Specific Challenge:

In Europe, but also in other parts of the world, actions to reduce the carbon footprint of transport and logistics services as part of an integrated supply chain are gaining momentum because the industry sees this as an important domain of competition. However, there needs to be a level playing field amongst companies in Europe, and even world-wide, as regards transparency and comparability of methodologies and data used, including alignment with carbon footprint reporting from other elements of the supply chain. At the moment, the existence of different standards, initiatives and calculation tools, each with its own underlying methodology and data, makes carbon footprints practically incomparable thus hampering potential efficiency gains that would result from this measure.

The specific challenge is the establishment of a co-ordinated network, gathering regional, national and international activities and fostering communication, collaboration and consensus-building on harmonised methodologies for carbon footprint calculation along the transport supply chain. The network would also support the implementation of concrete actions in terms of carbon footprint measurement and reporting.

The work should be inclusive of the state of the art of ideas, trials and business endeavours on new mobility concepts and build on previous projects, as well as other relevant European and non-European initiatives, and with full consideration of the CEN 16258 standard.

Scope:

Proposals should address all the following issues:

―Liaison with standardisation organisations, shippers, transport operators, logistic service providers, transport and trade organisations and other initiatives with a view to align existing methodologies and interpretative rules (with particular reference to CEN 16258) at the European, and preferably at the global level

―Develop, improve and/or harmonise guidelines for the measurement and reporting of emissions from freight transport services, based preferably on Scope 3 standard[[The Corporate value chain (Scope 3) standard covers the company’s own (Scope 1 & 2) as well as sub-contracted processes (Scope 3), including all transport and location-related processes (e.g. transhipment, storage, administration, commuting). A detailed description of the transport carbon footprint calculation according to the Scope 3 Standard was published in the “Technical Guidance for Calculating Scope 3 Emissions” (WRI; WBCSD, 2011c) in 2013.]] and real world data (where possible).

―Develop mechanisms to facilitate and standardise data collection, handling, reporting and monitoring, with particular reference to data sensitivity issues.

―Evaluate real world testing and implementation of carbon footprint calculations through case studies.

―Certification of methodology and accuracy of calculations.

―Design educational tools, including training sessions on carbon foot printing of freight transport and logistics services.

―Explore conditions and develop a blueprint for the introduction of carbon foot printing certification schemes (eco-labelling).

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1 to 2 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact:

To lower the carbon footprint of transport and logistics services, actions are expected to demonstrate how the following aspects will be achieved:

―Collaborative strategies among industry and authorities for win-win solutions for transport and logistics services: greener while not more costly.

―Streamlined business processes and efficiency gains.

―Fair competition and transparent carbon footprint calculations of transport and logistics services.

―A sound proposal for introducing an eco-label for freight transport and logistics services

Delegation Exception Footnote:

This activity directly aimed at supporting the development and implementation of evidence base for R&I policies and supporting various groups of stakeholders is excluded from the delegation to the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and will be implemented by the Commission services.

Link.