Evolution of agricultural emissions calculations in Australia: Methodological and calculator refinements and their impact on Western Australia’s agricultural carbon footprint

Authors

Christophe d'Abbadie, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow

Publication Date

10-2025

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

ISBN

978-1-925415-36-0 (Online)

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting is fundamental to positioning Australian agricultural products competitively in global markets, enabling supply chain stakeholders to make informed decisions, and understanding the trade-offs between market demands, policy requirements, consumer expectations, and intergenerational responsibilities.

Recent methodological refinements to emissions methodologies have enhanced the accuracy of GHG accounting in Western Australian (WA) agriculture. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has collaborated in these improvements through collaborative research with universities and federal agencies and advocacy for Western Australia-specific emission factors.

Methodological refinements have improved the accuracy of WA agricultural emissions estimates by 6% overall, providing more precise baselines that better reflect actual regional conditions. These improvements vary by industry, demonstrating the value of sector-specific research: feedlot emissions estimates are now 56% more accurate following adoption of Australian-specific models, while grain production estimates have been refined by 12–104% depending on regional rainfall and soil conditions. Rather than indicating instability, these adjustments correct previous overestimations and provide the agricultural sector with more competitive and realistic emissions profiles.

Continuously improving tools like the Environmental Accounting Platform (EAP), which allow retrospective updates, are essential for credible emissions tracking. Without such capability, stakeholders risk making misguided decisions and undermining progress, based on outdated information.

DPIRD continued investment in region-specific research ensures that emissions estimates reflect local realities and supports the sector’s transition to net zero by 2050.

Number of Pages

12

Keywords

agricultural emissions calculations, Western Australia, agriculture, carbon footprint

Disciplines

Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring

Recommended Citation

d’Abbadie C, (2025). Evolution of agricultural emissions calculations in Australia: Methodological and calculator refinements and their impact on Western Australia’s agricultural carbon footprint Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Western Australia.

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