GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Standard

Aligned Methodology for the Dairy Sector

Four-Week Public Consultation

Dear Stakeholder,

This public consultation represents the outcome of a collaborative effort across the global dairy sector to develop a single, aligned approach to implementing the GHG Protocol’s Land Sector and Removals Standard (LSRS)  within the dairy value chain.

Considerable work has been undertaken to ensure that the proposed mass-balance chain-of-custody methodology is both practical and applicable across the diversity and complexity of  global dairy supply chains. A consistent sector-wide approach is essential to support efficient and credible reporting, while avoiding the proliferation of multiple and potentially inconsistent methodologies.

Throughout its development, the methodology and our interpretation of the LSRS have been tested with a range of external experts. We are now seeking broader stakeholder input to further validate the approach and identify opportunities for clarification, improvement and refinement. We invite you to review the consultation document and provide your feedback using only the consultation feedback form. Responses must be submitted by the consultation deadline, feedback received after this date will not be considered.

Additional note related to this work:

During the development process, it became apparent that certain LSRS requirements present significant challenges for some commodity value chains, particularly where those requirements  may inadvertently limit  progress towards emissions reductions. These challenges have been shared with the GHG Protocol for consideration in future developments.

Two areas are of particular importance:

• Ingredients and derivatives in complex supply chains
• Acceleration and differing levels of ambition across  value chains

Rather than waiting for future revisions to address these challenges, the dairy sector, through the International Dairy Federation, has initiated development of a complementary methodology to address these barriers.

This additional methodology is intended to enable dairy organizations to operate a credible accounting system that, while not fully LSRS-aligned, will include robust safeguards against double counting, greenwashing and free-riding, while supporting transparency, collaboration and accelerated action across the dairy value chain. It will also include clear guidance on when each methodology should be applied.

We hope you find this LSRS-aligned methodology valuable and that you will take the opportunity to review it and provide constructive feedback. We also invite you to engage in the future public consultation on the complementary methodology when it becomes available.

Questions / Comments: Dr. Ying Wang, [email protected] 

Many thanks for your engagement and contribution to this important work.

The International Dairy Federation