Transport Performance Database: Benchmarking and reliable emissions data
For companies wanting to report CO2 emissions, so-called “primary emissions data” offer the most reliable data. These are data that companies measure themselves. For example, fuel or energy consumption. Unfortunately, it is not (yet) always possible to measure yourself or receive measured information from chain partners. Therefore, it is important to have reliable and useful standard values available: the “secondary data. As a counterpart to the current, popular characteristic parameters, which do not give a realistic picture of CO2 emissions, Topsector Logistics developed a reliable and easy alternative, based on primary data. The Transport Performance Database.
Current characteristic parameters fail to present correct picture
When companies use secondary data – also known as default or standard values – it is important that these match reality as closely as possible. However, the current, popular characteristic parameters are an accumulation of assumptions, for example about load factor, route driven and amount of empty miles. Accurate measurements of hundreds of carriers and shippers show that there is a lot of variation, especially between different transportation segments. One type of truck can be used for soft drinks, insulation materials or urban distribution. The footprint per shipment is different in all cases and may vary by up to 50%. Very detailed measurements in inland navigation show this variation by route and cargo type. Their default values appear to underestimate actual emissions by a factor of two to three.
Need for realistic data
To support emissions reductions, realistic default values are a must. Trendsetting companies that measure their own emissions data accurately will be rewarded. Those that are trailing are encouraged to be increasingly accurate.
To arrive at accurate CO2 default values, Topsector Logistics developed and filled the Transport Performance Database with primarily measured data from over 600 logistics companies. More data are added all the time. The Transport Performance Database provides companies with a benchmark, allowing them to compare their emissions performance with others in the segment, industry or sector. In addition, companies can use the database to fill “gaps” in their own carbon accounting.
Free access
The Transport Performance Database is open to all. Companies can register for free and use the data immediately. By selecting certain years, segments and sub-segments, they can fine-tune data and get a targeted CPI: the CO2 emissions per ton/km bird’s-eye view. This makes it easy to complete your carbon accounting reliably and in accordance with international standards, and to make a fair comparison between companies and modes. Also, this way companies avoid having to pay for emissions they do not produce.
