Crichton Carbon Centre

The Crichton Carbon Centre is a not for profit, charitable organisation based in Dumfries, Southwest Scotland. Founded in 2007, CCC was conceived as an organisation for the 21st century both in structure and purpose. The Crichton Carbon Centre conducts academic research and teaching in carbon management. Its strong scholarship base keeps it at the forefront of current knowledge and this means the assistance which CCC provides is built on the most up to date information and understanding.

In partnership with Glasgow University, CCC offers the UK’s first MSc in Carbon Management. The MSc gives our students the opportunity to become specialists in sustainable carbon management. It prepares them to join the front line, helping organisations and institutions make a significant difference in the struggle against global warming.

Building on its academic excellence CCC has developed a wealth of hands-on experience. Our expert team is working to tackle the challenge of climate change by encouraging and supporting behavioural changes at individual, business and community levels. 

Our Trustees 

Local resident Dr Mary-Ann Smyth began driving forward ideas for the Carbon Centre in early 2007, in response to the growing global agenda on climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gases. As a Director of RSK Group, one of the UK’s top environmental consulting firms, she was in the key position to combine business insight with academic rigour, and was keen to address the need for local experts in energy efficiency.

Other key players in the establishment of the Centre were dotcom entrepreneurs Gillian and Vimal Khosla, whose considerable business expertise aided in both the shaping of the Centre, and the designing of its role as a social enterprise combining research & development with training, teaching and outreach.

With support from several inspirational advisors, including local rural development advocate, Dame Barbara Kelly of the Crichton Foundation, founders Dr Mary-Ann Smyth and Gillian and Vimal Khosla secured long-term funding and academic support for the Carbon Centre in late 2007. Since then Crichton Carbon Centre has gone from strength to strength.

The appointment of Professor Roger Crofts, CBE, FRSE as Strategic Director has also added knowledge and experience. This makes CCC more effective in the response required of Scotland to the threats and opportunities created by climate change.

“We live in Dumfries and Galloway and have been inspired by the community drive towards low-carbon lifestyles. We are very excited about the opportunity to support the Crichton Carbon Centre and share our business experience with the climate change experts and visitors to the Centre.”  Gillian and Vimal Khosla