COVERE²: Comparing Solagro and Cool Farm Tools in Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Milk Production

COVERE² project conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) at the Viikki Research Farm in Finland to determine the carbon footprint of milk production and identify mitigation strategies. Data collected over two years (2022–2023) was analysed using two carbon footprint calculators: Solagro and Cool Farm Tool. Results indicated that feed production and enteric fermentation were the primary contributors to the milk carbon footprint. However, variations were observed in results of the total GHG emissions due to methodological differences employed by the two calculators.

Improving feed efficiency through optimised diets, nitrogen fertiliser adjustments, improved manure management practices, and renewable energy adoption showed promise in reducing the carbon footprint of milk production. This research highlights the need for further investigation into the sensitivity of various factors influencing GHG emissions and the harmonisation of LCA methodologies for more consistent assessments to inform evidence-based policy towards net-zero goals.

Moreover, accurately accounting for soil organic carbon stock (SOC) changes into LCA is crucial to minimise bias in CF estimations. Studies focusing on integrating SOC changes using real measurements or modeling approaches, beyond the traditional IPCC default method will be investigated in the future.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted based on the case study at Viikki research farm.