Exporters take carbon footprinting issue on board

With international moves afoot to introduce mandatory carbon footprinting of imports, the local export community is increasingly taking the issue on board. That much is evident from the overwhelming response to a series of training sessions that kicked off in November on the use of a locally developed online carbon calculator. “The tool was first launched in November 2009 as part of an industry-wide initiative within the fruit and wine industry that started two and a half years ago,” says project manager Shelly Fuller. “It has recently been updated (November 2010) following the international peer review process which was based on international standards and best practices, and now the focus of the project is on training the industry on how to use the tool. “The training targets technical bodies that will be collecting the data and using the carbon calculator tool in their own businesses,” she told FTW, “as well as the extension officers within the various industry bodies that will be able to assist the producers and exporters they deal with on the carbon calculator tool.” The food miles debate has lost some momentum thanks to international recognition of the fact that you cannot measure the environmental impact of a product based purely on how far it is from the market – that there are a range of other issues that come into play. It was market pressure over the food miles debate that initiated the project, but now knowing your carbon footprint is seen as a sustainable business practice – and ultimately a means of reducing energy consumption and saving money. When mandatory legislation is introduced, local exporters will need to account for carbon emissions in order to gain access to specific retail suppliers. “We’re aware that producers and exporters have a lot on their plates right now but the fact that they are taking time out to attend the training sessions and learn how to use the tool shows their commitment,” says Fuller. Doing a carbon footprint is much more than putting a label on your product, says project co-ordinator Hugh Campbell. ”It’s about evaluating where your major energy requirements are, where the Green House Gas (GHG) emission hotspots are within your supply chain, and understanding how to become more efficient through all your business processes. “With electricity tariff hikes a reality and a governmental GHG monitoring plan imminent, those who use their initiative and are early actors in this area will be better prepared for any mandatory requirements in the future and will have sustainable business practices embedded in their businesses that will secure their place in the market going forward,” he said. The carbon calculator tool is freely available at www.climatefruitandwine. co.za. For more information on the training workshops or how to get involved – email shellyf@genesisanalytics. com.