Derby College Group helps create first industry-wide equine carbon calculator

Derby College Group (DCG) has helped create the first industry-wide equine carbon calculator. Technology industry leaders, Farm Carbon Toolkit, led a unique collaboration of equine academic institutions – Hartpury University, Derby College Group and Sparsholt College Group – and with equine environmental sustainability specialists White Griffin Ltd to deliver this innovative toolkit.

The tool will be free to use for small equine businesses and enable horse racing and equestrians to calculate both their carbon emissions and the potential carbon stored within their land and will be released in spring 2024

Environmental sustainability has become an industry critical topic since the White Griffin 2022 environmental sustainability report for the British Horse racing Authority, sponsored by the Racing Foundation and the 2023 reports for Horse Sport Ireland and the British Equestrian Federation outlining the risks, challenges and opportunities for both sectors. All three reports identified a need to support businesses with data collation in order to baseline carbon emissions. In doing so, businesses can understand where the majority of their carbon footprint lies and begin work to reduce emissions in those areas.

The calculator is based upon the existing agricultural tool created by Farm Carbon Toolkit, adapted to cater for the unique nature of equestrian businesses. In addition to input from the project organisations, a working group of equine businesses has been used to pilot the technology, and harness insight from Landex.

Jon Collins, Assistant Principal at DCG commented: “I started looking into the concept with Amy Robbins from Sparsholt and Rachel Collins from Hartpury College, around a year ago, as whilst I was aware of many farm carbon toolkits, I hadn’t been able to find one specifically for equine.

So, we then proceeded to create a team of experts, including Ruth Dancer from White Griffin and Lizzy Parker from the Farm Carbon Toolkit, who are leading the equine carbon calculator. I believe it should be a very user-friendly and valuable tool for equestrian centres across the country, to evidence how they are doing in relation to sustainability and achieving net zero.

So, we wanted to provide a tool that is free of charge and that the national equestrian community can use. It really has been so exciting working on such a collaborative and beneficial project.”

Director of White Griffin, Ruth Dancer, said, “This calculator will sit within an overall equine industry strategy, to help people gain an understanding both of their impact, but also of ways in which they can reduce their emissions and enhance the potential of their land for the benefit of nature and carbon sequestration.”

The equine carbon calculator will be launched to the equine industries in the spring of 2024. Interested parties in the technology may contact Lizzy Parker at Farm Carbon Toolkit [email protected].

About Derby College Group

DCG (Derby College Group) is one of England’s largest colleges with around 15,000 students, £57 million turnover and 1,300 employees.

DCG’s vision is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.

DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.

Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.

The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with around 2,000 employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

A truly diverse organisation, the Group is formed of four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall and the Community College, Ilkeston, as well as several community-based settings.

Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning school pupils on pre-16 programmes, post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.

And for delivery in 2024, DCG is creating part of The East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) this represents a far-reaching partnership between DCG, the University of Derby, Loughborough College, and Loughborough University. In close collaboration with major employers, we are working to align higher level skills training and qualifications with the region’s specific economic needs.

In addition, for 2024, DCG is creating a new, cutting-edge automotive training facilities.
The new facility will help strengthen the automotive skills of today’s learners and support the education of the next generation.