Scientific research is the foundation of the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment. As with our decades-long approach to nutrition research, the dairy industry values science as the engine for innovation and change.
A life cycle perspective
Basing the Sustainability Commitment on science helps the industry benchmark its current environmental, social and economic footprint. This benchmark can then be used to measure future progress. However, in order to accurately create a baseline and identify opportunities for future progress, the entire system as a whole must be considered.
The methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) science allows the industry to examine the environmental impact of a system in a comprehensive manner by:
- Defining a complete scope of all affected components
- Covering a broad range of environmental impact categories
- Covering the production and consumption chain from "cradle to grave"
Key research findings drive our decision-making tools, inform the development of best management practices and help establish goals and measure accomplishments for every segment of the value chain.
Life cycle of dairy products
The U.S. dairy value chain reaches from farmers and cooperatives to processors, retailers and consumers, as shown in the figure below. Understanding the full life cycle of dairy products as they are influenced by each stage of the value chain allows the industry to understand the breadth of potential opportunities to reduce costs, increase profitability and use resources more efficiently.
(Click to enlarge)
Learn more:
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Fluid Milk
Read about the study including methodology and key findings.
U.S. Dairy Life Cycle Assessment: Key Elements to a Successful LCA
Read more about the elements of a successful LCA, including key learnings from the LCA research commissioned by the Innovation Center to date.
Studies in Progress
Learn more about the additional life cycle assessment studies currently in progress on cheese and water.
Roadmap to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Business Value
The roadmap outlines the U.S. dairy industry commitment to measuring and improving its environmental, social and economic footprint.
Sustainability Projects
View the projects that are leveraging key learnings from the GHG LCA of fluid milk to reduce carbon emissions.