Assessments

Energy and Carbon Advisory Assessment

The E-CO₂ Energy and Carbon Advisory Assessment collects key information on the following areas of production:

• Carbon footprint data
• Energy utilisation
• Water utilisation
• Nitrate Vulnerable Zones
• Rainwater harvesting

This information is processed by our bespoke software so that we can highlight areas for improvement i.e. where more can be done to save energy or increase efficiency, which in turn provides tangible financial savings. Uniquely, reports are printed whilst the consultant is still present on farm, enabling recommendations and advice on best practice to be administered immediately.

This is a comprehensive assessment solution which is appropriate right across the industry.  It is independent and highlights potential value that can be released.
 
We meet the requirements of PAS 2050, the carbon footprinting standard. PAS 2050 provides a method for assessing the GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions arising from products across their life cycle, from initial sourcing of raw materials through manufacture, transport, use and ultimately recycling or waste.
 
In the UK we are responsible for all project delivery and administration. 

In Europe and the rest of the World we are licencing this project and offering fully comprehensive training, development and support for the licence holders.

Why do this?

There is increasing pressure for all aspects of the food supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint, particularly livestock production.  

Government policy is driven by the Kyoto Protocol – the goal of which is to see participating countries collectively reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases below the emission levels of 1990 by 2012.

In April 2009 binding limits on carbon dioxide emisions were set for the UK in the first move of its kind for any country.  Three five-year periods have been defined.  The first covers 2008-2012 and mandates a target 22% reduction in emissions by the end of 2012 compared to that of 1990.  Between 2013 and 2017 emissions should be further reduced to 28% below that of 1990 and the third period of 2018 – 2022 should see carbon dioxide emissions cut to at least 34% below 1990 levels.

In response to this increasing pressure to reduce emissions Defra is developing ten pilot Roadmaps of which the Milk Roadmap was the first to be published.

A Roadmap identifies the environmental impacts of a specific product throughout
the supply chain and then sets short, medium and long term targets for reducing
that product’s environmental footprint.

The Milk Roadmap sets out measures to further reduce the environmental impact of producing, processing and consuming liquid milk. Although businesses in the liquid milk supply chain have already taken significant steps to reduce their environmental footprint, further industry-wide cooperation and agreed commitments will enable that process to accelerate.

This illustrates how in just one area of the agricultural industry the government is calling for more emphasis on the environmental aspects of production throughout the supply chain.  Although voluntary at present we are encouraging our clients to lead environmental issues rather than be driven towards targets.  This is a positive marketing opportunity for clients and allows them to be seen as environmentally responsible.

The E-CO₂ Project is helping the Worldwide initiative to reduce greenhouse gases by enabling carbon footprinting to become more accessible to all aspects of the food supply chain.