Carbon Footprint Assessments

Planning applications for new agricultural developments face increasing scrutiny when it comes to their environmental impact. Planning authorities now routinely require a dedicated Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA) as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process, and meeting this requirement calls for an assessment that is both thorough and clearly presented.

Our service is built around the practical needs of UK farmers and those who do business with farmers. The Andersons Centre offers an independent, expert CCIA service to help developers, agents, rural property consultants and their farming clients to navigate this process with confidence. Our assessments are thorough, clearly presented, and cost-effective, making them well suited to clients managing single or multiple planning applications.

A Practical, Farm-Focused Process

Our process is simple, straightforward, and uses the following steps:

Project Inception

We begin with a meeting between the client and The Andersons Centre team to discuss and agree a detailed action plan. At this stage, we provide a full overview of the information required and agree any refinements to the approach where needed.

Initial Data Collection

Essential background information for each project is gathered from the client using a standardised proforma. This covers the full range of inputs required to calculate projected emissions, including unit type and capacity, fuel and energy use, feed and bedding sources, manure management, construction materials, and any carbon sequestration activities such as hedgerow or tree planting. Information on mitigating measures, such as solar panels or renewable heat sources, is also collected at this stage.

Carbon Footprint Calculation & Validation

Collected data is entered into the carbon footprinting tool that we would consider to be the most appropriate tool for the assessment that is required. The assessment tool is then run to calculate total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the proposed unit, broken down by scope and activity. Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are all addressed. Results are initially reviewed by our assessor before being submitted to an approved carbon footprinting tool for independent validation, a step that significantly strengthens the integrity of each assessment.

Data Input & Standardisation

Based on the validated results, we produce a clear, standardised report setting out the key findings. Where appropriate, comparisons with average industry benchmarks are included to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed development. The report is formatted for direct submission with the planning application.

Client Review & Finalisation

The draft report is shared with the client for review. The Andersons Centre then addresses any queries or requests for clarification before finalising the report for submission.
Throughout the project, we maintain open communication with the client and can provide further advice, upon request, in response to any follow-up questions from planning authorities.

Tackling Emissions and improving productive performance

Independent and Impartial

Our assessments are conducted independently, providing the credibility and objectivity that planning authorities expect. Validation through an external carbon footprinting tool further strengthens the integrity of each assessment

Experience You Can Trust

Our team combines expertise in farm business consultancy and farm management with practical experience of conducting Climate Change Impact Assessments. We have conducted assessments across a wide range of farming systems, including large-scale programmes such as PRISM 2030, which involved auditing 300 grazing livestock farms across the UK.

Efficient and Cost Effective

Our process is designed to be consistent and repeatable, making it particularly well suited to agents and developers managing multiple planning applications. A standardised per-farm approach keeps costs transparent and predictable from the outset.

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Interested in Getting Started?

If you are working on a planning application that requires a Climate Change Impact Assessment, or would like to discuss how our service could support your current or future projects, please get in touch. We would be happy to talk through the options available to you.