The ABSF Explained: Water

Water is one of the 24 priorities of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework.

Water is one of the 24 priority issues of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework and sits under the theme of “Environmental Stewardship”.

The ABSF focuses on water use by source and consumption, particularly in areas of water scarcity and for feed production. This also includes water efficiency and water quality.

The Data

The 2022 ABSF Annual Update reported that 486 litres of water were used per kilogram of liveweight for raising cattle (2019). Data was taken from a 2019 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that assessed resource usage associated with grazing, feedlotting and associated activities of cattle production. This figure is inclusive of cropping irrigation, pasture irrigation, livestock drinking water, and associated supply losses – predominantly “green water”.

The Annual Update also reported on water use intensity in processing, with 7.6 kilolitres of water were used per tonne HSCW (Hot standard carcase weight) when processing beef in 2020. The figure represents a 13% reduction from 2008/09, when water use was recorded at 8.7 kL/t HSCW.

Snapshot of Activities

Modernisation of wastewater treatment and bio-resource recovery

An AMPC project is driving a circular economy approach to recovering wastewater. The project is developing an interactive digital design for modular wastewater treatment to assist red meat processors transition from wastewater treatment facilities to resource recovery plants. The project also focusses on ensuring environmental compliance and reducing overall carbon footprint, achieved through reduction of nutrient emissions, and diverting waste from landfill to the production of bioenergy and other bio-resources.

Advanced water-recycling trials

AMPC delivered the first containerised microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis water recycling unit to a meat processing plant in Queensland in 2022 as part of a pilot project to recycle water for non-potable uses. The project aims to help build confidence and capability around creating low-cost Class A recycled water for re-use in plant heating and cooling systems, and further drive down water intensity.