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Estimating energy consumption and GHG emissions in the U.S. food supply chain for net-zero

Journal Article · · npj Science of Food (Online)
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Abstract

This work provides a database of the U.S. food system’s energy consumption and GHG emissions at the national and state levels by food supply chain (FSC) stage, fuel type, and food commodity. We estimate that the U.S. FSC consumed a total 4660 TBTU (4900 PJ) of site energy, 7130 TBTU (7500 PJ) of primary energy, and generated 970 MMT of GHG emissions in 2016. Among all the stages, on-farm production is the largest energy consumer (31% primary energy) and GHG emissions contributor (70%), largely due to raising animals. Optimizing distribution can reduce the stage’s energy consumption and GHG emissions and increase products’ shelf-life. Reducing food loss and waste is another good option, as it decreases the amount of food necessary to grow, thus impacting the overall FSC. The database can help stakeholders identify stage- and region-specific strategies and measures to curtail the environmental footprint of the U.S. food system.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
2512426
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2538257
Journal Information:
npj Science of Food (Online), Journal Name: npj Science of Food (Online) Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 9; ISSN 2396-8370
Publisher:
Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English

References (7)

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A framework to quantify mass flow and assess food loss and waste in the US food supply chain journal April 2022
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Estimation of the greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural pesticide manufacture and use null January 2009
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