Reporting of energy efficiency in freight transport and evaluating the effects of efficiency measures

Kuljetusalan energiatehokkuuden raportointi ja tehostamistoimenpiteiden vaikutusten arviointi

The pressure towards freight transport sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions is growing continuously. In Finland, a target for improving the energy efficiency by 9 % during 2008-2016, in accordance to the European energy services directive, was set in the energy efficiency agreement for freight transport and logistics. However, the targets and the reality faced by freight transport companies do not seem to meet. Small companies, such as the majority of Finnish freight transport companies are, do not have enough information, know-how or resources to improve their energy efficiency. The situation is also made worse by lack of standards on reporting energy efficiency, unclear target-setting and inadequate follow-up of achievements. The aim of this study was to clarify the targets of energy efficiency, related reporting and evaluation of efficiency measures, as well as the expectations of transport customer towards environmental reporting. Literature review and surveys were used as research methods. As a result of this study, the target of the energy efficiency agreement for freight transport and logistics was expressed as a single figure for the first time. Top-down and bottom-up methods and related sources of information for evaluating energy efficiency are also presented in this report. Company-level issues in reporting energy efficiency land evaluating efficiency measures are illustrated with a calculation example. The improvement of energy efficiency will directly reduce the costs and improve the profits of a freight transport company. A company which handles the reporting of energy efficiency and emissions well can also gain competitive advantage in the eyes of transport customers. Reporting and monitoring the achievement of energy efficiency targets, does, however, require further clarification of common principles, which requires collaboration between all stakeholders. This report may be found at http://www.tut.fi/liku/tutkimus/energiatehokkuus.pdf

Language

  • Finnish

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01334376
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Finnish Transport Agency
  • ISBN: 978-952-15-2486-8
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Mar 28 2011 2:37PM