17-10-2023
Due to a sharpened focus on sustainability, as well as an ever-increasing list of strict requirements for monitoring and reporting, it may make sense to look into how large a role the CO2 emissions of your transports play in relation to your carbon account. This is why we have created a calculator on our website that can estimate the CO2 footprint for a specific shipment, taking account of mode of transport, distance, and weight.
Both small and large companies are increasingly interested in creating an overview of their carbon account. Many also demand to know their footprint in relation to the GHG protocol – Scope 1, 2 and 3. This is exactly what we want to help our customers with.
Freight and transport constitute some of the highest costings in the carbon account of producers of raw materials. Thus, the way in which raw materials and goods are transported plays an essential role if it is to have a positive impact on the company’s carbon account. Similarly, it is crucial to look at your choice of transport partner, as there are substantial differences in how each partner works with sustainability. You can read more about how we work for the environment at H. Daugaard here.
Calculate your estimated emissions
With our new CO2 calculator, you can calculate the estimated amount of kilograms CO2 that a specific shipment will emit. This can be valuable in situations where, for example, you are unsure whether the most suitable method of transporting your goods from Denmark to abroad is by plane, truck, ship, or rail.
You can compare respective modes of transport with each other: truck, train, plane, and ship. Next, you have to select the weight of the goods being transported, as well as where they are being sent from and to. After pressing “Calculate”, you will be given an estimate of how many kilograms CO2 will be emitted by completing the transport assignment. You can then base your decision on this by selecting which form of transport you want to select for the specific situation. The tool is highly useful if you are interested in gaining insight into, as well as making informed decisions regarding your own CO2 account – also in regard to Scope 3.
Based on standards
It is worth noting that our calculator is based on the industry standards ISO and GLEC; you can read more about them here. We are unable to comment on the CO2 emissions emitted by a specific plane or train, as this is dependent upon your logistics provider and its own eco-friendly initiatives. The actual CO2 footprint can be both higher and lower than the estimate.
So, what should you pay particular attention to when choosing a transport partner? This is what we will look at in the next section.
Choose the right transport partner
In regard to selecting a transport partner, there is significant variation between the various sub-suppliers and their emissions. Your choice of partner can have considerable consequences for your company’s CO2 reporting in Scope 3, which is the most difficult to control.
In order to achieve the lowest possible CO2 footprint, when choosing a transport partner, you should pay attention to the following:
1. Driving behaviour (for transport by truck)
The way in which a truck driver operates the vehicle has a big impact on fuel consumption. Factors such as idling, high speed, and hard braking all contribute to high fuel consumption. At H. Daugaard, we have our own lorries and drivers, which is why we can train them to drive in more eco-friendly ways, as well as react quickly if we discover that the opposite is actually the case. This can be slightly more challenging for logistics companies which make use of external hauliers. We have a complete article dedicated to eco-friendly and economical driving, which you can read right here.
2. Euronorm
Euronorm is a measure of the degree to which a vehicle is eco-friendly, including how many harmful substances it emits, including particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (also known as NOx). The substances that are emitted are both harmful to people and the environment, which is why such emissions need to be limited.
The first Euronorm (Euro 1) was issued by the EU in 1993 and its content has since become increasingly stringent. As a result, levels of pollution have decreased, despite traffic levels in Europe having increased. As of today, we are up to Euronorm 6d, with Euronorm 7 expected to come into effect in 2025.
The higher the Euronorm a vehicle meets, the less pollution the vehicle emits. So, when selecting a new transport partner, it can be of value to check which Euronorm the company’s trucks live up to. For example, all our lorries live up to the latest Euronorm – Euro 6 – which means that they pollute far less.
3. Different eco-friendly initiatives and the CO2 footprint on your invoice
When looking through the accounts, we have a tendency to focus on the main headlines and measures that really make a difference. However, there is actually a lot to be gained from the smaller initiatives as well. For example:
- eco-friendly tyres
- recycling rubbish
- how often vehicles are replaced
- eco-friendly technology in vehicles
- how much can be transported at once
When combined with each other, smaller measures, such as those listed above, can have a big impact on the transport company’s carbon account, and thus your company’s carbon account too. Read here if you are interested in learning more about how H. Daugaard contributes to the production of eco-friendly purses and bags. Moreover, at H. Daugaard, we make sure to print your climate footprint for each transport assignment on the invoice. In doing so, you are always able to keep track of how much pollution your vehicles are emitting.
4. Other solutions
The greater the number of transport solutions your transport partner offers, the better your chances of reducing your CO2 account. Different solutions provide different benefits dependent upon distance, infrastructure, quantity, and type of goods. This is exactly what you can use the CO2 calculator to work out. If you select us as your partner, you have the option of using truck, rail, and shipping.
In other words…
The CO2 calculator is a valuable tool for finding the most optimal and eco-friendly logistics solution. By making use of realistic data as a starting point, and subsequently researching possible transport partners, you can reduce your footprint in Scope 3. Not only will this make your CO2 account greener, but it will give you a better reputation among both existing and potential customers.
Calculate your C02 emissions
