What metrics does the emissions summary provide me, and what do they mean?
The 'Emissions Summary' box provides a snapshot of the outputs of your GAF calculations following the 'Update Emissions' pathway. These are broken down into gross emissions, Scope 1 & 2, emissions intensity of produce, and total carbon sequestered.
Farm Gross Emissions
- Definition: The total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the farm, including all activities such as livestock methane emissions (from enteric fermentation and manure), soil nitrous oxide emissions (from fertilisers and urine/dung), and carbon dioxide emissions (from fuel and electricity use). This is the baseline figure for understanding the farm’s carbon footprint.
Emissions Intensity
- Definition: A measure of the farm’s greenhouse gas emissions relative to production output. For example, it can be expressed as kilograms of CO₂-equivalent emissions per kilogram of milk, meat, or grain. Emissions intensity allows you to assess the efficiency of operations and identify ways to reduce emissions without reducing productivity.
Total Carbon Sequestered
- Definition: The amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) removed from the atmosphere and stored in soil and vegetation on the farm. This includes carbon stored through tree growth, perennial pastures, or practices that increase soil organic matter. Sequestered carbon offsets some of the gross emissions, reducing the net emissions.
Scope 1 Emissions
- Definition: These are direct emissions from on-farm activities under the farmer's control. Examples include methane from livestock digestion, nitrous oxide from fertiliser application, and carbon dioxide from burning fuels like diesel.
Scope 2 Emissions
- Definition: Indirect emissions from electricity or energy purchased and used on the farm. For instance, emissions generated at power plants that produce the electricity used for irrigation pumps, refrigeration, or other infrastructure.
