Food & Footprint
Delivering end-to-end sustainability solutions for the journey to net zero.

The route to net zero is different for every business, typically requiring action on equipment, processes, decision making, and business culture amongst other things. Even once these are addressed, there might be unavoidable emissions that you can’t manage out and that need to be offset.
Alongside these challenges, there are huge opportunities for those willing to commit to the journey, for example efficiencies, new sources of finance, new products and markets and opportunities to differentiate. The route can seem daunting, even impossible – especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who do not have significant in-house expertise and capacity.
Our integrated offering means we offer the breadth and depth of consultancy needed, whilst our history and values give us invaluable on-the-ground experience and appreciation of the unique purpose and needs of land-based and food and drink businesses.
By drawing on the cutting-edge knowledge and technology of the wider SRUC, and combining that with an appreciation of the economic and practical realities of business, we are your full-service sustainability partner for the journey ahead.

Your sustainability partner
We bring together the right consultants and researchers to give SMEs, public or third sector stakeholders an accessible and responsive, yet robust and comprehensive, blend of advice and practical services. Our services include:
- life cycle analysis, environmental impact assessment, and carbon management plans
- soil testing and drone mapping
- forest design and peatland restoration plans
- biodiversity analysis and advice
- circular economy and waste valorisation advice, including sustainable packaging
- employee engagement with net zero
- green finance and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), such as carbon credits and supply chain initiatives
- new food and drink product development
- sustainability focussed branding and marketing
“The collaboration with SAC Consulting has proved crucial for the success of this project, as we want to ensure we are both facts based, and science led in our decision making.”
Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture & Fisheries and Business Lead on Low Impact Farming, M&S Food
Through our highly regarded farm carbon calculator, Agrecalc, we can help clients quantify and improve the emissions of their food and drink supply chain from field to fork. This shows that our roots are in the land-based and food and drink sectors.
Land is now expected to deliver a very wide range of good and services, many of them environmental, and therefore our services have broadened to reflect this. We work across Scotland, the UK and internationally, with a client base that includes estates, co-operatives, processors, retailers, environmental non-governmental organisations, the public sector and investors.
Discover more about Food & Footprint

Food & Footprint case studies
Discover how we are delivering research-backed sustainability solutions for the UK's journey to net zero.

Drone & geospatial services
Our experienced drone pilots and analysts can help you elevate your business.

Peatland Code
With over 80% of UK peatlands in a degraded state, there is an urgent need to address this decline. Our expert teams can now offer land managers, owners and custodians a validation and verification service, as part of the Peatland Code.
Foot & Footprint in the news:
Food Biodiversity: Reflecting on our past to reshape our future. Lessons from the world.
The lack of food source diversity poses a risk to society, health, and nature as climate change, social and economic changes, and natural disasters impact us globally. Farmers and ecosystems are also at risk, threatening the crucial food biodiversity and security we rely on.
New hedgerow and grassland management guides for farmers
New videos and practical guides have been created for farmers to help wildlife, such as pollinating insects, thrive on farms.
Spring into action: Taking advantage of key food and drink trends in 2023
In the food and drink sector, consumers are looking for ‘joy in food’ in 2023, so how can you maximise the impact of this trend for your business?
Restoring peatlands to fight climate change
New advice is being offered to farmers to help them access funding to protect and restore peatlands.
Diversification guide outlines steps to starting a new business
SAC Consulting – part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has created a Land-based tourism toolkit outlining different types of businesses, recommended skills and relevant course providers. The toolkit, which was funded by the University Innovation Fund, is divided into six sections which can be downloaded for free from SRUC’s website.
Drones take carbon project to next level
Environmental specialists at SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), are using drone-mounted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors to estimate above-ground carbon storage in hedges and trees.
Find out more about our services

SAC Consulting
Our consultants in 25 offices across Scotland and northern England turn research into advice and advantage for business and public sector alike.


Vet & laboratory services
Our leading experts provide support to clients in areas animal disease, diagnosis and surveillance.