Carbon & Emissions: Insights from Recent Workshops

A recent series of workshops aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about carbon projects and emissions baselining saw an impressive turnout. Across 44 sessions in various locations, 1,422 attendees—from hobby farm managers to corporate property owners—engaged in discussions. Participants reported a 60% increase in knowledge, and 37% expressed intent to change their practices based on what they learned.

Key Messages from the Workshops

Emissions Baselining vs. Carbon Projects – These are distinct but often misunderstood concepts:
- Emissions Baselining: The process of calculating how much CO₂-equivalent (CO₂-E) is emitted per kg of product produced.
- Carbon Projects: Voluntary initiatives that generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), which can be used to achieve carbon neutrality or sold to companies working toward sustainability targets.
On-Farm Efficiency – Improving efficiency can significantly reduce emissions intensity. For example, increasing the calving percentage of a breeder herd is one of the most effective ways to lower emissions per unit of production.
Understanding Emissions Control:
- Scope 1 – Direct emissions controlled by the farm operator.
- Scope 2 – Indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
- Scope 3 – Indirect emissions from purchased goods and services used on the farm.

Actionable Steps You Can Take Now

To better measure your emissions intensity, start recording the amount of product sold (e.g., kg of grain or meat), and track stock numbers over multiple years to improve the accuracy of emission calculations.

By consistently monitoring these metrics, producers can make more informed decisions to reduce emissions and improve sustainability outcomes.