EMISSIONS ACCOUNTING
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Dr. Jane Goodall
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Kestrel Nest EcoHut
As part of our Ecotourism Australia certification, we collect data on greenhouse gas emissions associated with Kestrel Nest.
We used to collect data and report via Carbon Neutral, but this proved insufficient for our needs. We now collect and report data and our reduction plan via Carbon Halo and their Tourism Emissions Reduction Commitment across Scopes 1, 2 & 3.
As such, we have set a new benchmark year, FY 2024-2025, where our emissions totalled 4.9 tonnes.
We have also outlined our Emissions Reduction Plan for the current financial year.
Whole of Farm
In addition, in May 2024,the Natural Capital Profile of Highfield Farm and Woodland was assessed for the calendar year 2023. This involved the calculation of our greenhouse gas emissions from our farming and livestock operations and fuel consumed, including the fuel emissions from Kestrel Nest operations. This assessment also took into account our environmental projects conducted on the farm.
Results
- Total whole of farm annual emissions – 176 tCO₂-e
- Estimated on-farm sequestration – 310 tCO₂-e
- Estimated net position: Carbon Positive – +134 tCO₂-e
Methodology – National Stewardship Trading Platforms Calculator (planr.gov.au).
Disclaimer
- CY 2023 estimates
- Not ACCU-certified or tradeable
The NSW Local Land Services Natural Capital Profile indicates:
- Estimated Net Carbon Position – Based on the 2023 Natural Capital Profile, Highfield is estimated to sequester more carbon than it emits annually (approx 134 tCO₂-e surplus)
- Insetting (rather than offsetting) – This is the sequestration that occurs on our own land and relates directly to our operational footprint. This is a stronger and more authentic position than purchasing offsets. In other words we are taking responsibility for our own emissions.
- Natural Capital Value – This indicates our commitment to:
- Biodiversity and carbon stewardship
- Regenerative land management
- Internal carbon balance
Measuring our wider impact
Emissions accounting is one part of how we measure our environmental and social impact. Our 2025–2026 Impact Report records the practical actions we are taking across Highfield Farm & Woodland, from protecting 222 hectares of Box Gum Grassy Woodland and enhancing 111 hectares of native temperate grasslands to establishing more than 5,000 locally native plants since Kestrel Nest EcoHut opened.
We also direct 20% of Kestrel Nest income to our EcoFund, supporting environmental projects here on the farm.
Our commitment extends beyond our own boundaries. We support local and regional producers and businesses, donate native seed to community revegetation projects, share our knowledge through schools, conferences and research, and contribute 5% of income to organisations working across education, health, welfare and social justice.
By measuring and reporting these outcomes, we can remain accountable, identify where we can do more and ensure Highfield Farm and Woodland continues to make a positive contribution to the land, our community and the future.
Your bit
We are doing what we can to minimise our emissions, and as you can see, we are estimated to be capturing more greenhouse gases than we emit. It’s over to you now.
What can you do to reduce your emissions?
LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGHFIELD FARM & WOODLAND
OUR SUSTAINABILITY PROMISE
Two-thirds of Highfield protects Box Gum Grassy Woodland – a critically endangered habitat. This habitat now only exists in 5% of its former range. The remaining one-third of Highfield is largely native grass pasture. Disturbingly native temperate grasslands only exist in 1% of their former range and yet are not protected. These statistics have resulted in us considering the whole of Highfield as a site for environmental repair.
This is our purpose, our motivation.
At Highfield, everything we do is aimed at addressing the climate and extinction crisis, increasing biodiversity, protecting our soils and improving the health of our waterways.
