The Verified Ammonia Carbon Intensity (VACI) program, a voluntary certification of the carbon footprint of ammonia production at a specific facility, was recently launched by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). VACI is designed to provide ammonia consumers seeking to reduce emissions across their supply chains with an independent and certifiable carbon intensity score.
Ammonia is essential for fertilizers because it provides crops with nitrogen, which helps them grow. Certain production methods for ammonia may generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) due to the use of natural gas, some of which may be released into the atmosphere.
Currently, no official certification or classification accurately reflects the CO₂ emissions of these different ammonia production methods—only a confusing color-coding system that identifies the production process.
Some may have heard of terms like “grey ammonia” or “green ammonia” in the news. This classification system emerged in the 2010s as a way to quickly identify the ammonia production method. However, it is not scientifically based. There are seven color codes for ammonia production methods, and while they might tell you how it was made, they don’t consider the CO₂ impact.
For example, some plants may use electrolysis to produce ammonia. While the ammonia production plant may have very few emissions, the accurate measure of CO₂ released should also look at the energy source. If it’s a coal-burning plant with no CCS, the CO₂ emissions could be high. However, if the energy source is mixed, for example, coal and solar, there would be lower emissions. This means two producers could use the same production method but with vastly different CO₂ emission levels. As a result, the production method alone does not offer insight into the environmental impact or efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions.
That’s where VACI comes in. It certifies ammonia facilities that are actively reducing their emissions while producing ammonia. Unlike traditional labels that classify ammonia by production method, the VACI program quantifies carbon intensity. This shift moves the focus from production methods to measurable emissions, enabling meaningful improvements in carbon reduction.
Investing in Low-Carbon Solutions
The VACI program encourages innovation in low-carbon technologies. Producers are motivated to adopt greener methods, such as incorporating renewable energy and improving CCS efficiency. These steps help reduce the carbon intensity of ammonia for fertilizer and energy use, contributing to global sustainability goals.
Benefits of the VACI Program:
- Transparency: VACI provides a clear, independent way to track emissions reductions, ensuring public trust in the data.
- Accountability: Producers must meet rigorous standards, demonstrating their commitment to lowering carbon emissions.
- Credibility: Third-party audits enhance trust among consumers, regulators, and investors.
A Path Toward Long-Term Sustainability
VACI certification is more than just a seal of approval. It’s a meaningful, measurable way to create transparency between producers and the public. By participating in this certification, ammonia producers are recognized for their efforts to reduce carbon footprints and align with global climate targets. These initiatives are essential for building a sustainable agricultural future and, ultimately, a cleaner, healthier planet for all.
For more information, visit our website at verifiedammonia.org.
