CARB Closing in on Food Processors’ Product-Based Benchmarks

Ecofys (a leading consultancy in renewable energy, energy & carbon efficiency, energy systems & markets and energy & climate policy) is currently crunching the numbers and preparing their recommendations to California Air Resources Board (CARB) for establishing the food processing industry benchmarks. CARB will provide three separate industry benchmarks: for paste, canning/diced, and dehydration industries. Ecofys indicated they will provide a formal report of recommendations to the CARB in the coming 1-2 weeks.

Following the receipt of the Ecofys report, CARB is expected to send out data collection packets to food processors to obtain production data and available sub-metering data. It’s been reported that the CARB requests may seek data going back to 2000. However, CARB has not yet confirmed this with CLFP.

Once data is returned by facilities, CARB will perform product benchmark calculations using the production data and facility emissions figures, sub-metering data from facilities, and the product energy intensity (PEI) established by Ecofys.

Once benchmarks are calculated, CARB expects to hold a group meeting with all tomato facilities to review the process and benchmarks. According to CARB, no production numbers or fuel use will be provided at the meeting to ensure confidentiality for company facilities.

Product benchmarks will then be submitted for inclusion in the proposed regulation revisions via the public process. It is CARB’s intention, if possible, to get the benchmarks into the regulation in time for 2014.