Carbon Data: More Available Than Ever
Carbon data for freight transport is more available today than it has ever been. New methodologies, digital tools, and regulatory requirements are making it easier for shippers to quantify their transport emissions. However, significant disparities still exist between providers, methodologies, and data quality.
The 4 Key Challenges of Measuring Freight Emissions
1. Homogeneity & Scope
Different methodologies can yield very different results for the same shipment. Ensuring consistent scope and boundaries across all calculations is essential for meaningful comparisons and tracking progress over time.
2. Accuracy
Emission calculations can range from rough estimates (using average emission factors) to precise measurements (using actual fuel consumption data). The trade-off between accuracy and feasibility is a constant challenge for shippers.
3. Collecting Data
Gathering the right data from carriers, forwarders, and other supply chain partners remains one of the biggest obstacles. Data is often fragmented, in different formats, or simply unavailable.
4. Leveraging Data with Indicators
Raw emission numbers mean little without the right indicators. Shippers need to translate data into actionable KPIs — such as grams of CO₂e per tonne-kilometre — that can drive decision-making.
GHG Scope: CO₂ Only vs. CO₂e
A common source of confusion is whether to measure CO₂ only or CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e):
- CO₂ only — Captures the most significant greenhouse gas from fuel combustion but misses other GHGs
- CO₂e — Includes methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and other gases, weighted by their global warming potential. This gives a more complete picture, especially for modes like maritime (where methane slip from LNG engines matters)
Emission Scope: WtT, TtW, and WtW
The scope of what you measure dramatically impacts the result:
- Well-to-Tank (WtT) — Emissions from extracting, refining, and transporting fuel before it’s used
- Tank-to-Wheel (TtW) — Emissions from burning the fuel during transport (direct combustion)
- Well-to-Wheel (WtW) — The sum of WtT + TtW, covering the entire fuel lifecycle
🎯 Best Practice
Well-to-Wheel (WtW) is the current best approximation for measuring freight emissions. It captures both the upstream fuel production impact and the direct combustion emissions, giving the most complete picture of your freight carbon footprint.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to measure, discover the levers available to reduce your freight emissions: How to Reduce Freight Emissions?