Primary data as the key to decarbonization

Challenge: Defining the transport carbon footprint based on actual consumption data

Weigand Transporte was in the process of reviewing its entire operations from a sustainability point of view, including its fleet operations but also areas such as business travels or food served at the company canteen. However, its actual carbon footprint and potential emissions savings were not yet measurable. Through the collaboration with shipzero, Stefan Weigand wanted to gain clear insights into the status quo of CO₂ emissions based on actual consumption data of his fleet and thereby set a baseline for defining clear decarbonization targets and measures.

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Weigand is not yet directly affected by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) or other sustainability reporting frameworks. But the scope of companies that need to start reporting expands annually and Weigand is already impacted indirectly through larger customers that need to start reporting.

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In order to formulate a comprehensive sustainability strategy, Weigand wanted to be able to use granular emissions data as a basis for defining measurable decarbonization targets. The establishment of the right data infrastructure and management system was needed, alongside raising awareness for the important role of data in driving decision-making.‍‍

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‍"Protecting the climate and sustainability have always played an important role at our company and as a logistics service provider operating in the road business, our carbon footprint is naturally high. But how high exactly – that's what I wanted to know."

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Solution: Determining transport emissions using primary data

shipzero established connectivity to the telematics system used by Weigand and enabled the integration of transport data into the data platform. Fuelling operations at the company's own fuel station are also tracked. As a result, calculations are based on over 90 percent primary data which is the most precise method for calculating emissions.

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Data clarification reports highlight errors or inconsistencies in Weigand's data base, ensuring that the calculations of transport emissions are based on the best possible data foundation. Through regular audits from shipzero, the data quality is enhanced and maintained. shipzero accurately tracks the effects of using alternative fuels, and biofuel emission intensity per tour can be compared with other fuel types.

"We have a number of larger customers that need to start reporting and will sooner or later request information on the CO₂ emissions of their shipments. When that time comes, we want to be prepared and able to provide the data without a big amount of manual effort."

Results: Data-based foundation for measurable decarbonization

Weigand has established the ability to create automated emission reports at shipment and customer level through linking consumption data with order data. This provides the foundation for addressing sustainability reporting and customer demands.

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Weigand now has the necessary database to demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative fuels as well as to identify and initiate further sustainability projects with significant savings potential. Instead of relying on gut feeling, Weigand can now use data to evaluate various fuels and economically steer reduction measures.

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Outlook: Expanding measurements beyond transport emissions

Weigand has done the groundwork for calculating its carbon footprint. In collaboration with shipzero, the tank specialist is looking to advance its efforts further by identifying and quantifying additional reduction measures.

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Currently, Weigand primarily tracks its transport emissions. In the future, measurements are to be extended to other areas such as warehouse operations, transshipment and tank cleaning. The goal is to comprehensively track the entire portfolio.

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