Last updated on May 19, 2024

How can we measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems?

Food systems are complex networks of activities and actors that produce, process, distribute, consume, and dispose of food. They have significant impacts on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, biodiversity loss, and pollution. But how can we measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems? In this article, you will learn about some of the tools and approaches that can help you assess and enhance the sustainability of your food choices and actions.

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1 Life cycle assessment

One of the most widely used methods to measure the environmental impacts of food systems is life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is a systematic approach that quantifies the environmental inputs and outputs of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. LCA can help you compare the environmental performance of different food products, identify hotspots and trade-offs, and inform decision-making and policy.

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Cris Nitz

Sustainable Value Innovation • Climate Strategy • Social Impact
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Measuring and improving the environmental performance of food systems hinges on employing robust methodologies like life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA meticulously evaluates environmental inputs and outputs across a product's life cycle, facilitating comparisons between food products, pinpointing areas for improvement, and guiding informed decision-making and policy formulation.

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2 Environmental indicators

Another way to measure the environmental performance of food systems is to use environmental indicators. Indicators are variables that reflect the state or trend of a specific environmental aspect, such as carbon footprint, water footprint, land use efficiency, or biodiversity impact. Indicators can help you monitor and communicate the environmental performance of food systems at different scales, from individual products to national or global levels. Indicators can also help you set targets and track progress towards sustainability goals.

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Cris Nitz

Sustainable Value Innovation • Climate Strategy • Social Impact
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Utilizing environmental indicators offers a valuable approach to assessing the environmental performance of food systems. These indicators, such as carbon footprint, water footprint, land use efficiency, and biodiversity impact, serve as reliable metrics for monitoring and communicating environmental aspects across various scales. From individual products to broader national or global contexts, environmental indicators aid in setting targets and tracking progress towards sustainability objectives, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering transparency in food system management.

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3 Environmental labels and certifications

A third way to measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems is to use environmental labels and certifications. Labels and certifications are voluntary schemes that provide information and assurance about the environmental attributes or standards of a product or service. Labels and certifications can help you make informed and responsible food choices, support sustainable producers and practices, and create market incentives and consumer demand for environmentally friendly food.

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4 Environmental management systems

A fourth way to measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems is to use environmental management systems (EMS). EMS are frameworks that help organizations plan, implement, monitor, and improve their environmental performance. EMS can help you identify and reduce the environmental risks and impacts of your food-related activities, comply with environmental regulations and requirements, and demonstrate your commitment and credibility to stakeholders and customers.

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5 Environmental education and awareness

A fifth way to measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems is to use environmental education and awareness. Education and awareness are processes that enhance the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals and groups towards the environment. Education and awareness can help you understand the environmental implications of your food choices and actions, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foster a sense of responsibility and empowerment to act for sustainability.

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6 Environmental innovation and collaboration

A sixth way to measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems is to use environmental innovation and collaboration. Innovation and collaboration are strategies that generate and apply new ideas, technologies, practices, or solutions to address environmental challenges and opportunities. Innovation and collaboration can help you create and adopt more efficient, effective, and sustainable ways of producing, processing, distributing, consuming, and disposing of food, and engage with diverse stakeholders and partners to share knowledge, resources, and experiences.

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Cris Nitz

Sustainable Value Innovation • Climate Strategy • Social Impact
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Leveraging environmental innovation and collaboration stands as a pivotal strategy for enhancing the environmental performance of food systems. By fostering the creation and application of novel ideas, technologies, and practices, innovation and collaboration enable the development and adoption of more efficient and sustainable approaches across the entire food supply chain. Moreover, these strategies facilitate engagement with diverse stakeholders and partners, encouraging knowledge sharing and collective action to address environmental challenges and optimize opportunities within food systems.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can we measure and improve the environmental performance of food systems?

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1 Life cycle assessment

2 Environmental indicators

3 Environmental labels and certifications

4 Environmental management systems

5 Environmental education and awareness

6 Environmental innovation and collaboration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Health

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