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The carbon footprint of the activities of the Food Bank of Navarra (BAN)
Published on 08 February 2021
Spain
Comunidad Foral de Navarra
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About this good practice
Currently, roughly one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year. This increases the release of greenhouse gases (GHG) and affects climate change due to the inefficient use of resources. Global food loss and waste generate annually 4.4 Gt CO2e or about 8% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions.
The BAN is a Foundation, with 25 years of experience, that plays a key role in the rescue of food that would otherwise be wasted, as well as in its intermediation with public and private social entities so that it reaches the most disadvantaged people in the community free of charge.
Around 70% of the food managed by the BAN, 2,434 tons in 2019, is poorly packaged food or close to the expiration date, which would otherwise be disposed in landfills, composted, incinerated or treated for reuse or recycling, processes that would generate GHG emissions.
The BAN has estimated its annual carbon balance in order to quantify the environmental benefits, in terms of GHG emissions, of food waste reduction. The balance is the result of the consideration of two elements: the emissions generated by the BAN activities, and the emissions that are avoided by the use of food that would otherwise be wasted.
The calculation of GHG emissions has been carried out based on the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge guidelines and international standards (GHG Protocol, 2005; ISO-14064; IPCC)
The BAN is a Foundation, with 25 years of experience, that plays a key role in the rescue of food that would otherwise be wasted, as well as in its intermediation with public and private social entities so that it reaches the most disadvantaged people in the community free of charge.
Around 70% of the food managed by the BAN, 2,434 tons in 2019, is poorly packaged food or close to the expiration date, which would otherwise be disposed in landfills, composted, incinerated or treated for reuse or recycling, processes that would generate GHG emissions.
The BAN has estimated its annual carbon balance in order to quantify the environmental benefits, in terms of GHG emissions, of food waste reduction. The balance is the result of the consideration of two elements: the emissions generated by the BAN activities, and the emissions that are avoided by the use of food that would otherwise be wasted.
The calculation of GHG emissions has been carried out based on the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge guidelines and international standards (GHG Protocol, 2005; ISO-14064; IPCC)
Resources needed
The Institute for Innovation & Sustainable Development in the Food Chain (ISFOOD) of the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) carried out the calculation of the BAN carbon footprint.
A focal point at the BAN provided data, information and feedback and two researchers at the UPNA developed the study.
A focal point at the BAN provided data, information and feedback and two researchers at the UPNA developed the study.
Evidence of success
The GHG emissions generated by the BAN activities were notably lower than those in a potential scenario without the existence of the BAN; 148 versus 4,304 t CO2e in 2019.
Consequently, the activity of the BAN prevented the emission of 4,157 tons of CO2e.
These results highlight not only the social (22.766 people fed in 2019) but also environmental relevance of the BAN, since it prevents a large amount of GHGs from being emitted into the atmosphere, and the food waste avoided (2,434 Tn in 2019)
Consequently, the activity of the BAN prevented the emission of 4,157 tons of CO2e.
These results highlight not only the social (22.766 people fed in 2019) but also environmental relevance of the BAN, since it prevents a large amount of GHGs from being emitted into the atmosphere, and the food waste avoided (2,434 Tn in 2019)
Potential for learning or transfer
The prevention of food waste, the social aid to mitigate poverty and awareness in both social and environmental benefits linked to the BAN’s action is of high interest to share and transfer.
The calculation of the carbon footprint of the BAN has been of interest to assess its activity and take internal measures. For example, buy green energy for its facilities and reduce the use of private transport of workers and voluntaries. A LCSA would hugely expand the scope of this study (environmental, social and economic assessment).
The activity of the BAN is aligned with the climate change and waste prevention regional strategies. The BAN distributes directly the food to the public social services, which manage who receive it.
The BAN is carrying out workshops at private schools to raise awareness about its labour.
Public authorities should take into account the BAN not only for the beneficial social impact currently considered, but also for its environmental and educational implications.
The calculation of the carbon footprint of the BAN has been of interest to assess its activity and take internal measures. For example, buy green energy for its facilities and reduce the use of private transport of workers and voluntaries. A LCSA would hugely expand the scope of this study (environmental, social and economic assessment).
The activity of the BAN is aligned with the climate change and waste prevention regional strategies. The BAN distributes directly the food to the public social services, which manage who receive it.
The BAN is carrying out workshops at private schools to raise awareness about its labour.
Public authorities should take into account the BAN not only for the beneficial social impact currently considered, but also for its environmental and educational implications.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
BANCO DE ALIMENTOS DE NAVARRA
Spain
Comunidad Foral de Navarra
Contact
PROJECT MANAGER