Including biodiversity and water use issues into assessments of agricultural sustainability
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Aberdeen
Department Name: Inst of Biological and Environmental Sci
Abstract
Economic and environmental performance are key to locating a sustainable model for agriculture. We propose the use and expansion of a GHG estimation tool developed by the University of Aberdeen and Unilever to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practice into mainstream agriculture. The focus of the project will be on
identification of straightforward win: win scenarios for individual users, products or geographic regions, where emissions reduction is associated with an instant profitability gain or risk reduction
achieving the required industry endorsement to make the method a standard
assessment and benchmarking of bio-energy crops using the same method
integration of GHG assessments with other environmental sustainability performance indicators such as biodiversity and water impacts
identification of straightforward win: win scenarios for individual users, products or geographic regions, where emissions reduction is associated with an instant profitability gain or risk reduction
achieving the required industry endorsement to make the method a standard
assessment and benchmarking of bio-energy crops using the same method
integration of GHG assessments with other environmental sustainability performance indicators such as biodiversity and water impacts
People |
ORCID iD |
Jonathan Hillier (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |
Title | Cool Farm Tool Biodiversity |
Description | Biodiversity module for the Cool Farm Tool |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Case studies at www.coolfarmtool.org |
URL | http://www.coolfarmtool.org |
Title | Cool Farm Tool Water |
Description | Water footprint module for the Cool Farm Tool |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Case studies at www.coolfarmtool.org |
URL | http://www.coolfarmtool.org |
Description | These are numerous. I co-led the formal establishment of the Cool Farm Alliance. A member funded organisation with members from over 50 companies including major global brands. We have regular cross-sector meetings and Annual General meetings with around 100 participants. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | The Cool Farm Alliance has grown it's membership from 7 to over 50 organisation and now has a spin-off "Innovation Hub" involving several research organisations which I helped establish. I am Chair of the "Methods Committee" of the Cool Farm Alliance and a co-Director. The Cool Farm Tool is now a central platform for sustainability assessment in major businesses such as Danone and Unilever. It has been used on 1000s of farms in over 100 countries and as a result of this fellowship embeds NERC funded science for water, biodiversity, climate and GHGs. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019 |
URL | http://www.coolfarmtool.org |