Luque Bio

ENVIRONMENT

OUR OLIVE GROVE REDUCES CO2 EMISSIONS

Concern for the environment, resource preservation, and the development of a sustainable activity has driven us to research the technical aspects of olive grove management and olive oil production.

The reuse of by-products from the oil mill has led us to work on composting processes to return organic matter to the olive grove, thus improving the agricultural soil, which is essential in Organic Farming. Additionally, the use of plant covers contributes to this improvement.

The use of renewable energy has always been key for us, which is why we have sought a supplier capable of ensuring a 100% supply from these types of energy. Furthermore, the installation of solar panels on the roofs of our facilities and in the fields for irrigation has become a priority in recent years.

The production process in our facilities is certified under the ISO 14001 standard, which guarantees the utmost respect for the environment.

“CO2 Verified”, a pioneer in Spain. The logical market evolution has led us to certify our EVOO under the E.P.D. (Environmental Product Declaration) protocol, recognized internationally, which expands the scope of environmental study.

The most relevant data obtained, and that potential consumers can assess more objectively, is as follows:

FOR EVERY LITER OF LUQUE ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, ALMOST 10 KG OF CO2 ARE REMOVED FROM THE ATMOSPHERE

The installation of a new solar panel system for self-consumption in 2020 will further reduce our carbon footprint in the future. Additionally, this installation provides us with an electric vehicle charging point for our employees and customers.

This entire trajectory has led us to be considered a “Business Example” at the COP 25 Climate Summit in Madrid.

EXPAND THE INFORMATION

For LUQUE ECOLOGICO, S.L., the use of by-products in industrial and agricultural activities has always been a priority. Therefore, our objective has always been clear: to add value to these by-products (mainly pomace, leaves) and return them to the field where they originated, thus closing the nutrient cycle in the production system.

Since the year 2000, LUQUE ECOLOGICO, S.L. has started trials aimed at the valorization of pomace as an organic fertilizer through a composting process with various organic materials from other processes (straw, leaves, sawdust, etc.). This interest will soon lead us to the construction of a composting plant where we will transform the pomace from the mill into an organic fertilizer with ideal qualities for olive grove fertilization.

In this way, we will achieve something vital in Organic Farming: improving soil fertility. The primary destination of this product transformed into organic fertilizer is application in organic olive groves. The addition of Organic Matter will undoubtedly improve the conditions of these soils where olive trees are grown. The improvement of soil structure, the increase in water retention capacity, better mobilization of soil elements for optimal tree utilization, the direct contribution of nutrients, etc., are all direct consequences of these organic amendments. This will improve poor soils, notably benefiting the environmental indicator “soil” as the physical support for all surrounding biodiversity, ensuring the conservation of natural resources. As a result of improved fertility, all the biological diversity of the environment will be supported.

Composting is a biological fermentation process in the presence of oxygen. During this process, a series of stages occur, characterized by the activity of different organisms, with a very close relationship between temperature, pH, and the type of microorganisms. At the beginning of the process, the mass is at ambient temperature, and the microorganisms begin a frantic activity that causes the temperature to rise above 40°C, with bacteria predominating. Later, a cooling phase occurs, where fungi mainly act, and finally, a maturation or stabilization phase occurs, where the mass returns to ambient temperature.

Photovoltaic solar energy is proposed as a solution for the reduction of CO2 emissions, with each kilowatt of solar energy generated preventing the emission of 0.311 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere.

For this reason, at LUQUE ECOLOGICO, continuing with our constant concern for the environment, we have considered that we can help minimize CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. In 2011, we set out to install a photovoltaic panel system on the roof of our winery building.

This is the largest system of its kind in the entire area, capable of generating a power of 35 kWp and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

In 2020, we will install another set of solar panels on the roof in order to achieve self-sufficiency (82%) and become almost fully self-sufficient throughout the year, further decreasing our carbon footprint. The new installation will have a capacity of 12.21 kWp and will include 2 electric vehicle charging points.

In any case, and as we have been doing up to this year, the electricity we purchase will come 100% from renewable (“green”) energy sources.

We are also installing solar panels for irrigation water pumping in our agricultural operations, which will further contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.

Background

In October 2008, LUQUE ECOLOGICO announced its intention to begin a voluntary carbon footprint (CF) labeling program in 2009. Initially, the label would apply to our LUQUE organic olive oil and would assess it based on the CO2 emitted throughout the product’s life cycle, from raw material acquisition to production, distribution, use, and final disposal.

After undergoing the procedure, CF labeling will be applied to a wide range of products, and these could eventually be included in the voluntary labeling scheme.

