Video – Q&A with Marcus Lomax (1 of 3): Carbon Accounting and Reporting in Relation to ISO 14083

Ep. 1-3 with Dr. Alan Lewis: Driving Change: The Future of Sustainable Freight

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Welcome to the very first Q&A series from Smart Freight Centre Academy! In this series, Marcus Lomax, a Technical Manager at Smart Freight Centre, dives into the essential aspects of carbon accounting and reporting under the ISO 14083 standard. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series, where we explore the various approaches to calculating emissions, the differences between primary, modeled, and default data, and how to choose the most appropriate method for different contexts.

Energy-Based vs. Activity-Based Approach
  • Energy-Based Approach: This method focuses on the direct measurement or modeling of energy consumption related to transport activities. Essentially, it’s about understanding the fuel required to move a vehicle or vessel a specific distance while carrying a particular amount of goods. This data can either be obtained directly (known as primary data) or through modeling (secondary data). The emissions are then calculated by applying a fuel emission factor to this energy consumption data.

  • Activity-Based Approach: In scenarios where direct energy data is unavailable, the activity-based approach comes into play. Here, you use transport activity data—often measured in tonne-kilometers—and convert it into emissions using an emission intensity value. This method is particularly useful when only general data is available, making it a flexible option for various transport scenarios.

Data Quality and Hierarchy
When it comes to carbon accounting, data quality is paramount. Marcus highlights the hierarchy of data inputs used for calculating emissions:

  • Primary Data: This is the most accurate and representative type of data, directly obtained from energy consumption measurements.
  • Secondary Data: If primary data isn't available, secondary data comes into play, which can be either modeled or default data. Modeled data uses specific operational characteristics to estimate fuel consumption, while default data relies on industry average emission intensity values.

The key takeaway is to use the best available data for the most accurate emissions calculation. Primary data is preferred, but when it's not accessible, secondary data—whether modeled or default—serves as a reliable alternative.

What’s Next?
Stay tuned for our next video, where Marcus will explore transport activity, the different methods for calculating distances, and why ISO 14083 emphasizes using the Shortest Feasible Distance (SFD) or Great Circular Distance (GCD).

By understanding these approaches and the importance of data quality, you can significantly enhance the accuracy of your carbon accounting and reporting efforts, contributing to more sustainable logistics practices.
To understand more about GLEC Framework and ISO 14083, enroll in the courses below.

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