Agriculture’s role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, capture
and the potential for mitigation are becoming increasing relevant
as the UK government responds to international (Kyoto) and
European Union (EU) measures to reduce the impact of human
activity on climate change. Agriculture differs from most
industries in the greater significance of methane and NO2
emissions in the overall footprint.
At Increment Ltd we have an excellent (we would
like to claim unsurpassed!) understanding of the implications
of the Kyoto protocols and UK Climate Change Bill on UK agriculture.
Simon Ward was a key member of the team which designed the
EEDA-funded CALM carbon calculator which enables UK farm businesses
to measure their carbon and GHG footprints. This is a starting
point for understanding how rural businesses can mitigate
their impact and Increment Ltd is well placed to provide the
additional advice and interpretation required to achieve this.
Furthermore, Increment Ltd is able to provide
businesses in the food and agriculture supply chain with customised
GHG calculators designed to audit inputs and report on compliance
with agreed GHG protocols. As well as aiding Corporate Social
Responsibility functions to report on and then mitigate their
impact on Climate Change, the custom GHG calculator has the
added benefit of leading to improved input efficiency through
rationalisation and consolidation.
Situations where customised GHG calculators could provide
valuable information
Analysis of the biofuels supply chain
Input auditing to facilitate more strategic
input purchasing
Supermarkets could measure carbon footprint
of milk and provide evidence of mitigation measures taken
Coordinated system for recording GHG emissions
by product (e.g. across a range of bread brands) as well
as by business
Farming and rural businesses are well-placed to make use
of renewable sources of energy but the economics and regulations
need to be fully understood before investing in these novel
applications. Increment Ltd has expertise in the analysis
of worldwide crop markets and the impact on them of the demand
for biofuels.
We have a sound understanding of the processes involved in
manufacturing biodiesel, bioethanol and biobutanol from crops
such as oilseeds, wheat and sugar beet. We also keep abreast
of regulations affecting the markets and use of biofuels such
as the Road Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and EU Emissions
Trading Scheme (ETS).
