The Data Difference: Why Primary Sources Matter in Emissions Calculations

by VesselBot’s Marketing Team

October 2, 2024
The Data Difference: Why Primary Sources Matter in Emissions Calculations

In today's sustainability-focused business landscape, accurate emissions calculations have become not just a best practice but a regulatory requirement. The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) both emphasize the critical importance of using primary data for reliable sustainability reporting and emissions calculations. The ESRS requires companies to disclose information on their material impacts using quantitative metrics. At the same time, the SBTi states that "companies must use data that is most representative of the actual fuel and energy consumption." Similarly, the GHG Protocol prioritizes primary data for its accuracy and reliability. As companies strive to meet these stringent requirements and reduce their carbon footprint, the data quality in emissions calculations can make a significant difference.

Understanding Primary Data vs. Default Data

Primary data refers to real-time, specific information collected directly from the source. In the context of emissions calculations, this includes actual distances traveled, specific vehicle characteristics, real-time utilization rates, and precise fuel consumption figures. On the other hand, default data relies on industry averages, historical trends, or generalized assumptions that may not accurately reflect the unique aspects of a particular shipment or journey.

The "VesselBot" Advantage: Harnessing the Power of Primary Data

At VesselBot, we've built our GHG Monitoring System on the foundation of primary data, utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide unparalleled accuracy in emissions calculations. Let's explore some key areas where primary data makes a significant difference:

1. Actual Distance with Intermediary Stops

Default data often relies on straight-line distances between origin and destination. In contrast, VesselBot's system uses real-time tracking to capture the actual route taken, including all intermediary stops. This is particularly crucial in sea transportation, where vessels may make multiple port calls or deviate from the most direct route due to weather conditions or operational requirements.

In our recent Red Sea report, we highlight a striking example of marine route deviation. Houthi Rebel attacks forced major carriers to bypass the Suez Canal, taking the longer route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This detour significantly impacted travel times. For instance, the average Singapore-Southampton journey, typically around 26 days, stretched to over 41 days post-attacks. This contrast underscores the real-world consequences of such disruptions on maritime trade routes and the importance of accurate voyage monitoring.

2. Specific Vehicle Characteristics

Rather than using generic vehicle profiles, VesselBot's approach considers the exact specifications of the trucks, vessels, and aircraft used in transportation.

For example, to calculate air emissions, we create a specific twin model of each aircraft type, including information like tail number, ICAO and IATA codes, cargo capacity, passenger capacity, engine Type, version-Generation, MTOW, range, and fuel consumption. When requesting the emissions data for a specific shipment, VesselBot recreates the exact flight data of each shipment, along with the aircraft type that was executed.

3. Real-Time Utilization Capacity

Load factors can significantly impact emissions per unit of cargo. VesselBot's primary data approach captures the actual utilization capacity for each journey.

To put it in simple words, the Utilization Factor represents how full a truck is for its journey, and the CO2 Emission Intensity measures how much CO2 is emitted per unit of cargo transported. Lower intensity means the vessel is more efficient. There is a clear link between utilization and intensity:

  • Lower utilization (emptier truck) leads to higher CO2 intensity (less efficient).
  • Higher utilization (fuller truck) leads to lower CO2 intensity (more efficient).

In conclusion, to reduce CO2 emissions in transportation, it's important to maximize truck utilization.

4. Actual Speed and Fuel Consumption

Speed is a critical factor in fuel consumption and, consequently, emissions. VesselBot's system uses real-time speed data for more precise calculations.

For example, our detailed analysis includes vehicle speeds, RPM, odometer values, and fuel consumption while the vehicle is moving, as well as when it is stopped, parked, or performing loading operations. We combine this data with the type of engine, fuel used (diesel, biodiesel blends, or alternative fuels), and the emissions class where applicable (Euro 5, Euro 6, etc.). Vehicle and/or trailer characteristics and shipment properties, such as volume and weight, are also used to determine the load factor and appropriately attribute emissions.

5. Real-Time Weather Conditions

Weather can have a substantial impact on fuel consumption and emissions. VesselBot incorporates actual weather data into its calculations.

During a transatlantic voyage, our system detected strong headwinds that increased fuel consumption by 18% compared to calm weather conditions. This level of detail is typically overlooked when using default data.

6. Shipment/Vehicle/Voyage-Date Specific Emissions

Every shipment is unique, and VesselBot's approach treats it as such. By considering all the specific factors of a particular journey on a given date, we provide highly accurate, shipment-specific emissions data.

In a recent report on routes destined for Welkenraedt, Belgium, we compared truck and rail transport. The analysis showed that truck routes to Welkenraedt can exceed 0.7 tons of CO2 per journey, with some reaching 2 tons. Comparing them with rail transports, we were able to suggest that switching to rail could result in significant CO2 emissions reduction, even when cargo weight exceeded that of trucks by several thousand tons.

The Impact of Primary Data on Decision-Making

The use of primary data in emissions calculations goes beyond mere accuracy. It empowers sustainability and supply chain professionals to make informed decisions that can have a real impact on their organization's environmental footprint:

  1. Identifying Hotspots: Primary data reveals specific areas where emissions are highest, allowing for targeted reduction strategies.
  2. Carrier Selection: Accurate, carrier-specific data enables companies to choose the most environmentally friendly options for their shipments.
  3. Route Optimization: Detailed insights into actual routes and their emissions impact can inform better planning and optimization efforts.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: As regulations like the EU ETS become more stringent, primary data ensures that companies have the most accurate information for reporting and compliance.
  5. Continuous Improvement: Real-time, specific data allows for ongoing monitoring and refinement of emissions reduction strategies.

In the quest for sustainable supply chains, the difference between primary and default data can be the key to unlocking meaningful emissions reductions. VesselBot's commitment to using primary data, coupled with our advanced digital twin technology and real-time tracking capabilities, provides sustainability and supply chain professionals with the tools they need to make a real difference. By embracing the power of primary data, companies can move beyond mere compliance to become true leaders in sustainable logistics.

As we navigate the complex challenges of climate change and environmental responsibility, let's remember that every data point counts. With primary data, we're not just calculating emissions – we're paving the way for a more sustainable future, one shipment at a time
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