All major Irish food and drinks companies face having to commit to reducing carbon emissions if they are to be part of Origin Green – the national sustainability programme run by Bord Bia.
The Irish Food Board announced that Origin Green members will now be required to conduct a “comprehensive assessment” of their entire carbon footprint along the supply chain – including all indirect emissions such as freight and travel.
To “drive impact at a large scale” Bord Bia said will will initially introduce carbon reporting to members with a turnover of greater than €50 million. These companies must conduct “baseline assessments” this year to determine emissions targets from 2022 onwards.
Since Origin Green came into operation in 2012, many of its targets and performance indicators operated on a voluntary basis, though commitments on energy, packaging and waste were mandatory.
Origin Green director Deidre Ryan said: “Accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon economy by 2050, is required to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change. Business leaders are now shifting their focus from what is achievable to what needs to be done.”
Plans will be reviewed, monitored annually and independently verified. Bord Bia has prepared comprehensive guidelines for companies on how to decarbonise their operations and supply chains.
LSL News.