With the EU targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the livestock sector must address its significant emissions. This study, conducted by the University of Helsinki, aims to evaluate various farm-based carbon footprint calculators, comparing their methods and differences to guide farmers in choosing effective sustainability tools.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely used for environmental impact assessment of a product. However, the complexity and diversity of farming systems, coupled with variations in LCA methodologies, make it difficult to generalize results or synthesize findings for broad decision-making. Explains Yajie Gao, post-doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki

Evaluations have revealed notable discrepancies in the carbon footprint estimates generated by different tools for similar farming operations. These variations stem from methodological differences, primarily in system boundaries, quantifying methods and data requirements, where there is a trade-off between the accuracy of farm-specific data and the user-friendliness of tools requiring less input.

To address this lack of consistency and transparency, the research is undertaking a quantitative comparison of estimates from various farm-level GHG assessment tools using real-world data. The goal is two-fold: to help users in selecting the appropriate calculator for their needs and to inform developers by revealing how differences in accounting methods potentially impact the final carbon footprint.

Read more about the study here and stay tuned for more results!