National Fishermen Producers Cooperative Society
264 t
LOBSTER & CONCH PRODUCED IN 2023
2.95
KgCO₂.EQ / Kg PRODUCTO FINAL
50+
YEARS OF COOPERATIVE OPERATIONS
48%
STAFF USING ZERO-EMISSION TRANSPORT
Overview
Established over 50 years ago, the National Fishermen Producers Cooperative Society (NFCS) is the second-largest fishers' cooperative in Belize. With seafood processing operations in Belize City and receiving facilities in both Belize City and Placencia, the cooperative produces lobster tails, lobster meat, finfish, and conch — all fished by local fishers — and employs around 60 staff during peak seasons. In 2024, NFCS became the first fisheries cooperative in the region to achieve Carbon Measured certification from Green Initiative, establishing a credible emissions baseline and committing to year-on-year reductions.
Challenge
NFCS needed to understand and quantify its full carbon footprint across a complex supply chain — from fishing vessels at sea to processing, refrigeration, packaging, and logistics. The cooperative sought internationally credible measurement aligned with global standards to unlock new markets and demonstrate climate leadership within an industry with limited sustainability benchmarks.
GI's Approach
Green Initiative conducted a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment covering all emission sources: fuel consumption by fishing vessels (mobile sources), electricity use for processing and refrigeration, packaging materials, employee commuting, and ancillary operations. The full inventory was measured against international lobster industry benchmarks and structured to comply with the Green Initiative certification cycle and applicable international standards.
Carbon Footprint — Key Findings
48.8%
of total emissions from electricity consumption and distribution for processing and refrigeration
38.2%
of total emissions from fossil fuel consumption and production by fishing vessels
Only 3%
of emissions from packaging materials such as cardboard boxes — well below industry norms
48%
of employees commute using zero-emission transport such as walking and cycling
"“The Carbon Measured Certification is just the beginning of a continuous journey to further reduce emissions and promote sustainability. NFCS is committed to continuing its sustainable practices and leading climate action in the fishing industry.”"
GI Services Deployed
