CO2 balance - Multimodal logistics nodes: Extension of the CO2 balance method kit for more precise determination and allocation of environmental effects in multimodal logistics nodes

Background

The holistic view of emissions accounting and its allocation to individual customers represents a major challenge for SMEs in the logistics sector. Standards and guidelines (including ISO 14064-1, ISO 14065, DIN EN 14040, DIN EN 14044, PAS 2050) provide a basis for the determination and calculation of CO2 and CO2e emissions in this context.

Despite this considerable number of aids, there is no standardized, comparable approach to measuring the emissions of logistical processes. Due to the lack of or incomplete approaches, exact balancing and regular updating are relatively time-consuming.

An initial solution to this problem has been developed through the research results from the "CO2 balance method kit" project for determining CO2 emissions in companies in the logistics sector with a specific method kit. The modules, which can be used independently of the company, cover individual elements of the transport chain.

Until now, it has not been possible to precisely assign the emissions of a cargo unit in a multimodal transshipment terminal to these modules. As a result, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of emissions. The knowledge gained in the follow-up project MBK II and the development of a further MS Excel module make it easier to deal with the problem. The objective of the research project "Expansion of the methodological toolkit for more precise determination and allocation of environmental effects in multimodal logistics nodes" is the development of a further MS Excel demonstrator module.

Approach

In the first step, multimodal logistics nodes (e.g. CT terminals, ports) were analyzed and examined and categorized according to their individual characteristics. In the second step, collected data was validated by the project committee and expert interviews. The identification, determination and evaluation of factors influencing the consumption of individual operators in the multimodal logistics hub system rounded off the information collection and analysis. On the basis of a simulation study, it was possible to determine more precise emission values for loading units and assign them to different crane runway types than is possible, for example, by calculating total area emissions that are not specific to consumption.

Finally, an MS Excel demonstrator was developed. This takes into account relevant calculation rules as well as the results of the simulation study carried out in the project and provides a valid basis for calculating energy consumption and emissions for multimodal handling.

Intended results

The result of the research project is the expansion of the CO2 method toolbox to include a module for the more precise determination and allocation of environmental effects in multimodal logistics nodes. This was realized as an MS-Excel demonstrator. This enables the user to determine the energy consumption and the emission load in the multimodal handling process on a container basis depending on terminal loads, handling equipment and various stationary energy consumers. The results of the simulation study implemented in the project enable the user to differentiate between crane runway and crane types and thus provide more precise results. The calculation methods developed calculate the energy consumption, CO2 and CO2e emissions and differentiate between the tank-to-wheel and well-to-wheel calculation limits. Based on the resulting greenhouse gas values, the operators of multimodal logistics hubs can also identify and implement suitable measures to reduce CO2 emissions.

This project was supported with funds from the budget of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy via the AiF on behalf of the German Logistics Association (BVL).

Contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Clausen

Funding and partners

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The method kit is available for free download here.