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What is Bord Bia's Origin Green?
- 19 September 2012
What is Origin Green?
An ongoing voluntary sustainability development programme that will demonstrate the commitment of Irish food and drink manufacturers to operating sustainably.
Our approach
Ireland enjoys a strong and enduring international reputation as a source of natural, high quality food, drink and ingredients. Recent research shows our dairy industry to have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe. However, a good beginning is only part of the journey. With the launch of Origin Green, the industry can now effectively begin to add proof and commitment to its sustainability claims, and provide the evidence that retailers and foodservice providers around the world are looking for.
At the heart of Origin Green is a sustainability charter that will commit participants to engage directly with the challenges of sustainability: reducing energy inputs, minimising their overall carbon footprint and lessening their impact on the environment. In doing so, industry will also increase its overall efficiency and competitiveness.
Our progress
In 2011, Bord Bia introduced carbon footprint monitoring for all Bord Bia Quality Assured Beef farms. To date, this is the only such programme in the world that operates on a national basis and that commits to actively measuring and reducing the carbon footprint of each producer. Similar programmes are now in active development across the entire range of primary production sectors. Measurement and performance criteria will also be introduced around water and biodiversity, with all the programmes collectively forming a platform for Origin Green.
How does it work?
Companies sign up to developing and implementing a multi-annual action plan. This will set out clear targets in the key action areas identified by the company, which will then be required to commit to deliver a progress report on an annual basis.
What value will it deliver?
The ultimate intention is the creation of a significant point of differentiation for the Irish food and drink industry around the area of sustainability. Bord Bia will communicate cumulative improvements under key headings, while individual companies will be able to highlight their improvements as part of an independently verified programme.
Source: Bord Bia - What is Bord Bia's Origin Green?
