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Project title

Calculation of the carbon footprint of the activities of FoodCloud improve impact reporting

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

FoodCloud

Lead Applicant

Tara Clarke

Project Abstract

This project will estimate FoodCloud's annual carbon balance in order to accurately quantify the environmental benefits, in terms of GHG emissions, of surplus food redistribution. The balance is the result of the consideration of two elements: The emissions generated by FoodCloud's activities, and The emissions that are avoided by the redistributing food that would otherwise be wasted. This project will result in the publication of a report detailing FoodCloud's annual carbon balance and is inspired by a similar EU funded project carried out on the activities of the Food Bank of Navarra in Spain - Item | Interreg Europe. Using the above information we will then develop a carbon calculator to allow us to report much more accurate carbon impact data to our food industry partners as a result of redistributing surplus food. The components of the calculator will include; a database of carbon indicators for each product category of food that is redistributed (e.g. Dairy, Bakery, Produce) and the Identification and inclusion of factors that impact the overall emissions savings of a donation of surplus food e.g. product category, alternative waste disposal options and transport. The carbon calculator will be incorporated into FoodCloud's technology solutions so that we can capture and report more accurately on the emissions avoided through redistribution. This will allow us to provide our food industry partners with much more detailed and accurate impact reports. This will act as an increased incentive for the food industry to redistribute surplus food and therefore increase their participation in the circular economy and support them to accurately account for their commitments to the achievement of the UN SDGs, specifically UN SDG 12. This project is a strong fit for the stated objective of the Green Enterprise as an innovative solution to gathering and sharing reliable and accurate food waste information to identify areas for improvement and to measure progress'. Improved reporting on food waste information associated with food redistribution will also serve to make FoodCloud more financially sustainable by improving our offering to the food industry and funding partners.

Grant Approved

�100,000.00

Research Hub

Cleaner Production - Green Enterprise - Innovation and Demonstration

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/02/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/07/2023