Methodology applied

In this section, we outline EmissionsReport’s formal methodology for calculating the environmental impact of transportation activities, converting greenhouse gas emissions into CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e). Our approach adheres to the GLEC Framework V3 and the GHG Protocol’s principles, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

We analyze a wide range of transportation and hub operations, both nationally and internationally. Our methodology includes the total carbon footprint of an organization’s freight transport and hub operations, encompassing areas such as direct operations, energy procurement, and subcontracted operations.

Our estimates are based on user-provided data and are regularly updated with the latest emission factors and methodologies. However, certain exclusions apply to our framework, which are specified in this section.

Calculation Method

EmissionsReport exclusively analyzes the environmental impact and converts greenhouse gases (as per the Kyoto Protocol) into a metric ton CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) based on selected activities. Calculations made in connection with EmissionsReport handle data entered by the user in the provided software and associates NGS – Nordic Green Solutions A/S specific emissions related to this activity as per GLEC Framework V3 and relies on calculations supported by the GHG Protocol’s accounting principles. The GLEC Framework aims to cover all freight transport and hub operations along the transport chain. This covers transport operations from national to international levels, anywhere in the world. Transfer points on a journey, such as ports or warehouses, where goods are transferred, stored, or repackaged, are also included. They are collectively classified as hubs. Furthermore, in accordance with the scope of ISO 14083, freight transport using pipelines and cable cars is added to this GLEC Framework V3.

An organization’s carbon footprint from its freight transport and hub operations, according to GLEC Framework V3, is the sum of emissions from all transport chains, taking into account emissions from the organization’s own operations, purchased energy, and subcontracted operations (Areas 1, 2, and 3), as well as emissions across the full fuel/energy lifecycle. This applies to organizations that are transport providers as well as their customers. GLEC Framework v3 covers all these aspects.

The GLEC Framework provides a separate approach for calculating emissions from black carbon in the “Black Carbon Methodology for the Logistics Sector”. This black carbon calculation approach was developed by Smart Freight Centre, UN Climate and Clean Air Coalition, International Council on Clean Transportation, and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay team as an optional element for GLEC Framework v2 and is also included as an optional (“informative”) appendix to ISO 14083.9. The Black Carbon Methodology provides a method for calculating emissions from black carbon following the same principles as the GLEC Framework.

The default conversion is always to CO₂e, which is the standard unit used to represent the global warming potential of various GHGs according to their Global Warming Potential (GWP). Therefore, CO₂e is used throughout the GLEC Framework in accordance with ISO 14083. GHGs included in ISO 14083 and GLEC Framework v3 are:

CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CH4 Methane
CFCs Chlorofluorocarbons
HFCs Hydrofluorocarbons
NF3 Nitrogen Trifluoride
N2O Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
PFCs Perfluorocarbons
SF6 Sulfur Hexafluoride
SO2 F2 Sulfuryl Fluoride

Based on the user’s input of route, provider, weight, and distance, the total CO₂ equivalence burden for the particular activity is calculated. An intensity factor is always used, relating to the relationship between CO₂e and the transported quantity. The company processes the data entered by the user and expects it to always be accurate and reliable. The choice of rows in EmissionsReport is solely based on the user’s input. The company is not responsible for the accuracy of the entered values.

Assumptions

The estimates in EmissionsReport are calculated based on the environmental impact of different activities in each stage line and is accumulated so that the total CO₂e emission for the entire supply chain is included. Since emission factors and databases are constantly changing and being updated over time, EmissionsReport is considered always current. Data is continuously updated and refreshed as needed. Our NGS – Nordic Green Solutions A/S software is dynamic and continuously adjusted to the latest data basis and methods. The latest version of the software will always be available through the Company.

Exclusions from GLEC Framework and assumptions regarding entered data

Not included in the calculation of GHG emissions are:

production and supply processes for refrigerants;
waste produced;
processes at the administrative (overhead) level in the organizations involved in transport services;
processes for the construction of vehicles and transport or transshipment equipment (e.g., embedded GHG emissions associated with vehicle production);
Maintenance of vehicles or transshipment and (dis)embarkation equipment and scrapping of these;
processes for construction, service, maintenance, and demolition of transport infrastructure used by vehicles, e.g., roads, inland waterways, or railway infrastructure, or transshipment and (dis)embarkation infrastructure;
businesses located within a hub, such as retail and hospitality services, whose functions are separable and secondary to the transport operation at the hub.

Note: The results of any kind of carbon sequestration activities or trading in GHG emissions are excluded. These are not part of the transport chain’s GHG emission calculation or qualified to track progress relative to science-based targets for the transport sector, although they may be included in subsequent environmental reporting and requirements from an organization, depending on the basis on which the requirements are made.