In today’s world, where global warming and climate change are rapidly increasing their impact, the environmental responsibility of the logistics sector is more prominent than ever. Carbon emissions generated during transportation and storage activities directly bring the concept of carbon footprint to the forefront. At this point, it has become critically important for companies to accurately calculate their carbon footprint and implement green logistics strategies in order to ensure environmental sustainability and gain a cost advantage.
What is Carbon Footprint? Its Importance in Logistics
Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of individuals, organizations, or industries. In the logistics sector, the largest cause of these emissions is transportation based on fossil fuel consumption.
Importance:
- Reducing Environmental Impact: Logistics companies protect nature by reducing carbon emissions.
- Cost Advantage: Reducing fuel consumption directly lowers costs.
- International Compliance: Complies with regulations such as the EU Green Deal.
- Corporate Reputation: Environmentally friendly companies become more valuable in the eyes of customers.
Therefore, reducing carbon footprint is no longer just a social responsibility, but also a necessity that provides a competitive advantage.
Carbon Footprint Calculation Methods
Carbon footprint calculations clearly reveal the environmental impacts of logistics operations. The most commonly used methods are:
- Fuel Consumption Calculation: The fuel consumed per liter by vehicles is multiplied by a specific CO₂ emission factor.
- For example, 1 liter of diesel fuel emits approximately 2.68 kg of CO₂.
- For example, 1 liter of diesel fuel emits approximately 2.68 kg of CO₂.
- Energy Usage: Electricity and natural gas consumption in warehouses and offices is included in the calculation.
- Transport Mode Analysis: Evaluation of road, air, sea, and rail transport based on their separate emission factors.
- International Standards: Reporting in accordance with ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocol.
Thanks to these calculations, companies can identify which processes have high emissions and take preventive action.
Primary Sources of Carbon Emissions in the Logistics Sector
The most significant factors increasing carbon emissions in the logistics sector are as follows:
- Road Transport: Diesel-powered trucks and lorries.
- Air Transport: Aircraft are one of the largest sources of emissions due to their high fuel consumption.
- Maritime Transport: Although relatively efficient, it generates significant emissions due to the use of heavy fuel oil.
- Storage Activities: Cooling systems, lighting, and vehicles such as forklifts increase energy consumption.
- Empty Runs: Empty container trips lead to unnecessary carbon emissions.
The analysis of these resources forms the basis of sustainable logistics strategies.
Carbon Footprint Analysis by Transportation Mode
Each mode of transport produces different emission values in terms of carbon footprint:
- Air transport: Transporting 1 ton of cargo 1 km ≈ 500–600 g CO₂.
- Road: Average 120–150 g CO₂/ton-km.
- Sea transport: Has the lowest emission rate at 10–40 g CO₂/ton-km.
- Rail: Average 20–30 g CO₂/ton-km, an environmentally friendly alternative.
This analysis demonstrates that logistics companies must consider not only cost but also environmental impacts when selecting modes of transport.
What is Green Logistics? The Fundamentals of Sustainable Transportation
Green logistics refers to sustainable practices that aim to minimize the environmental impact of logistics activities.
Basic strategies:
- Alternative Fuels: Using electric, hybrid, or LNG-powered vehicles.
- Route Optimization: Reduce fuel consumption by taking shorter routes.
- Digitalization: Minimizing empty trips with vehicle tracking systems.
- Energy-Efficient Storage: Save energy with solar panels, LED lighting, and smart cooling systems.
- Waste Management: Increasing the recycling of packaging and materials.
Green logistics provides companies with a competitive edge by offering long-term cost advantages alongside environmental awareness.
The Role of Digitalization in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Digitalization is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions in the logistics sector. Smart logistics systems, route optimization software, and IoT-based solutions both reduce fuel consumption and accelerate transportation processes.
- Route Optimization: Artificial intelligence-supported systems determine the shortest route, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption.
- Vehicle Tracking Systems: Vehicles’ real-time locations are tracked with GPS integration, reducing empty trips.
- Warehouse Management: Digital inventory tracking systems prevent unnecessary storage times.
The transparency provided by digitalization enables companies to report their carbon emissions and achieve their sustainability goals more easily.
The Use of Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles in Logistics
The use of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles instead of fossil fuels is a great opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Electric Trucks: Reduce emissions to zero in urban distribution.
- Hybrid Vehicles: Reduce fuel consumption over long distances.
- Renewable Energy: Solar and wind energy can be used to meet the energy needs of storage facilities.
As electric logistics fleets become more widespread in developed countries, investments in this area are also increasing in Turkey. This transformation provides both environmental responsibility and long-term cost advantages.
Energy Efficiency in Storage and Distribution Processes
Warehouses are one of the points in the logistics chain where carbon emissions are concentrated. The following practices are highlighted to increase energy efficiency:
- LED Lighting Systems: Provides savings of up to 60% compared to traditional lighting.
- Thermal Insulation: Prevents energy loss in cold storage facilities.
- Automation Systems: Ensures more efficient operation of forklifts and transport vehicles.
- Smart Cooling: Energy usage is optimized with temperature and humidity sensors.
Energy efficiency not only reduces carbon emissions; it also lowers storage costs.
Carbon Footprint Reporting and Certification Processes
Transparent reporting of carbon footprints is critical for companies to establish their sustainability roadmap.
- ISO 14064: An international standard for calculating and reporting carbon footprints.
- GHG Protocol: A global methodology used in preparing greenhouse gas inventories.
- Carbon Neutral Certificates: Documents obtained for the offsetting of emissions.
Through these processes, companies demonstrate their environmental friendliness to customers and business partners while also complying with regulations.
Green Logistics and Sustainable Transportation Solutions with Hazar Logistics
Hazar Logistics provides professional support to companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and implement green logistics strategies.
Service advantages:
- Digitalization-focused logistics solutions,
- Electric vehicles and eco-friendly transportation alternatives,
- Energy-efficient storage and distribution management,
- Carbon footprint reporting and consulting services.
Hazar Logistics’ sustainable transportation solutions enable businesses to gain an environmentally conscious brand image and increase their competitiveness in the international market.
