In the pursuit of lower-emissions agriculture, measurement of emissions is crucial for understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of farming practices. Ruminati, an innovative online emissions calculator developed by farmers for farmers, has been making significant strides in this area.
The challenge: Aligning with SBTi
Ruminati faced a challenge in ensuring their emissions calculator could meet the SBTi’s stringent guidelines, a necessity for their corporate clients aiming to establish Science-Based Targets (SBTs). With the increasing need for transparency, Ruminati required alignment of their tool with the SBT Forest Land and Agriculture Guidelines (FLAG).
Objectives: Assurance and accuracy
The primary goal was to assure Ruminati’s corporate clients that the emissions data gathered through the calculator were accurately reported. This involved a detailed analysis of the SBTi’s requirements, particularly the FLAG Guidance, and its relevance to the agricultural sector.
Our approach
Environmental Accounting Services undertook a comprehensive evaluation of Ruminati’s existing framework to:
- Clarify the SBTi: Provided a basic overview of the SBTi and its relevance to the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of aligning with its guidance for credible climate action.
- Navigate FLAG Guidance: Detail the specific requirements set out by the SBTi for agriculture, forestry, and land use, crucial for Ruminati’s client base.
- Align and advise: Ruminati’s current software reporting outputs against the SBTi’s standards, identifying areas of alignment and recommending necessary adjustments.
Results and future direction
The collaboration resulted in a detailed report that defined improvements in the disclosure of outputs from Ruminati’s software to achieve alignment with the SBTi’s requirements. This document serves as a cornerstone for Ruminati’s ongoing development, ensuring that their tool remains at the forefront of climate accountability in agriculture.
Ruminati’s commitment to aligning with the SBTi, aided by our expertise marks a significant advancement in agricultural emissions tracking through the supply chain. By setting a precedent for reliability and compliance with international standards, Ruminati is not just facilitating corporate climate action but is also empowering farmers across Australia and New Zealand to communicate, through their supply chain, results of action to reduce emissions aligned with international standards.