The pork industry has committed to preventing emissions of 290,000 tonnes carbon dioxide (CO2), in four successful projects recognised in the first ERF auction.

All the piggery projects were focused on the capture of biogas which is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter in effluent systems.

Effluent is collected from pig sheds and conveyed to an anaerobic treatment system which could be a covered pond or a purpose built digester. The biogas can then be used to displace fossil fuel used for heating or for combined heat and power generation.

Australian Pork Limited said that the participation of Australian pork producers in the scheme demonstrates their proactive approach to adopting renewable energy technology, and reducing resource use and environmental footprints.

Credits generated through the ERF scheme will assist producers to significantly reduce payback periods for implementation of these biogas systems.

Over the seven year life of these contracts the emissions reduction will be the equivalent of getting 11,571 houses (four person house) off the grid for one year.

Australian Pork Limited CEO Andrew Spencer said: “The results of this first auction highlights the innovative and progressive nature of Australian pork farmers, as well as demonstrating the industry is walking the talk when taking responsibility for environmental stewardship and reducing its carbon footprint.”

“The pork industry in Australia only accounts for around 0.4 per cent of Australia’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, however mitigation and utilisation of GHG’s not only minimises the industry’s environmental footprint but also acts to offset production costs.

"Additionally, it significantly assists in reducing odour issues around intensive animal production systems. A win-win situation all round,” Mr Spencer added.