Establishment of the Carbon Footprint of SEARCA

SEARCA, being one of the leading organizations in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia, is one with the rest of the world in taking actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, its priority areas, programs, and services are anchored in the attainment of these SDGs.

To strengthen its commitment and even showcase its efforts and contribution in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change, towards a more sustainable future through the SDGs, this proposal aims to assess the carbon footprint of SEARCA through life cycle assessment (LCA) following ISO 14044 – LCA requirements and guideline. This study is consistent and will intensify the initiative of SEARCA in contributing to climate change mitigation through its program on “Web-based Integrated Spatial Engine and Smart Ecosystem (WISE) Rice-based Carbon Farming.”

Tracking and reporting carbon footprints of organizations, companies and businesses, academe, and government institutions, have been an increasing trend globally, which is an effort in achieving sustainable development. In the Philippines, carbon footprint accounting is gradually being known due to the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the sustainability report requirement of the Philippine Security and Exchange Commission by 2023 to publicly listed companies towards global competitiveness. Therefore, it is in high time that SEARCA take the lead in this sustainability effort.

Objectives:

1. Account the carbon footprint of SEARCA for a base year

2. Develop user-friendly excel-based carbon footprint software specific for SEARCA

3. Training on the use of the developed excel-based carbon footprint software

4. Recommend possible carbon footprint reductions of SEARCA