The proposal complements the commitments made by major countries under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce CO2 emissions to 6 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. Our company has been concerned with finding ways to achieve this goal, which, with only four years left, is becoming increasingly difficult to meet.

In cooperation with a consultancy, we are formulating these guidelines. Carbon labeling aligns with LUQUE ECOLOGICO’s overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we hope to see consumers change their lifestyles in a way that results in fewer CO2 emissions.

Other countries considering similar regulations include the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

There are other programs that assess the ecology of agricultural and forestry products, such as the “food mileage” program, the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), and the Marine Eco Label Japan (MEL Japan) programs for seafood and various “forest certifications” programs like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and Sustainable Green Eco-Council (SGEC).

KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL

Carbon Labeling Pilot Project

LUQUE ECOLOGICO will begin a one-year pilot project for CF labeling in the spring or summer of 2009. Currently, 4 other companies, most of which are ecological, have agreed to participate in the project. A standard label will not be created until sometime in 2009. At this point, all products participating in the project are manufactured domestically, although some contain imported ingredients. Whether participating directly in the pilot project or simply offering feedback or suggestions on the guidelines, the Board of Andalusia encourages companies to participate in the Project to ensure that the guidelines are developed in a way that does not disadvantage imported products.

Alcance Público
 
LUQUE ECOLOGICO ha realizado varios eventos de divulgación para compartir información sobre el proyecto con los consumidores y el sector de distribución.
 
LUQUE ECOLOGICO celebrará un período de comentarios públicos en 2009 y se espera que pronto publique un informe final. El esquema de etiquetado podría verse afectado significativamente por la reacción de la industria alimentaria nacional a las directrices y el período de prueba. LUQUE ECOLOGICO también llevará a cabo una encuesta de consumidores sobre el esquema en diferentes exposiciones durante 2009.
 
Implicaciones para el etiquetado de la huella de carbono
 
Uno de los principales desafíos asociados con el etiquetado de HC es la dificultad de crear un cálculo para las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) que sea consistente y preciso. Un producto determinado puede tener diferentes puntuaciones en función del cálculo empleado. La razón principal de la disparidad es la gran cantidad de puntos de datos involucrados. Por ejemplo, las emisiones de CO2 pueden variar ampliamente dependiendo de la producción o el uso del producto y la fuente de energía involucrada. En el mejor de los casos, el cálculo es una estimación aproximada basada en una serie de aproximaciones en lugar de mediciones concretas.
 
El cálculo de las emisiones de GEI para el aceite de oliva ecológico de un olivar ecológico, por ejemplo, demuestra las complejidades involucradas en la producción de mediciones precisas. La maquinaria y la industria pueden ser una fuente importante de emisiones de GEI. La cubierta vegetal, los fertilizantes orgánicos, el uso de hueso de aceituna como combustible, los residuos de compostaje para su aplicación en los campos, el uso de paquetes reciclados … ayudarán a reducir las emisiones. Una estimación de las emisiones de CO2 requeriría cuantificar y asignar las emisiones totales entre todas las fuentes.
 
La propuesta de etiquetado de CO2 de LUQUE ECOLOGICO requiere la creación de una metodología básica con elementos específicos que caigan en varias categorías amplias. Bajo el piloto, la Junta de Andalucía y la consultora crearán sus propias propuestas de etiquetado. Permitirá a las empresas desarrollar diferentes metodologías que estarán sujetas a revisión y aprobación por parte de varios comités.
 
Impacto en el consumidor
 
El etiquetado de CO2 puede ser útil para los consumidores como una guía general. Sin embargo, con las complejidades de cálculo involucradas, las etiquetas de HC están inevitablemente simplificadas y pueden conducir a malentendidos de los consumidores y, en última instancia, incredulidad. La falta de espacio en las etiquetas HC evitará que se presente suficiente información para que un consumidor comprenda completamente el producto. Por otro lado, demasiada información en la etiqueta crearía confusión adicional.
 
Impacto en la industria
 
Ciertos productos estarán en desventaja competitiva con el etiquetado HC. En general, los artículos que se procesan mínimamente, como las frutas y verduras, tendrán menos emisiones de CO2 que aquellos sujetos a un mayor procesamiento. Los productos a base de plantas pueden tener mejores puntuaciones que los productos carnicos y mariscos debido a los efectos mitigantes de la planta sobre el CO2 en la atmósfera. Las emisiones de CO2 pueden variar según el área o el clima producido. Las frutas cultivadas en huertos podrían estar asociadas con menos emisiones de CO2 que las cultivadas en invernaderos. E incluso los productos ecológicos obtendrán mejores puntuaciones que los convencionales. Será nuestro caso: aceite de oliva ecológico LUQUE.
 
