Target 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
This metric is partially aligned with the requirements of the framework.
ESRS E1-7
Carbon Removals and Storage
This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
Regen Ag Outcome: Minimized GHG emissions
Target example
[Company name] commits to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by [target year], in line with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard. This includes reducing absolute emissions and using high-integrity removals only for residual emissions.
Target Source: WBCSD target template
Sector
Agri-food
Value chain stage
Raw MaterialsManufacturing
Metric assessment
Relevance:High
Feasibility:High
Additional Metric Notes
Rationale:
Although corporate accounting frameworks do not currently require separate metrics for above- and below-ground carbon, these two carbon pools have very different data requirements and agricultural practices associated with them. Therefore, it is recommended to track these metrics separately.
Below-ground carbon includes, but is not limited to, soil organic carbon (SOC), biochar, and carbon in roots (top 30 cm). There is strong scientific evidence supporting the positive impact of regenerative agriculture practices on soil carbon sequestration, which can serve as a proxy for other outcomes such as soil health, biodiversity, and water holding capacity.
Above-ground carbon refers to any biomass (plant material) above the ground, including but not limited to hedges and trees.
Key resources:
GHG Protocol (+ Land Sector Removals Guidance); SBTi (+ FLAG guidance); WBCSD Scope 3 Navigator, MRV tool, Regen-Ag metrics - Climate chapter
Additional/complementary metrics:
Disaggregation by above-ground (biomass) vs below-ground (soil carbon)
Landscape deep dives:
Upper Midwest, USA - corn (+ soy rotation) - Key resources:
Soil & Climate Initative Acre Calculator: https://www.soilclimateinitiative.org/standards
Related Actions
Support and incentivize restoration projects in areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to sourcing locations
Restore areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations
Support and incentivize regenerative agriculture and sustainable intensification outcomes at sourcing locations
Reduce GHG emissions from operations and land use activities
Protect areas of significant biodiversity value within or adjacent to operations
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize agri-inputs and drive sustainable intensification
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, in resource extraction and production processes
Develop and deploy inputs and technology to drive sustainable intensification and regenerative agriculture outcomes
Develop and implement practices to drive regenerative agriculture