L.SFP.1019 - Carbon in Action Module Consultancy

Summary

The “Quick Start” carbon calculator was developed to give producers a relatively quick approximation of their carbon balance as an entry point to further learning and action regarding carbon neutrality.
The resultant online learning module will be included in MLAs learning platform, the ‘Toolbox’ with the existing three greenhouse gas modules.
The “Quick Start” carbon calculator module can be used by producers as self-paced learning, however, may also be used in group learning contexts (e.g. Carbon EDGE courses) or at field days or conferences. It may also be used in educational settings such as universities or schools.

Objectives

- Develop a tool to calculate a carbon balance in a livestock enterprise.
- Develop a self-directed online learning platform.
- Pilot and refine both the tool and the learning platform.

Key findings

The online module, including the calculator, was developed and piloted by producers. It received good feedback from the pilot producers, who were at various stages of their own learning about carbon neutrality and how it might apply to their own enterprises.

Several changes were made due to the piloting, some technical, and others about how information is arranged

The resultant calculator is not reflective of every scenario and location, however, it will be acceptable for those who require a rapid approximation of where their business is regarding carbon balance. The calculator could also be used in an educational context to deliver key concepts to students.

Benefits to industry

The industry now has a rapid calculation tool and online module that will give producers an approximate idea of their carbon balance without having to invest the time and money to conduct a more accurate assessment and estimate. This lowers a barrier to entry to producers who would otherwise find engaging in greenhouse gas and carbon balance estimation too difficult or expensive.

MLA action

MLA will continue to update the calculator in response to producer feedback and will recommend use of the calculator as a first step for producers wanting to investigate how to reduce their net GHG emissions on farm.

Future research

Back-end data for this Quick Start carbon calculator has been limited by what can be gathered from the literature, and various researchers working in this field. The data spread over the country, although quite comprehensive, will necessarily be improved with time as more data comes to hand through research work.
It is recommended that this calculator is updated regularly as new data comes to hand.