Energy and Climate Footprinting | Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program

Project Outreach and Publications

Project staff engaged with California growers, farm advisors and other extension personnel, and partner organizations throughout the study.

Project Staff

Dr. Sonja Brodt, Academic Coordinator, UC SAREP and ASI (Project Director)
Dr. Alissa Kendall, Associate Professor, UC Davis Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Elias Marvinney, Graduate Student Researcher, UC Davis Plant Sciences Department

Orchard Life Cycle Assessment: Findings

This study calculated the GHG emissions, energy use, on-farm water use and six common air pollutants linked to the production of five orchard crops, and considered production stages from orchard establishment through management, post-harvest processing, and orchard removal and disposal. Transportation along the entire orchard life cycle was also included.

Orchard LCA Model Development and Assumptions

LCA Methodology and Framework

LCA is a comprehensive method for estimating and analyzing the environmental impacts of products and services ‘from cradle to grave.’ In the case of orchard production, the analysis is from ‘nursery to farm-gate’ – including manufacturing and shipping of agrochemicals, fuels, materials, and equipment, as well as air emissions from the combustion of fuels and field emissions. For some crops this study also extends beyond the farm gate to include post-harvest and processing operations.

Environmental Impacts of California Tomato Cultivation and Processing

This UC SAREP study aims to help growers and processors better understand the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of California tomato cultivation and processing.

Comparing energy footprint of local vs. long distance produce

What are the energy, greenhouse gas, and water implications of eating locally produced foods compared to foods sourced through national distribution networks?

Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in California orchards

This UC SAREP study aims to help growers and policy makers better understand the energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon sequestration potential of orchard systems throughout California.

Honey carbon footprint calculator and report

Find out the impact of making the honey that sweetens your morning tea.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

Most retail food products result from long and complex production and supply chains with variable impacts on environmental health and natural resources.

A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for analyzing the environmental impacts and resources used throughout a product's life, from raw materials extraction to production, and extending through product use and disposal.