What is
AERU?
AERU is a
dedicated research and consultancy team based in the School
of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of
Hertfordshire.
Specialising in agri-environmental science and whole farm
sustainability assessments, AERU's general objectives are to encourage
sound environmental practices on farms and to enhance the reputation
and competitiveness of agricultural and food industries across the UK,
Europe and beyond.
AERU was
established in 1994 in
order to develop the award winning Environmental Management for
Agriculture (EMA) software. A semi-formal environmental management
system for use in agricultural businesses. Since then the Unit has
completed a wide variety of research, consultancy and technology
transfer projects funded by central and local government, the European
Union and industry organisations from around the world. AERU now has a
small team of staff whose remit is to assist industry stakeholders with
the adoption of best practice techniques so as to benefit both the
sustainability of their businesses and the environmental performance of
the sector. As such we have considerable experience in areas such as:
- Developing software and
databases for pesticide fate evaluations.
- GHG emissions, land carbon
management and carbon footprints.
- Climate change mitigation
and adaptation.
- Environmental impact
assessment.
- Agri-environmental
auditing and risk assessment.
- Policy development and
evaluation.
- Developing software to
support agri-environmental management.
- Development of
environmental metrics and indicators.
Whilst our core
business remains
in agriculture and horticulture, our skills and experience now
encompass a much wider field of expertise. This includes regulatory
assessment for new chemicals and drugs, material flows and balancing
(e.g. in energy, water and waste efficiency assessments), biodiversity
and habitat management, ecosystem services, emerging environmental
contaminants, environmental and safety assessments for human foods and
animals feeds (and additives), database development and management, for
example.
Please contact us if you
would like to discuss any projects where you think our skills and
services may be applicable.
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