THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF SUGAR

By P.W. REIN

Louisiana State University
Consultant to Better Sugarcane Initiative, United Kingdom
peterein@gmail.com

KEYWORDS: Carbon Footprint, Energy,
Sugarcane, Sugar, Ethanol.

Abstract

CLIMATE change is rapidly becoming a serious issue and one which will increasingly demand
the attention of sugar producers.
Estimation of the greenhouse gas emissions in the production of sugar, otherwise
known as the carbon footprint, is an essential part of any sustainability study.
A method of estimating net energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions has been
developed, based initially onwork done on biofuels.
The calculation routine was developed for use in the Better Sugarcane Initiative
standards, which focus on the sustainability of the sugarcane industry.
This estimation procedure estimates primary energy requirements including both
direct effects, mainly energy usage, and indirect effects, which include energy used in the
production of fuels, fertilisers and chemicals. Allowance is also made for the inclusion of
direct land use change effects.
The estimation procedure allows for the production of molasses and/or ethanol, and
for the export of power. Attention is given to the potential errors and problems in arriving at
these estimates.
The main problems are uncertainties in emissions from fertiliser use and the way in
which emissions are allocated to co-products. The results show that the carbon footprint is
most affected by sugarcane yield, sugar recovery, fertiliser usage, irrigation, cane burning and
power export.
A factory set up efficiently for maximum power generation can show a negative
carbon footprint and, in this respect, maximum export of electric power can deliver a lower
carbon footprint than maximum ethanol production.
The calculation routine estimates the greenhouse gas emissions from field to factory
gate and can be used for an existing operation orin the design of a new project to assist in
making good sustainability choices.

Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
www.atamexico.com.mx/PDF/Abstract.pdf