BIFAlink
Policy & Compliance
www.bifa.org
Measuring and calculating your greenhouse gas emissions
Over the last two years BIFAlink has included various articles on the environment and sustainability – and how Members may wish to consider addressing issues connected with these subjects. It is quite clear that sustainability is a large topic impacting both our commercial and private activities. Also, it is evident that many environmental activists appeal to the public emotions, whilst businesses require hard facts for them to enact the policies that will deliver long-term environmental improvements. Whilst nobody doubts the importance of the transport sector, it is the largest-emitting sector of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, producing 24% of the UK’s total emissions in 2020 (406 MtCO 2 e). It is estimated that HGVs probably account for approximately 18% of all GHG emissions. No-one at BIFA is an expert on environmental issues, but we are gaining a wider understanding of the subject. As part of the transport sector, clearly carbon and related GHG emissions are especially important to BIFA Members. Key to cutting emissions The other fact that has become clear is that measuring these emissions is crucial. Because if you do not measure, you cannot record and thus work out what to do or how to reduce GHG emissions. Our initial suggestion is to do something relatively simple. For instance, you know that using power creates emissions – why not measure your gas and energy consumption? Some utility companies send very detailed reports allowing you to understand and begin reducing your energy usage. At this stage do not worry about calculating the carbon emitted. Over time, maintain records of how you get on reducing your gas and electricity usage. Only then consider calculating the amount of carbon generated in order to generate the power consumed. Calculating emissions, coupled with technological developments, will provide the answers on how to cut greenhouse gases
These sorts of calculations, which will largely be based on the DEFRA carbon calculators, are relatively simple. Calculating GHG emissions becomes a lot more complex when actually moving cargo because of the different modes involved. Since August, the BIFA website has hosted a carbon calculator that is currently free to use. This will allow Members to provide accurate GHG calculations for moving cargo by any
mode, to and from various destinations. The calculator can be accessed at
www.bifa.org/information/carbon-calculator and we would encourage Members to use it. Whilst a standalone offering, Members can contact the provider with a view to integrating it into their own systems. Rather than gluing heads and hands to the road, calculating emissions coupled with technological developments will help provide the solution to current problems in this area.
8
December 2022
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker