EARTH verifies first government-owned farm as C-neutral

“Obtaining C-neutral verification is something we are really proud of. In our case, we committed ourselves 100%,”comments Director of EELD Xinia Solano, shown here receiving the award from Edmundo Castro.

On Thursday, June 26, EARTH University presented a certified declaration of carbon neutrality to the Los Diamantes Experimental Station (EELD) a farm owned by the Research and Technology Transfer Unit (INTA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).

To achieve this status, EELD completed a carbon inventory to identify the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) produced by the farm. They then took actions to reduce their carbon footprint by installing a biodigester, removing air conditioning and replacing traditional light bulbs with LED lights in homes and offices.

According to Gina Paniagua Sánchez, Deputy Minister of MAG, EELD’s certification is a milestone for the agricultural sector in the area, which has been taking great strides in recent years and has become an example for the rest of the country. “EELD has now become a great place to learn about carbon neutrality and how to produce without polluting or contributing to climate change,” said the Deputy Minister.

“The carbon neutral process consists of five steps: conducting a GHG inventory, reducing emissions, completing carbon sequestration or compensation projects, verifying these actions and delivering the certification. EARTH is proud that EELD has successfully passed the five stages; undoubtedly this organization is an example of environmental advocacy,” said Edmundo Castro, coordinator of the Carbon Neutral Unit.

Carbon neutrality requires continuous improvement, which is why EARTH will continue to coordinate annual verifications with EELD to assure their C-neutral status.

The Carbon Neutral Unit at EARTH University is accredited by the Costa Rican Accreditation (ECA) to validate and verify companies in C-neutrality.