Transport remains one of the most carbon-intensive sectors in the global economy, responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions and deeply intertwined with trade, mobility and economic growth. Recent research indicates global GHG emissions from the transport sector to be 8.4 GtCO₂e (gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent), with road transport alone contributing about 11% to global emissions. In the UK, transport accounts for approximately 26% of national emissions, making it the highest-emitting sector, according to the government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan published in 2021. Across Europe, the European Commission highlights transport as the only major sector where emissions have continued to rise since 1990, underscoring the scale of the challenge. For organisations operating within logistics, freight, aviation, maritime, road transport, outsourced mobility services or supply chain movement, the capacity to demonstrate credible emissions reduction is fundamental to competitiveness, compliance and long-term operational resilience. Hence why the assessment of carbon footprint has become a critical foundation for an effective transport decarbonisation strategy. Without a consistent and scientifically robust baseline, organisations cannot understand the true nature of their emissions, identify where reductions are achievable and demonstrate alignment with national and international policy frameworks.
Why is There a Need for Carbon Transparency in the Transport Sector?
Pressure on transport operators is escalating from multiple directions. Governments are tightening regulations and linking public sector contracts to emissions reporting. Private clients, particularly in retail, FMCG, automotive and manufacturing, now expect logistics partners to account for and disclose their environmental impacts. The financial sector is increasingly directing investment towards organisations with credible transition pathways. And, perhaps most significantly, the pace of innovation within zero-emission technologies requires operators to make long-term decisions supported by data, not assumptions. Key initiatives shaping transport decarbonisation include:
- The UK’s Decarbonising Transport – A Better, Greener Britain establishes a clear national vision for a net-zero transport system by 2050, with accelerated action in areas such as heavy-goods vehicle (HGV) electrification, sustainable aviation fuels, modal shift and maritime efficiency. The plan emphasises that emissions reduction begins with transparency, stating that meaningful progress cannot be made “without a clear understanding of current and future emissions”.
- This sentiment is echoed across Europe. The European Commission’s climate action programme outlines the ambition to reduce transport emissions by 90% by 2050, requiring all operators to adopt robust measurement frameworks. Businesses that cannot demonstrate transparent emissions data risk losing access to cross-border operations as EU environmental regulations intensify.
Organisations operating in the transport sector must take into account their company’s carbon assessment as essential for aligning with these initiatives. It is within this environment that the value of a structured corporate carbon footprint assessment becomes clear.
Understanding Transport Sector Emissions: A Complex, Multi-Layered Landscape
Transport emissions are highly variable and influenced by numerous operational, behavioural and technological factors. Unlike stationary emissions in manufacturing or energy systems, transport emissions fluctuate daily based on vehicle type, route profile, congestion, fuel quality, driving behaviour, weather patterns, refrigeration loads, cargo weight and modal mix. This complexity underlines the importance of using a scientifically recognised carbon footprint assessment methodology to establish a consistent baseline.
Transport emissions typically fall across three primary scopes:
- Scope 1, covering all direct emissions from owned vehicles, vessels, or aircraft. For logistics providers, this often represents the majority of total emissions, particularly where fleets rely on diesel HGVs or refrigerated vehicles.
- Scope 2, covering emissions from purchased electricity used in depots, terminals, ports, and charging infrastructure. As organisations transition to electric vehicles, Scope 2 becomes increasingly important.
- Scope 3, covering everything from subcontracted freight and well-to-tank emissions to business travel, commuting, procurement, and end-of-life processes. In many transport organisations, Scope 3 can represent over 80% of the total footprint, particularly for operators with large subcontractor networks or significant procurement intensity.
Learn More: What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions?
Because these categories span such a wide operational landscape, the assessment of carbon footprint requires the careful setting of boundaries, thresholds and comprehensive data collection. Without a structured approach, many organisations risk overlooking major emissions sources, particularly within outsourced logistics, fuel supply chains and infrastructure.
How the Assessment of Carbon Footprint Works in the Transport Industry
A structured company carbon assessment typically follows a staged approach aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064. However, the specifics are tailored to the operational realities of the transport sector.
1. Defining Organisational and Operational BoundariesBoundary-setting is more complex in transport due to subcontractors, cross-border operations, joint ventures, leased fleets and multimodal services. The chosen approach (equity share, operational control, or financial control) determines which emissions the organisation must account for. Getting this stage right ensures the assessment is both accurate and compliant with the transport decarbonisation plan requirements.
2. Data Compilation and Quality Control
Transport data can be challenging to consolidate due to varied sources, formats and geographical differences. High-quality assessments draw on:
- Fuel consumption data
- Telematics systems
- Odometer readings
- Depot energy usage
- Refrigerated trailer data
- Route planning information
- Subcontractor activity logs
- Procurement information
- Transmission and distribution emissions for electricity
Without rigorous validation, datasets of this scale can introduce inaccuracies. This is why organisations increasingly rely on third-party sustainability scientists to ensure consistency and completeness.
3. Emissions CalculationOnce validated, data is processed using a recognised carbon footprint assessment methodology and aligned with national emissions factors (e.g., DEFRA). Calculations cover direct combustion, electricity use, subcontracted activity and other relevant categories.
4. Hotspot Identification
The completed baseline highlights where emissions are concentrated. For most transport operators, hotspots include HGV fuel consumption, refrigeration energy, idling, empty running, and inefficient route patterns. Identifying these hotspots enables targeted decarbonisation interventions.
5. Reduction Pathways and Strategic Modelling
Using the baseline, organisations can model future emissions scenarios under different strategies:
- Fleet electrification
- Hydrogen fuel transition
- Low-carbon drop-in fuels
- Route optimisation
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Cold chain efficiency enhancements
- Supplier engagement initiatives
This step links data directly to real-world decision-making.
6. Reporting and Disclosure
As clients and regulators demand transparency, organisations increasingly report their findings within annual sustainability reports, investor disclosures and procurement documentation. A credible corporate carbon footprint assessment supports compliance and demonstrates leadership within the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Accelerating developments in electric HGVs, hydrogen technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, maritime innovation and digital optimisation are reshaping the industry’s future. But these developments must be integrated into a coherent strategy built on evidence that aligns with results from the assessment of carbon footprint within the organisation.
The Bottom Line
Transport is a complex, multi-layered system, and decarbonisation presents significant challenges. Yet the sector also holds enormous potential for accelerated progress. Achieving this progress requires a measured, data-driven approach grounded in scientific rigour and aligned with national and international frameworks. At the centre of this approach lies the assessment of carbon footprint. It provides the baseline, insights and strategic pathways that transport organisations need to navigate the transition ahead. Learn how Tunley’s sustainability scientists can support your organisation with tailored sustainability and decarbonisation support for transport operations.