ADAS develops carbon footprinting tool and carbon reduction plans for upland farm businesses

Introduction

The Peak District National Park is an environmentally sensitive location of high conservation value. An Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) was established in 2003 as an award scheme for businesses located within the Park that deliver environmental and conservation benefits both to the businesses and to the Park.

Challenge

The Peak District National Park Authority, as part of the Live & Work Rural Programme, commissioned ADAS to conduct a pilot project on carbon footprinting and water efficiency audits. The purpose was to inform a revision of the current EQM Farming Award Standards to include farm carbon and water management. The project involved conducting whole-farm carbon footprinting and water auditing work with ten EQM award holders in and around the park.

Method

ADAS developed a tool that included the conventional carbon footprinting parameters but also estimated carbon sequestration and storage. An important output was the assessment of carbon emissions and sequestration and an estimation of long term stored carbon in soil and vegetation. ADAS consultants collected data from farmers via face-toface interviews. As part of this process additional information on opportunities like the potential for on farm renewable energy generation was also collected.

Results

Each farm received an individual report tailored to their business. The detailed plans enable effective carbon management and the identification of resource efficiency improvements which will lead to cost savings. The project’s findings are being shared with other industry organisations. It is hoped that this carbon and water tool will help more upland farms become more resource efficient.

John Lomas, PDNPA Director of strategy and development said: "The carbon footprinting tool has produced some fascinating results and demonstrates the important role of upland land managers, not only in carbon reduction but also in protecting huge amounts of stored carbon in peat moorland and permanent grassland. This tool adds to the national debate about the public benefits delivered by upland farming."

This project was nominated for the 2010 Edie awards for environmental excellence in the category of carbon reduction.

cONTACT US

For more information on any of the above or to contact one of our carbon team Email: carbon@adas.co.uk or Tel: 0845 766 0085.