CI Scores

How is Carbon Intensity Scored?

The reason Carbon Intensity is evaluated for a score is so that there is a real, concrete number that measures effectiveness. Without an actual CI score, you’re essentially guessing about your carbon footprint – and could end up applying efforts and resources in the wrong direction.

Knowing your CI Score helps ensure you get the most bang for your buck for all the practices you are already doing to be sustainable on your farm. 

The Lower Your Score - The More You Can Earn

Another reason CI scores have been getting a lot of attention in the agriculture industry lately is because of the potential to solve one of farming’s longest-standing challenges: Price Control. 

Historically, growers have had little to no control to establish their own price for their crops… Until now.

Thanks to the lucrative 45Z tax credits, grains that are produced with lower total carbon emissions are highly desirable to end-users in the biofuels industry. Like anything, high demand means higher prices, especially if you have the right kind of supply. 

Remember, every point you can bring your CI score down from industry averages, the more profitable it is for biofuel refiners… and for you. 

Reducing Your CI Score

Once you know your CI score, the next step is finding ways to lower it. Here are just a few of the top methods that can help lower your score:

1. Yield– higher yields spread emissions over more bushels, lowering the average score
2. Plant a cover crop
3. Implement reduced or no till
4. Reduce inputs – Such as NPK, fuel, and chemicals
5. Apply manure

In general, the more you compound these practices, the lower your CI score will be. The lower the score, the more value provided to the ethanol industry, allowing you the ability to negotiate a higher price for your grain