A Practical Guide to Reducing CO2 Emissions in Road Freight

This guide presents a straightforward approach to measuring and curbing CO2 emissions, aligning with EU targets, targeting two main goals: developing a simple method to calculate CO2 emissions from freight transport and promoting best practices for emission reduction. The focus is on intra-European transport, emphasizing operations while excluding warehousing. Planning: A successful overall emission reduction strategy requires the following:

1. Set up a clear framework for your transport carbon reduction strategy.
2. Calculate baseline emissions for the reference year.
3. Establish realistic reduction targets with a clear timeframe.
4. Develop an action plan outlining concrete measures for emission reduction.
5. Monitor progress and report achievements annually.

Measuring Emissions: Choose the method that suits your company:

• Activity-based approach: Utilize CO2 Emissions = Transport volume x Average distance x CO2-emission factor. Exclude non-company-paid transport activities.
• Energy-based approach: Record fuel use and apply CO2 conversion factors with the formula CO2 Emissions = Fuel consumption x Emission conversion factor.

Average Emission Factors: For road transport, consider an average CO2-emission factor of 62g CO2/tonne-km. Tailor it to your operations for more accuracy. Emission Reduction Strategies: Explore opportunities to cut CO2 emissions:

• Optimize payload for better efficiency.
• Reduce empty running by fine-tuning logistics.
• Improve energy efficiency for a significant impact.

We believe that the process outlined in this guide is manageable, offering logistics firms a practical approach to measuring and reducing CO2 emissions in road freight. As customer demand for eco-friendly freight options continues to rise, adopting these emission reduction strategies becomes not only a responsible environmental choice but also a strategic business move. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and actively working towards Net Zero emissions positions logistics firms as leaders in the industry. This effort not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also serves as a crucial demonstration of dedication to meeting the evolving needs of environmentally conscious customers. By taking decisive steps toward sustainability, logistics firms not only contribute to a greener future but also secure their customers’ business by aligning with the global push for Net Zero.