A new IDF report highlights how dairy contributes to sustainable development
Sustainable development strategies are now a major issue for many forward-looking organizations around the world. Challenged to adopt a balanced approach to sustainability, the dairy sector, and IDF as the global body for dairy, are playing a leading role in the development of these strategies.
The dairy industry has made significant reductions in its energy use and is committed to take positive action to achieve further reductions in CO2 emissions.
One example is the study commissioned by IDF to provide an analysis of the key issues in the dairy sector based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and an inventory of environmental initiatives that have an influence on this sector.
"Recognising that a life cycle approach is the best way to assess a product’s impact on the environment is key. This approach considers the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by the production, use and end-of-life phases of a product. It is also, therefore, the best way to help society make informed decisions on the use of materials and their economic importance" commented Christian Robert, IDF Director General.
The study comprises an in-depth analysis of the existing scientific and technical literature, including IDF publications, and a review of existing country positions and regulations, standards and guidelines.
"IDF has immediately taken action on the basis of the key findings of this report. IDF has initiated new work on Life Cycle Analysis / Life Cycle Management and Carbon Footprint in the Dairy Sector with the main objective of developing a common LCA methodology for dairy products. As the body representing the dairy sector at a global level, we want to be part of the solution and we are decided to rise to this challenge" said Christian Robert.
IDF already has a set of publications# addressing a variety of environmental sustainability issues and possible strategies on how to minimize and control environmental impacts throughout the dairy production chain.
