Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
The picture shows a logistics hub with a forklift and shelves. Fraunhofer IML supports by making logistics hubs efficient and optimize transport processes.
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© Mixage - stock.adobe.com

Resource efficient logistics hubs & transport

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Carbon footprinting is regarded as one means of enhancing transparency on where greenhouse gas emissions are produced within a transport chain and, thus, limiting the emissions and improving the efficiency of transport and transhipment, on both the demand and supply sides of the market. In order to meet global GHG reduction targets and to realize sustainable transport chains, standardization of emissions calculation is progressing swiftly. Logistics sites have a connecting role within transport chains and play their part in contributing to overall logistics emissions.

In this field we work closely with international initiatives and organisations to further foster the development of global aligned approaches, e.g. German R&D project Green Logistics, LEARN project co-funded by the EU, the Global Logistics Emissions Council GLEC, EcoTransIT World, Sustainable Performance Monitor and others.

Guide for GHG emissions accounting at logistics hubs

This guide provides advice on how to carbon audit logistics buildings with view to logistics chain calculation (e.g. with reference to GLEC Framework and EcoTransIT World). A step-by-step description how to calculate greenhouse gas emissions of logistics sites (e.g. warehouse, distribution centers, terminals) is missing so far. The obtained carbon intensity values provide transparency to identify reasonable GHG reduction measures.

Print or online download versions are available at the Fraunhofer Verlag.

Online tool REff: Resource efficiency at logistics sites

The REff assessment tool supports businesses to measure and monitor the resource consumption and emissions intensity at logistics sites. It implements the methodology described in the »Guide for greenhouse gas emissions accounting at logistics sites« (see above).

The current version of the tool is available at https://reff.iml.fraunhofer.de and provides the possibility for data input and GHG emissions calculation at logistics sites (warehouses, transhipment sites, distribution centers etc.). Participating companies receive

  • a guided tour through the data collection for preparing the calculation of GHG emissions of one or more sites.
  • a possibility of collecting data that can easily be combined with the companies' energy auditing activities (EN 16247).
  • the calcuated annual carbon footprint per site [kg CO2e per year].
  • average emission intensity values per site [kg CO2e per tonne cargo].
  • the possibility to monitor the company's resource efficiency over the years.

Further reading & references:

Entdecken Sie Veröffentlichungen im Themenfeld Nachhaltigkeit, Kreislaufwirtschaft und ökologische Bewertung des Fraunhofer IML online – Literatur für eine nachhaltige Zukunft!
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  • Dobers, K. and D. Rüdiger: Emission intensity factors for logistics buildings. 05/2019 - download
  • Guide for greenhouse gas emissions accounting for logistics sites - link for download
  • Logistics Emissions Accounting and Reduction Network LEARN (EU co-funded project) - link
  • Carbon footprint of EBRD infrastructure projects. Development of methodology and tool - link
  • Promoting the development of harmonised carbon footprinting measures for both freight and passenger transport services in Europe (DG MOVE project) - link
  • Green Logistics (BMBF co-funded project) - link