ESG
Agriculture is one of the sectors that has the greatest impact on the environment. It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from this industry. However, the environmental impact of agriculture goes beyond carbon dioxide emissions: it also includes the intensive use of water for irrigation and the dispersion of pollutants from the use of fertilizers and pesticides, among other factors.
To reduce the ecological footprint of the agricultural sector, it is essential to identify the most damaging stages and practices. An effective way to achieve this is by assessing and analyzing each farm and promoting sustainability-oriented practices.
Key indicators to assess environmental impact include:
- Carbon footprint.
GHG emitted directly and indirectly during agricultural production.
- Water consumption.
Total volume of water used in agricultural production, discounting water returned to the natural environment.
The main objective of these calculators is to help farmers understand and reduce the environmental impact of their operations, promoting more sustainable farming practices and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Main features of the Calculator:
- Agricultural Data Collection.
The user provides information on activities that have an impact on carbon emissions.
- Conversion to CO2e Emissions.
It uses specific emission factors to convert agricultural activities into greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). This includes not only CO2, but also other gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which have a higher global warming potential.
- Analysis and Results.
It provides a detailed breakdown of emissions by source (e.g. fertilizer, machinery, enteric fermentation, manure management, etc.) and gives an overview of the total carbon footprint of the farm.
- Emission Reduction Recommendations.
It suggests more sustainable farming practices and management techniques that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These recommendations may include the use of controlled-release fertilizers, implementation of conservation farming techniques, improved water use efficiency, and proper manure management.
- Monitoring and Follow-up.
They allow farmers to track their emissions over time, assessing the impact of implemented mitigation measures and adjusting agricultural practices as necessary.
The main objective of these calculators is to help farmers understand and reduce the environmental impact of their operations, promoting more sustainable farming practices and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Main features of the Calculator:
- Agricultural Data Collection.
The user provides information on activities that have an impact on carbon emissions.
- Conversion to CO2e Emissions.
It uses specific emission factors to convert agricultural activities into greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). This includes not only CO2, but also other gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which have a higher global warming potential.
- Analysis and Results.
It provides a detailed breakdown of emissions by source (e.g. fertilizer, machinery, enteric fermentation, manure management, etc.) and gives an overview of the total carbon footprint of the farm.
- Emission Reduction Recommendations.
It suggests more sustainable farming practices and management techniques that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These recommendations may include the use of controlled-release fertilizers, implementation of conservation farming techniques, improved water use efficiency, and proper manure management.
- Monitoring and Follow-up.
They allow farmers to track their emissions over time, assessing the impact of implemented mitigation measures and adjusting agricultural practices as necessary.
