Carbon Footprinting
Policy Position
- FDF has been proactive in the development of the carbon footprinting debate. In
particular, we have worked closely with BSI, Carbon Trust and others on a
methodology for measuring the carbon footprints of food and non-food products
as a
member of the Publicly Available Standard (PAS 2050) Steering Group.
- FDF’s overarching aim has been to ensure that a single methodology for industry
as a whole is developed for this complex issue, which is practicable, based
upon
sound science and easily understood by consumers.
- Using it to drive carbon out of the food and drink supply chain wherever
possible will be the priority.
- The PAS 2050 was published in October 2008, and reflects input and support from
FDF as a member of the Steering Group.
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Background
On 16 March 2007 the Carbon Trust announced a pilot for a carbon footprinting
methodology and a carbon label. The draft methodology - estimating the total
mass emission of greenhouse gases in carbon equivalents from a product across
its
whole life cycle, from farm to fork - entailed 5 steps:
- Analysing internal product data;
- Building a supply chain process map;
- Defining the boundary conditions and identifying data requirements;
- Collecting primary and secondary data; and
- Calculating emissions by supply chain process steps.
FDF members aim to reduce their CO2 emissions under the Five-fold Environmental Ambition by 35% by 2020 compared to 1990 as measured under FDF’s voluntary
Climate Change Agreement with the Department for Energy and Climate Change
(DECC).
To support members efforts, FDF has worked with environmental consultants
SKM-Enviros to develop a Carbon Management Best Practice Guide (pdf, 228kb). It provides tips for improving the efficiency of energy using equipment such
as boilers, ovens and refrigeration plants.
FDF has also worked closely with the Carbon Trust on a service for FDF members
which allows companies to review and reduce energy use in food and drink
refrigeration. Such technical surveys have the capability, on average, to
identify
refrigeration related energy savings and emissions reductions of up to 25%.
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More Information
Last reviewed: 11 Dec 2012