The fresh produce industry has a new tool to measure and help reduce carbon emissions - a tailor-made carbon footprint calculator produced by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and environmental consultants Brown & Co.

The online calculator allows fresh produce companies to assess their current emissions and to identify where they can make improvements.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the FPC, said: “By having a clear understanding of where carbon emissions are found within the industry, and the extent of those emissions, the fresh produce sector can target environment-friendly initiatives where they are needed most, and also counter any exaggeration of the environmental impact of the production and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. Having online access to an effective and recognised carbon footprint calculator is a key way in which the fresh produce industry can help to promote itself and reject misleading arguments based on inaccurate data or incomplete interpretations.”

According to Brown & Co’s environmental consultant Tony Hargreaves, measuring the carbon footprint of fresh produce is complex. He said: “A key aspect is the boundaries used in its measurement - that is, what is included and what is excluded. The end product inherits a proportion of the carbon emissions of any product or process that is involved in its production and supply, right up until its final state on the retailer’s shelves or in the caterer’s kitchen. This includes any energy inputs in the processing, storing and packaging stages of the chain, as well as any waste produced.”

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has worked with Brown & Co to test the parameters needed and gather the data required to calculate the carbon footprint of its site and tenants, some 260 individual businesses.

CGMA ceo Jan Lloyd said: “To gather the information required to provide as accurate as possible a carbon footprint calculation across a business the size of Covent Garden Market and over 260 individual businesses looked to be arduous and sometimes a little daunting. However, working closely with Tony Hargreaves, we were able to set appropriate boundaries for our footprint and devise a way to gather sufficient information to conduct the calculation. The calculator itself is very simple to use and provides a report that presents your carbon footprint calculation, along with opportunities on how to make reductions in your emissions.

“Due to the nature of our tenants’ businesses involving the distribution of fresh produce, there is a reliance on fuel and energy for chilling, so our footprint reflects this. What we now have is a baseline upon which to target and measure our reduction achievements,” added Lloyd.

Jenney added: “This carbon calculator is an excellent tool for our members, giving them the information required and the facility to calculate their carbon footprint, as well as offering useful guidance and advice on how to reduce their carbon footprint.”

A link on the FPC website is provided to access the calculator, hosted by the Brown & Co website.