Tag Archives: estimating emissions

Preliminary estimation of the carbon footprint of the Australian vegetable industry

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This report has undertaken a preliminary carbon footprint analysis for the Australian
vegetable industry based on readily available data. It discusses the data needs for
developing a carbon footprint analysis and discusses the current availability of
suitable data. It has been written as part of a series of six discussion papers for a
workshop that will set future directions for R, D & E on greenhouse gas emissions
from the vegetable industry.

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What carbon footprinting tools are currently available?

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This paper reviews four models which might be adapted for greenhouse gas accounting within the vegetable industry, namely: the

  • Grains Greenhouse Calculator (DPI Victoria),
  • CarboNZero (New Zealand Crown Research Institute),
  • FullCAM (Australian Department of Environment and Heritage) and
  • APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit). 

The selection of these tools was based on the scope and scale of emission accounting; scientific credibility and; suitability for use in Australian agricultural systems. They are also representative of the types of agricultural greenhouse calculators that are available worldwide. Key attributes relating to the design, scope, methodology, operation, availability, and apparent strengths and limitations are described for each tool. Individually, these tools do not appear to be suitable for immediate application in the vegetable industry and investment is required to address apparent scientific, design and operational limitations. However, collectively they capture the key attributes and functions required to develop a vegetable greenhouse accounting calculator.

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What is a Carbon Footprint?

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The purpose of this paper is to define a “carbon footprint” and provide an insight into the terminologies and approaches included within this concept. A number of key issues are addressed in this discussion.
Firstly, the origins of the “footprinting concept” are addressed to establish the conceptual history associated with this term. Secondly, existing literature is critiqued to scope the various definitions, highlight distinctions and articulate a preferred definition of a carbon footprint. Thirdly, key methodological steps involved in the calculation of a carbon footprint are addressed. Lastly, recommendations of this study are presented, linking the broader debate on “what is a carbon footprint” with implications for the development of a footprinting tool in the Australian Horticultural industry.

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