In this era of increasing climate change and global warming, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is more than ever. Carbon footprint is increasing at an alarming rate day by day, and excess of it can lead to disastrous consequences.
There are several industries that contribute to the rise in carbon footprint. One such key contributor is logistics. Logistics sector has shown a significant increase over the past decade, and it is no surprise that emissions from different modes of transport have added to the carbon footprint of the planet.
Reduction of carbon footprint, especially in logistics, is crucial since stakeholders in today’s era are looking at ways to maintain sustainability. Sustainability, apart from benefiting the planet, also reduces costs and improves a brand’s image, and is appreciated by consumers and investors alike.
Recently, the Global Logistics Emission Council (GLEC) has launched a universal method to reduce carbon footprint of logistics supply chain. For the uninitiated, GLEC is a group of companies, industry professionals, academia, and stakeholders alike to develop, apply and advocate for a harmonised logistics emissions accounting.
The GLEC Framework for Logistics Emissions Methodologies combines existing methods to “consistently” calculate emissions at a global level across all modes of transport such as road, rail, sea, air and trans-shipment. It also carries the World Resources Institute (WRI) Built on GHG Protocol mark, making it compatible with global carbon accounting standards. This framework can be used by shippers, carriers and logistic service providers.
The combination of existing methodologies in a single framework enables the consistent and smooth calculation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, from all the freight modes like road, rail and waterways. Hotspots within the transport chains can be identified and tracked to take the necessary steps to reduce the emissions.
HP, Intel, DB Schenker and Deutsche Post DHL Group are among a few leading multinationals that have adopted this framework of GHG emissions.
Calculation of carbon footprint faces several challenges due to broad geographic scope, complexity within the supply chains as well as the widespread use of subcontractors.