Building an accurate footprint strategy with Blonk’s Environmental Footprinting Modules
Digital Solution for Albert Heijn
An increasing number of companies have become more focused on taking climate responsibility, aiming for more sustainable practices and product portfolios. However, implementing a consistent footprint monitoring strategy remains a significant hurdle. Obtaining reliable supply chain data and expert knowledge on environmental footprinting and accurate calculations can be challenging. Blonk's multidisciplinary team, skilled in environmental footprint analysis, software engineering, and data generation, is here to support. We have created specific modules for footprint management that can be flexibly utilized to empower you to assess your environmental impact throughout the agri-food value chain. We support Albert Heijn with various Environmental Footprinting Modules to automate their CO2-footprint calculations of fruit and vegetable products.
Digital solutions to advance sustainability in the agri-food sector
Depending on a client's needs, we can combine specific Environmental Footprinting Modules to create a customer-centric solution for addressing their footprint challenges and advancing sustainability. Our scientifically grounded modules are flexible and easily scalable. Instead of disrupting existing workflows, Blonk's modules seamlessly integrate with existing data and analytics platforms through software interfaces (APIs).
Albert Heijn
Automated CO2-footprint calculations of fruit & vegetable products
For Albert Heijn, a Dutch retailer, we utilize various Environmental Footprinting Modules to support them with largescale data collection among 600+ farmers globally, and consistent product footprint calculations of specific fruit and vegetable products. Albert Heijn has set several sustainability goals, including the reduction of scope 3 emissions in their fruit and vegetables supply chains. One of the challenges for the retailer lies in the collection of primary data on a large and geographically diverse scale and using the collected data for product-specific carbon footprint calculations, aligned to the latest calculation guidelines. Eventually, the insights, gathered within this project, will empower Albert Heijn to set up meaningful emission reduction programs, improve their supply chain, and contribute to a more sustainable society.
Blonk’s Environmental Footprinting Modules support Albert Heijn through a phased approach:
Data Collection
Primary data collection among 600+ fruits and vegetable farmers worldwide through online questionnaires.
Data Validation
Validation process for data quality combining Albert Heijn's and Blonk's domain expertise.
LCI Generation
Generation of Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data, using Blonk's specialized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Modules, like the 'Crop Module' for Albert Heijn's crop data needs.
High-quality Background Data
The generated LCI’s are combined with background life cycle data from Agri-footprint and ecoinvent to create a complete inventory of the product life cycle.
LCA Impact Calculation
In-house LCA calculator computing several environmental impacts, such as the carbon footprint, in line with European environmental footprinting guidance (PEF).
Result Interpretation
This module provides a clear contribution analysis, which helps Albert Heijn to identify main footprint contributors and plan sustainability and reduction strategies.
The flexibility of the modules makes it possible to expand the scope of the project, and for instance add additional impact categories, or extend the scope of the calculations by broadening the system boundaries.
Key features of Blonk’s Environmental Footprinting Modules
> Modular set up
Our approach is module-driven and customer-centric: you can tailor your solution by mixing and matching relevant modules.
> Scalable and Extendable
Our solution can handle many calculations in parallel and can scale dependent on client needs. Add more functionality as needed throughout your customer journey and integrate with your existing BI and data platform solutions.
> Scientific foundation
Built on the latest scientific advancements and international guidance, such as EU PEF and IPCC, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
> Cloud based
Utilizes modern cloud technologies, providing you scalability for many calculations, while maintaining data availability and security.
Available Environmental Footprinting Modules
Data Collection
Gather accurate primary data by sending questionnaires up and down the value chain with Blonk’s data collection module.
Data Validation
Ensure data quality through a validation process that combines client’s and our domain expertise.
LCA Modules
Leverage Blonk’s expertise in LCI data generation, using specialized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Modules for Crops, Animal Systems and (Food) Processing.
LCA Impact Calculation
Our in-house LCA calculator swiftly and reliably computes a broad spectrum of environmental impacts, such as the carbon footprint, in line with European environmental footprinting guidance (PEF).
Result Interpretation
Simplify environmental impact analysis with our Result Interpretation module. It provides a clear contribution analysis, helping clients identify main footprint contributors and plan sustainability and reduction strategies.
Import/Export
Import and export the results in common LCA data formats (SimaPro .CSV / ILCD XML).
More information
Get in touch
If you're looking to establish a reliable footprint monitoring strategy for your operations and achieve accurate environmental assessments for your company, products, or supply chains, but lack the necessary in-house expertise, please contact Bart or Meike to explore the possibilities of using Blonk’s Environmental Footprinting Modules.
Bart Durlinger
