Strawberries exceptions to the rule?
26/01/11 15:46
Does increased yield, quality and reduced agrichemical
useage lead to a reduced carbon footprint for
strawberries grown in polytunnels compared to those
grown outdoors? In seems not, recent analysis by 383ppm
for a major strawberry producer produced an interesting
conclusion.
Surprisingly, despite a greater yield per hectare strawberries grown in polytunnels have higher carbon emissions than those grown outside (78g of CO2 per kilo versus 17g of CO2 per kilo for Class 1). Our data and scope were limited but this disparity between the two production methods are so great that we don’t expect the inclusion of future data to change the overall conclusion. In hindsight perhaps it’s not so surprising - strawberries are relatively light and the polythene used for polytunnels is heavy with the embodied carbon you’d expect of a material made from crude oil.
Some ideas - use renewable alternatives to polythene or materials which don’t need to be replaced as often.
Amjad Karim, 26th January 2011
Surprisingly, despite a greater yield per hectare strawberries grown in polytunnels have higher carbon emissions than those grown outside (78g of CO2 per kilo versus 17g of CO2 per kilo for Class 1). Our data and scope were limited but this disparity between the two production methods are so great that we don’t expect the inclusion of future data to change the overall conclusion. In hindsight perhaps it’s not so surprising - strawberries are relatively light and the polythene used for polytunnels is heavy with the embodied carbon you’d expect of a material made from crude oil.
Some ideas - use renewable alternatives to polythene or materials which don’t need to be replaced as often.
Amjad Karim, 26th January 2011
383ppm's 1.6 MW AD Facility get's the Green Light
15/12/10 16:04
Energy for Future Generations, a renewable energy
company established by our Green Energy practice has
secured planning consent and raised several million
pounds of construction finance for it’s first Anaerobic
Digestion plant. The 1.6 MW plant will generate enough
electricity to power over 4,000 homes and heat a
further 3,500 and will be in operation by the end of
the year.
Our Green Energy practice has a clear understanding of what makes an energy project commercially viable, our Green Light Criteria, and deep knowledge of the available technologies from small scale <100kW to large commercial power generation schemes. We complete feasibility studies, secure finance and project manage the delivery of projects.
If you’d like to speak to 383ppm about your energy project please contact Amjad Karim of 383ppm and Director of Energy Future Generations.
Our Green Energy practice has a clear understanding of what makes an energy project commercially viable, our Green Light Criteria, and deep knowledge of the available technologies from small scale <100kW to large commercial power generation schemes. We complete feasibility studies, secure finance and project manage the delivery of projects.
If you’d like to speak to 383ppm about your energy project please contact Amjad Karim of 383ppm and Director of Energy Future Generations.
Carbon Emissions and Meaningful Labels
14/11/10 14:32
There
are a plethora of ethical food labels now facing
the consumer, carbon labelling being one of the
latest. To make a lasting impact these schemes
will need to communicate a clear philosophy and
show meaningful long term change.
Amjad Karim of 383ppm was recently invited to speak at Interpoma 2010 about his thoughts and experiences in this field. Slides from the presentation are attached.
Environmental Engineer and Fulbright Scholar Joins the Team
25/08/10 16:49
Khalid
Kadir served as the Projects Director for the
University of California Berkeley chapter of
Engineers for a Sustainable World. As Projects
Director, he oversaw five projects focused on
providing technical solutions to social and
environmental problems. Khalid joins 383ppm to
help our clients develop innovative ways to
increase sustainability and reduce
emissions.
383ppm invited to become a Forum for the Future Partner
12/07/10 19:47
The Chi Group is the first small
company invited to join Forum for the Future’s
Business Network. Established in 1996 Forum for
the Future is a non-profit organisation which has
been helping some of the largest organisations
find their way to a sustainable and successful
future.
East Malling Research
14/03/08 15:54
We're
delighted to announce East Malling Research (EMR)
as our Horticultural Science Partner. EMR is a
leading provider of scientific research to the
food industry. It provides research, innovation
and science-based solutions to enable sustainable
horticulture and to develop land-based industries.
Having EMR on board allows 383ppm to offer our clients access to leading scientific knowledge and expertise when exploring ideas for GHG emission reduction. To learn more about EMR here.
Carbon Trust Methodology
10/03/08 17:01
The Carbon Trust has been working hard developing a
methodology for calculating the GHG emissions due to a
particular product or service. Known as PAS 2050, it is
currently going through a consultation exercise before
being finalised. 383ppm has prepared a primer on the
PAS 2050 explaining briefly what it means, click on the
icon to download it.
Lord Selborne, Former President of the Royal Geographical Society, Praises 383ppm
10/03/08 16:49
Lord
Selborne, Chairman of Blackmoor Estates had this to say
about
383ppm's
work for the Estate.
"Having participated in the House of Lords scrutiny of the UK Climate Change bill I was delighted to know that 383ppm would help our orchard business to reduce its carbon footprint. The team achieved a sharp learning curve on the finer points of fruit growing. Their advice is proving invaluable"
"Having participated in the House of Lords scrutiny of the UK Climate Change bill I was delighted to know that 383ppm would help our orchard business to reduce its carbon footprint. The team achieved a sharp learning curve on the finer points of fruit growing. Their advice is proving invaluable"
Tommy Leighton of FPJ interviews 383ppm
07/02/08 15:23
Fresh Produce Journal, the leading weekly magazine for
the fresh fruit and vegetable industry interviewed
James and Amjad on 383’s mission and their work at
Blackmoor.
To download the article click on the icon
FPJ Reduce
Carbon...