How can CO2 emissions from freight transport be reduced?

While international freight transport must see its emissions fall by 64% by 2050 to meet the commitments of the Paris Agreements, more than 60% of shippers have not yet set goals for the decarbonization of their transport.

In this article, we propose a framework for reflection and action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with freight transport.

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Emissions from international freight transport

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Freight transport is responsible for 30% of emissions generated by the transport sector What represents 7% of global CO2 emissions.

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In a context of strong growth in demand for freight transport (x2 by 2050), it is urgent for shippers and public authorities to make strong commitments in favor of the decarbonization of the sector.

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To achieve the goals set by the Paris Agreements, CO2 emissions generated by freight transport would have to be decrease by 64% by 2050 (according to the OECD and compared to 2015 levels).

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Identify emission factors

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Before looking at solutions to reduce freight emissions, it is crucial to identify the factors that influence these emissions.

THEKaya equation is here to help us.

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Created by Japanese energy economist Yoichi Kaya within Environment, Energy, and Economy: strategies for sustainability (1997), this equation highlights the various levers for reducing CO2 emissions.

In particular, it reflects the debate between proponents of degrowth who advocate sobriety and supporters of technological progress who emphasize efficiency (reducing the carbon intensity of energy).

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Levers of sobriety

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1. Transport demand

Transport demand, expressed in T.km (ton per kilometer), represents the total quantity of goods transported over a given distance. It is the first lever for reducing emissions (producing less or producing closer) but also the one on which logistics teams have less control.

example : A company can optimize its supply chain to reduce the distance travelled by its goods, for example by relocating its production.

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2. The modal shift

Modal shift consists in moving from a high-emission mode of transport (such as air or road transport) to a cleaner mode of transport (such as rail or maritime transport). In the Kaya equation, it represents the distribution of your use of the various modes of transport (expressed as a percentage of t.km).

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3. The occupancy rate

This is the average use of the mode of transport. The higher the occupancy rate, the overall fewer kilometers traveled, which reduces emissions per ton of goods transported.

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Technological levers

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Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy needed to move a ton of goods over one kilometer. Improving this efficiency makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and, therefore, CO2 emissions.

example : A truck fleet can be modernized to include vehicles equipped with more fuel-efficient engines and technologies such as tires with low rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption per kilometer driven.

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The carbon intensity of energy

The carbon intensity of energy depends on the quantity of CO2 emitted by the energy used. By reducing the carbon intensity of energy, we can reduce the CO2 emissions associated with transport.

example : Once the truck fleet has been modernized, it is still possible to fuel it with biofuel or biogas to reduce carbon emissions per liter of fuel consumed

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The levers available to shippers to take action

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Shippers have the power to influence four emission factors:

• ‍Transport request
• ‍Fill rate
• ‍Carbon intensity of energy
• ‍ Modal report

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However, two factors should be prioritized: The carbon intensity of energy And the Modal report.

Indeed, they are key to achieving a maximum reduction in emissions.

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Modal report

Passer From air to sea and from road to rail or river. It is the most effective lever because:

• it allows CO2 savings of up to a factor of 100 (between air and sea) on the most emitter part of transport, inter-continental transport.
• the changeover can happen quickly because shippers often master these different transport methods
• it does not require massive investments and may even reduce the transport budget

Sometimes, switching to rail is not the best solution, as its emissions depend heavily on the country's energy mix. Indeed, many countries still produce a significant portion of their electricity using coal-fired power plants.

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Carbon intensity of energy

• Opt for transport powered by alternative fuels (biofuels, LNG, SAF) if available.
• In addition, once you have chosen your mode of transport, be sure to partner with transport companies that use green energy, have a recent fleet, or are optimizing their routes.

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Other actions (not exhaustive)

• Increase the occupancy rate of FCL transport (load optimization, load consolidation and asset sharing).
• Choose the transport with the fewest stops.
• Relocating - producing more locally.

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