Racing Foundation supports industry first Stud Farm Carbon Calculator

23 Nov 2023

The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) have launched a digital Stud Farm Carbon Calculator with support from the Racing Foundation.

It is believed to be the first carbon emissions calculator developed specifically for use with horses.

The digital tool will support breeders with baselining the carbon footprint of their stud farm and modeling scenarios for reducing their future impact on the environment.

It will also enable breeders to examine their use of resources across the breeding operation with targeted changes to land management practices and energy usage likely to cut carbon emissions and save money. 

Simon Cox, TBA Trustee who has led on the development of the TBA Stud Farm Carbon Calculator said: 

“We are delighted to launch the industry’s first Carbon Calculator and to support our members with stud farms, reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately save energy. 

“There is no doubt that climate change and sustainability are already vitally important issues, and this is only going to increase.

“We are very grateful to the Racing Foundation for their support of the Carbon Calculator’s development, and we hope that we can also extend the tool further afield in the future and support other equestrian businesses.” 

With the valued support of the Racing Foundation, the TBA has been well-placed to continue raising awareness of the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment as an integral component of stud management policy. 

This approach harmonises with the primary consideration of breeders: to produce and raise healthy equine athletes for the racecourse. 

Tansy Challis, CEO of the Racing Foundation said: 

“The development of the Stud Farm Carbon Calculator is an exciting development in British racing’s sustainability journey and we commend the TBA in leading the way with this pioneering initiative. 

“The aim of the Racing Foundation is to support and improve the industry, with environmental sustainability being one of our four key areas of focus in this endeavour. 

“In time, the Stud Farm Carbon Calculator could serve not only as a tool for the thoroughbred breeding industry, but as a blueprint to support the wider industry and potentially even beyond which is a compelling prospect.”

The Stud Farm Carbon Calculator will  initially only be available to TBA Members only as part of their membership with a later release of the product to include anonymised benchmarking functionality.   You can find out more about the Stud Farm Carbon Calculator and how it works by listening to the TBA podcast which can be found here.