Avara Foods is taking significant steps to enhance its carbon footprint reporting by expanding its reporting base. The company aims to complete a comprehensive analysis of scope 3 emissions, with findings revealing that agriculture is responsible for 23% of these emissions.
Initially, only a sample of farms covering 30% of Avara’s chicken farming base were included in the reporting. However, the company plans to double this coverage and have carbon reporting in place for every farm in its supply chain by 2025.
To achieve accurate and targeted reductions, Avara is measuring data on an individual farm basis. This detailed approach allows the poultry firm to create bespoke footprints for each farm, enabling them to develop specific reduction plans tailored to the needs of each location.
Andrew Brodie, the Sustainability Director, expressed the significance of expanding their footprinting exercise to cover 60% of chicken farms. He emphasized that measuring emissions is crucial in reducing the overall footprint. Data plays a pivotal role in Avara’s environmental reduction plans, and this project will provide accurate and accessible information on their farms’ scope 3 emissions. The company intends to drive meaningful change within their operations and supply chain rather than simply offsetting emissions.
Avara’s partnership approach with suppliers and customers has played a vital role in addressing the scope 3 emissions challenge. By collaborating closely with stakeholders, the company has gained a clearer understanding of its wider footprint, paving the way for effective emissions reduction strategies.
Tom Powell, a grower participating in the project, emphasized the value of being benchmarked based on emissions and understanding how their farm compares to others. The feedback received includes key areas such as feed, fuel, and electricity and highlights areas for improvement. This project benefits everyone involved, as growers can identify hotspots and drive efficiencies, ultimately saving costs. Avara, on the other hand, gains improved data to better understand their scope 3 footprint.
In an industry roundtable, experts from both large companies and SMEs discussed the challenges of scope emissions and the importance of accurate measurement. Effective management and measurement of emissions are crucial for food and drink producers, and initiatives like Avara’s provide meaningful insights for achieving sustainability goals.
In conclusion, Avara Foods’ expanded carbon footprint reporting highlights their commitment to addressing scope 3 emissions. The data-driven approach enables targeted reductions and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. By taking such proactive measures, Avara is well-positioned to make significant strides in reducing their environmental impact.
