Carbon Footprint

Background

The agricultural sector causes 7% of the UK’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture is also the greatest contributor of Nitrous Oxide and Methane, which are respectively 296 and 21 times more powerful than CO2 at causing atmospheric warming.

With this in mind, in early 2010 Caplor decided to advertise a graduate position to analyse the farm’s carbon footprint and to make practical recommendations for carbon reduction measures. Two previous carbon footprints have been done at Caplor, but this was the first in-depth study of the farm’s emissions. Jack Rickard was recruited via Keele University’s Project Green to take on the challenge, and presented his findings to staff in May 2010.

Carbon Footprint

Jack identified the Carbon Accounting for Land Managers (CALM) tool as the most appropriate carbon calculator for Caplor.

The CALM calculation indicated that in the year 2009/2010, Caplor Farm emitted 708tCO2e and sequestered 4 tCO2e, leaving it with an overall emissions balance of 704tCO2e.

Unquantifiable carbon savings

However, the CALM calculator has limitations on the scope of emissions/sequestration included. Caplor Farm has taken a number of steps which are not yet currently quantifiable under CALM methodology, but which are widely believed to deliver carbon savings. The following measures are likely to be quantifiable in the future as carbon footprinting methodology develops:

  • Reduced tillage cultivation
  • Pasture-based feeding systems
  • Organic and waste materials used on soil
  • Jatropha scheme in The Gambia.

Recommendations

After calculating the farm’s carbon footprint, Jack analysed the suitability of a number of potential measures to further reduce the farm’s emissions.  These included:

  • Switching to a Green Energy Tariff
  • Using bio-diesel in machinery
  • Installing insulation
  • Installing smart metering
  • Installing biomass boiler
  • Implementing ‘pay as you go’ electricity
  • Installing solar hot water system
  • Replacing inorganic fertilisers with organic manure

As a result of Jack’s research, Caplor is now looking to invest in some of the above measures. Staff are particularly interested in increasing the use of organic manure, installing a solar hot water system, and conducting further research into a biomass boiler.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jack for his hard work during the placement, and to wish him the best for his MSc in Carbon Management beginning in Autumn 2010.