Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions are a critical part of corporate climate strategies, particularly for businesses with complex, global supply chains. As pressure mounts to reduce Scope 3 emissions, understanding and managing the impact of commodities—such as beef, soy, palm oil and timber—on land use change is essential. FLAG-related emissions contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss as well as a critical opportunity for reducing emissions and preserving land.
We help businesses quantify and track land use and land-use change across their supply chains, providing the insight needed to align with frameworks like SBTi FLAG and TNFD, while building more sustainable, resilient sourcing strategies.
Our four-step process to calculate your FLAG emissions.
Commodity and sourcing review
FLAG emissions are calculated from the volume of commodities and ingredients from the products sold during the reporting period. Each product is analysed to understand the number of units, key ingredients and weight. We perform a desktop review to determine key sourcing locations associated with each commodity and ingredient.
Relevant emissions sources
In alignment with the GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals guidance (2022) and SBTi FLAG guidance (2023) commodities are assessed for relevant FLAG activities. This includes emissions associated with historic deforestation and land conversion (Land Use Change) as well as annual agricultural applications and inputs (Land Management).
Calculation
LUC emissions are calculated using regional and commodity-specific yield data from the United Nations FAOSTAT (United National Food and Agricultural Organisation Statistics) database and land carbon stock databases. Land Management is then calculated based on regional agricultural processes and associated inputs for each commodity based on local and regional government agricultural data.
Emission hotspot identification
Analysis and interpretation of the results from the FLAG emissions arecompleted to identify commodity and sourcing region hotspots (i.e., the sources responsible for releasing the largest amounts of GHG emissions). A breakdown of emissions by sourcing region and commodity and emissions category will enable the business to report on emissions annually as well as fulfil requirements of ESRS and SBTi.
Understanding emissions from forests, land, and agriculture is imperative for sectors such as food, retailers and hospitality, to achieve net zero. It also brings them closer to addressing their broader impact on land by helping companies make decisions about their climate- and deforestation-related actions and goals.”Will BournsSenior Consultant
About 22%
Of global GHG emissions come from FLAG-related activities.
Up to 37%
Of the emissions reductions and removals needed through 2030, and 20% through 2050, could come from the land sector.
A 50%
Increase in agricultural production is expected to meet increased food demand.
Fewer than 25%
Of companies with exposure to deforestation risks currently report detailed FLAG emissions data.
Sustainability can be a complex landscape, we work with your organisation to fully equip your employees and stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge so everyone can engage in your strategies.
Given our comprehensive understanding of key sustainability disclosure standards, we will work with you to identify compliance gaps and alignment issues and offer strategies to enhance business performance across various reporting frameworks.