El embalaje puede ser un factor importante en la producción de CO2 de un artículo, como las latas de aluminio utilizadas para bebidas. En general, se piensa que el transporte de artículos puede ser una fuente importante de emisiones, especialmente para los artículos que se transportan por vía aérea. Esta es una desventaja potencial para el producto comercializado internacionalmente; sin embargo, en algunos casos, el envío puede ser comparable o ventajoso con otras formas de transporte, como el transporte por camión, según las condiciones y la distancia.

Summary

LUQUE ECOLOGICO, S.L. has been committed for years to developing its operations in a sustainable and environmentally respectful manner. It was the first olive mill in the world to calculate the carbon footprint of its Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil according to PAS 2050 in 2008, with a clear commitment to work towards its reduction (PROTOCOL “CO2 Verified” in collaboration with DNV).

Furthermore, it implements agronomic management of olive groves using organic production practices and biological pest control, which provides great biodiversity in the farming ecosystem.

This strategy, which offers unquestionable benefits for the environment, had not been globally quantified in a methodologically sound manner, supported by objective and internationally recognized indicators.

Having detected market sensitivity towards receiving clear and reliable information about this strategy, LUQUE ECOLOGICO believes that these values must be conveyed and communicated in its products. For this purpose, it considers the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to be the best alternative.

Description:

An EPD® is a certified environmental declaration prepared in accordance with the international standard ISO 14025 (Type III Environmental Declarations). It provides product/service environmental information based on life cycle analysis (LCA) and other relevant information, in compliance with the standard.

We have conducted a life cycle analysis of our EVOO following the main international standards (ISO 1044) so that the results obtained can be understood objectively anywhere in the world.

The life cycle analysis covers all stages of our oil, starting with the raw materials needed for agronomy, then cataloging all operations that occur in the various agronomic processes, followed by the mill, and finally when the product leaves the company’s control anywhere in the world.

The impact categories considered for the evaluation of the impact associated with EVOO production, according to PCR 2010:07, are the following:

  • Non-renewable energy resources
  • Global warming potential
  • Non-renewable inputs
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Renewable inputs
  • Abiotic resource depletion
  • Renewable energy resources
  • Land use
  • Electricity consumption
  • Terrestrial ecotoxicity
  • Water consumption
  • Freshwater ecotoxicity
  • Photochemical oxidation
  • Marine ecotoxicity
  • Acidification
  • Human ecotoxicity
  • Eutrophication

All the processes/systems that have intervened to improve the environmental results are as follows:

  • Organic Farming Practices in the Olive Grove
  • Vegetative covers in the alleys of the organic olive grove
  • Incorporation of pruning residues into the soil of the organic olive grove
  • Reuse of process water from the mill for irrigation of organic olive groves
  • Incorporation of leaves from the mill to improve soil organic matter in the organic olive groves
  • Composting plant for the by-product from the mill (alperujo) and its subsequent incorporation into the soil for improving organic matter
  • Installation of solar panels on the mill roof for electricity supply
  • Installation of solar panels on olive groves to supply electricity to irrigation equipment
  • Use of the by-product from the mill (olive pits) as boiler fuel
  • Recovery/recycling of all auxiliary materials used in the mill and organic olive grove
Results of the Life Cycle Analysis

The most relevant data obtained, which potential consumers can assess more objectively, is the one referring to the Carbon Footprint of our product, shown below:

FOR EVERY LITER OF LUQUE ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, NEARLY 10 KG OF CO2 ARE REMOVED FROM THE ATMOSPHERE.

Companies are a fundamental agent in the fight against climate change, and some of them are already true pioneers.

At the recent Climate Summit (COP25) held in December in Santiago de Chile – Madrid, governments from all over the world met to discuss how to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, and the best business initiatives that promote sustainability and climate action were showcased to the world.

One of these initiatives was from LUQUE ECOLOGICO, S.L., as we were recognized as an Exemplary Business for Climate Actions in the “Climate Change Mitigation” category.

Our initiative was notable for:

  • Being the first agro-food product in Spain with a certified and third-party verified Carbon and Environmental Footprint (DNV)
  • Contributing to the mitigation of climate change by acting on the “hot” phases of the life cycle
  • Maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance
  • Reducing associated costs
  • Reusing by-products (pruning residues, alperujo, leaves, etc.)