Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
The NSW dairy industry has a role to play in meeting the requirements of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 (NSW) and the emerging policies, frameworks, plans and strategies being prepared to support action in NSW and nationally.
The EPA Climate Change Policy (NSW EPA, 2023) provides an overview of the NSW environment protection legislation and regulation for climate change and protecting the environment. Livestock-intensive activities that meet any threshold at which an
environment protection licence is required are covered by the EPA’s regulatory remit, including regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
EPA’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023–26 outlines action to help the NSW Government achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. New projects or major modifications expected to have large scope 1 or scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions (>25,000 tonnes CO2e/year for new projects or modifications that are expected to add an additional 25,000 tonnes CO2e/year to a facilities emissions) must include a greenhouse gas assessment within their environmental impact assessment. This includes assessing expected greenhouse gas emissions and measures to mitigate emissions over time. Similar requirements will be extended to all or most development proposals that require consent and an EPL at some stage. Existing licensees should refer to the Fact sheet: Climate Change Policy and Action Plan - information for proponents and licensees (nsw.gov.au).
*Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions are derived directly from farm activities and from off-farm
Considerations and possible management activities in design, operation, energy generation and storage, and greenhouse gas emissions abatement and mitigation for dairy systems are outlined in Chapter 13 – Energy efficient systems of the National Guidelines for Dairy Feedpads and Contained Housing.
Appropriate management considerations include:
- designing facilities to optimise site opportunities such as air-flow, gravity and sunlight
- undertaking an energy audit to identify energy savings to reduce the level of investment needed for renewable energy
- selecting energy efficient vehicles, machinery and equipment that are fit for purpose
- selecting renewable energy technologies including solar and feasible anaerobic digestion
- reuse of nutrients generated on-farm (all streams of manure) to reduce synthetic fertiliser inputs
- frequent irrigation of manure onto land to minimise methane production in storage facilities
- feeding a cow diet to optimise feed efficiency conversion
- identifying areas on farm to offset through vegetation sequestration.
Principle 1 Dairy businesses understand their farm’s emissions by using the Australian Dairy Carbon Calculator (ADCC).
Outcome: Dairy businesses know their net greenhouse gas emissions and emission intensity as a benchmark to better understand the farm’s emission profile and reduction management practices available to the business.
Management 1: Use the ADCC to determine current net greenhouse gas emissions and emissions intensity and/or forecast emissions intensity based on the development and operational changes planned for the business.
Management 2: Use supporting Dairy Australia resources to identify and implement changes that will profitably reduce emissions.