Methodology for calculating carbon intensity
The Eco-Freight Score for a given shipment is calculated on the basis of its carbon intensity:
where:
- D = transport distance as the crow flies, in kilometers
- W = cargo weight, in tons
- E = WTW CO2e emissions from transport, in grams
To obtain the carbon intensity of a set of transports, simply perform the following calculation:
This is a weighted average, since the equation can be rewritten as follows:
Methodology for defining associated letters
Depending on the transport's carbon intensity result, it is assigned a letter A, B, C, D or E defined by an interval.
| Eco-Freight Score letter | Carbon Intensity | Distribution of OVRSEA's transports | Distribution of OVRSEA's customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | < 13 gCO2 / t.km | 12% | 7% |
| B | 13–25 gCO2 / t.km | 24% | 22% |
| C | 25–250 gCO2 / t.km | 27% | 39% |
| D | 250–850 gCO2 / t.km | 25% | 26% |
| E | > 850 gCO2 / t.km | 12% | 6% |
Useful data and tools for calculating carbon intensity
W — cargo weight
The weight of the payload moved. In the case of containerized transport, the weight of the container must be deducted. As the vast majority of international shipments are carried on pallets, the weight of the pallets is included.
D — distance of transport as the crow flies
The geodesic distance (as the crow flies) between the point of departure of the goods and the point of arrival.
💡 Why geodesic distances are considered?
The Eco-Freight Score aims to assess the carbon impact of a service. The service being to transport a good which is evaluated based on its weight, between two locations, which are evaluated based on the distance between them.
It is important to consider this weight and distance regardless of the specific transport solution chosen.
Specifically, the distances traveled from point A to point B vary depending on the mode of transportation, primarily due to physical constraints. For example, when transporting goods from Asia to Europe, a ship travels twice as far as a plane because it is limited by sea routes.
E — WTW CO2e emissions from transport
This is the parameter most sensitive to variations. Its calculation must necessarily comply with the following criteria:
- Door-to-door: the calculation must include 3 segments:
- Pre-carriage: from the warehouse to the departure port (or airport)
- Main carriage: from port to port
- On-carriage: from the arrival port to the destination warehouse
Carbon intensity of fuel or electricity. In the case of a transport subject to the Book and Claim system, indicate the intensity of the subscribed offer and not the actual vehicle consumption.
Next steps
These data collection methodologies will evolve with the deployment of new transport modes and technologies, or with the improvement of measurement tools and methodologies.
💪 Help us enhance the methodology!
✉️ Have questions? Need help? decarbo@ovrsea.com