Video – Q&A with Marcus Lomax (3 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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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 3 of a 3-part series, where we explore why it is important to report GHG emissions as well as emission intensities, what key information needs to be displayed in an emissions report, and the different kinds of reporting prescribed by ISO 14083 and the difference.

Why is it important to report GHG emissions as well as emission intensities?
Reporting GHG emissions gives an overview of an organization’s carbon footprint, but adding emission intensity provides crucial context. Emission intensity measures emissions per unit of activity (e.g., per tonne-kilometer), helping identify "emission hotspots." For example, air freight may account for a small portion of total emissions but has a high emission intensity, making it a key area for action. By including both, decision-makers can target efforts for greater impact.

What key information needs to be displayed in an emissions report? 
A robust emissions report must go beyond basic emissions data to ensure transparency and actionability. Here are the key elements that should be included:
  • GHG emissions: Total emissions (well-to-wheel).
  • Emission intensities: Emissions per transport unit (e.g., tonn-kilometer).
  • Transport activity data: Distances or volumes used to calculate intensities.
  • Methodology: Clear explanation of the methods and standards (e.g., ISO 14083).
  • Source of emission factors: Information on emission factors used, ensuring transparency.
Including this information helps the end user understand not just the size of the carbon footprint, but also the factors driving emissions and the potential areas for improvement.

What are the different kinds of reporting prescribed by ISO 14083 and what is the difference?
ISO 14083 provides a framework for two main types of emissions reporting: organizational level and transport service level reporting. Both types offer valuable insights, but they differ in scope and detail.
  • Organizational level reporting: Covers the full or partial transport chain of a company, segmented by business unit or geography.
  • Transport service level reporting: Focuses on specific transport chain elements, typically for service providers. It requires more detail, like breaking down tank-to-wheel and well-to-wheel emissions and including transport activity data (e.g., tonne-kilometers).

While both reporting methods share similarities, transport service level reporting requires more granular data, making it essential for understanding the environmental performance of specific services or routes.
To understand more about GLEC Framework and ISO 14083, enroll in the courses below.

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