A universal method for calculating the carbon footprint of logistics supply chains has been introduced, promising to standardize reporting data and make it easier to compare business's environmental performance around the world.
A new standard for calculating the carbon footprint of logistics supply chains has been released by the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC), as reported by Madeline Cuff in Business Green.
The measurement will combine existing methodologies into one framework, thus allowing for emissions to be consistently calculated across a range of transport methods, including road, rail and shipping. The goal is the widespread adoption of the new standard in green freight programs, carbon footprint calculation tools, and other related standards.
The GLEC says the standard represents international efforts and is a "milestone for shippers, carriers and logistics service providers who have been waiting for a harmonized cross-modal calculation method."
According to Cuff, a number of leading multinationals including HP, Intel and Deutsche Post DHL Group have already committed to adopting it.
"Global standards and collaboration within our supply chain are key to reducing our environmental footprint and meeting the demands of our customers," says Roger Libby, head of corporate public policy at Deutsche Post DHL. "We see the GLEC Framework as an essential tool in our own progress toward improving the carbon efficiency of our network by 30% by 2020, as compared to 2007."
