LED lighting and further expansion of HVO use.

“Sustainability is at the heart of how we work in the Marine Institute,” said Dr Rick Officer, CEO. “It is part of our mission of protecting Ireland’s ocean and it is embedded in our culture and daily operations.”

Facilities Manager Toni Hollowell said the roadmap reflects a wider cultural shift. “It is not about one single project. It is about embedding sustainability across everything we do. We are reducing our footprint by running our research vessels more efficiently, moving to cleaner fuels and powering our sites with solar energy. Just as importantly, it is about our people, creating a culture where staff are engaged and proud to drive change.”

The roadmap also highlights progress in sustainable lab practices, with six teams earning top-tier Green and Platinum ratings under the My Green Lab accreditation scheme. Other initiatives include reducing food waste, metering water usage, installing EV chargers, digitising workflows and eliminating single-use plastics, even in laboratory settings.