Comparability of calculated emissions in freight transport

Abstract

In 2007 freight transport had a transport volume of 650 billion tkm in Germany. According to forecasts (Prognos AG) it will increase up to 1200 billion tkm by 2050 (BMU 2009). Without significant changes to working practices it is to be assumed that this will result in an increase of related energy consumption, CO2, and CO2e. At the same time, the EU has stated, that CO2 emissions should be reduced by 20% by 2020, compared to the levels of 1990. In this context so-called green logistics become an important topic for producers, shippers and logistics service providers. Several companies in Europe follow a green strategy and calculate their CO2 emissions already in order to identify the emissions’ sources and to reduce energy consumption. Currently a wide range of different methodologies and tools for CO2 emission calculation are in use by the various actors. For being able to compare and combine emissions along various supply chains and their elements, a common methodology and standard is needed. COFRET, the EU part-funded project for the Carbon Footprint of Freight Transport, will develop a methodology and a framework for a standard procedure for the calculation of carbon emissions, considering all modes of transport in the supply chain. First common indicators of already existing and used tools, databases and methodologies have been identified and current gaps have been analysed. Once the COFRET methodology has been drafted it will be tested through real-case scenarios by key stakeholders. It is the aim of this paper to present an overview on the current initiatives for the development of a pan-European CO2e emission calculation standard and to present the first findings of the COFRET project with a focus on identified needs and requirements of users and stakeholders towards a usable, viable standardised emission calculation methodology for supply chains.