February 16, 2024 — ELEKS proudly introduces COVERE², a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the management of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agri-food production sector. Standing for "Collecting, verifying, reporting, and reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions," COVERE² underscores ELEKS' commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Over the past 150 years, a rise of over 1°C in global temperatures has been attributed to heightened greenhouse gas concentrations, marking profound consequences for the planet and its inhabitants. While agriculture accounts for 10% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, it holds considerable promise for emission reduction through sustainable methods. Addressing agricultural emissions, particularly the significant 70% contribution from the animal sector, is paramount for combating climate change and advancing a sustainable future.
In collaboration with esteemed European partners — University of Helsinki (Finland), Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Malta)-, and Vitagora (France) — COVERE² is funded by the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT Food), a body of the European Union. This two-year project, divided into four phases, will address the pressing need for comprehensive GHG emissions management solutions in the agricultural industry.
Amidst increasing regulatory pressures and consumer demands for sustainability, agricultural companies face significant challenges in achieving net zero emissions goals. ELEKS' COVERE² project aims to bridge this gap by offering a one-stop-shop solution for managing and reducing GHG emissions. Leveraging ELEKS' proprietary technology, including the innovative DAKAR product, COVERE² provides clients with unparalleled granularity and verification of emissions data, empowering them to make informed decisions and implement impactful changes toward sustainability.
Marie-Lou Manca, Sustainability Consultant at ELEKS, stresses, "The demand for the solution is driven by new regulations, such as the EU Directive on Green Claims and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and by stakeholders' and customers' willingness to buy more sustainable products."
COVERE² is built upon a foundation of science-based principles and methodologies. Academic partners engaged in the project are responsible for conducting research activities, and the validation of the approach will be substantiated through scientific publications.
In addition, the project entails solid stakeholder engagement activities, aiming to achieve the best possible solution with the most relevant features. By establishing an Advisory Board, COVERE² is built based on continuous input and feedback from industry experts.
During the piloting phase, COVERE² will focus on the milk and dairy industry, offering clients tailored solutions to reduce carbon emissions and move closer to achieving Net Zero emissions targets. The solutions are easily scalable to all agri-food production sectors and other industries, such as energy or manufacturing. With its unique value proposition and comprehensive analysis capabilities, COVERE² positions ELEKS as a leader in sustainability management products.
"At ELEKS, we are committed to driving positive change and innovation in the agri-food sector," said Lyubomyr Matsekh, Sustainability Consultancy Practice Lead at ELEKS. "COVERE² represents our dedication to sustainability and our mission to empower agricultural companies to thrive in a greener future."
For more information about COVERE² and ELEKS' sustainability initiatives, please visit the COVERE² project page.
About EIT Food
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food is a body of the European Union committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the European agri-food sector. Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, EIT Food supports projects like COVERE² that aim to create a sustainable and resilient food system for the future.
About ELEKS
ELEKS is a trusted partner for guaranteed software engineering excellence, quality, and transparency every step of the way. The company has provided expert software engineering and consultancy services for over 30 years. Its talent pool of over 2,000+ specialists across Europe, the U.S., and the U.K. covers niches from custom software development to product design and technology advisory, making it the partner of choice for many of the world's leading enterprises, SMEs, and technology challengers.
