Transporting goods around the globe generates 8% of global CO2 emissions, according to the International Transport Forum.
In response to the global climate crisis and to align with the Paris Agreement, more than 600 multinationals are setting corporate-wide emission reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative.
The initiative provides companies with a clearly defined pathway by specifying how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
When it comes down to freight transport, however, most depend on collaboration with subcontracted logistics service providers and carriers to reach targets.
The new guidelines allow companies and other organizations to leverage climate action through their supplier contracts, said Sophie Punte, Executive Director of Smart Freight Centre.
The SFP Guidelines contain practical actions, building on company experiences and best practice to highlight how these can contribute to GHG emission reductions.
Companies and other organizations can use the guidelines to identify gaps and fully integrate climate and air pollution action into their procurement processes.
The guidelines were authored by global non-profit organization Smart Freight Centre and WBCSD, with input from industry through the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC).
The SFP Guidelines complement the already existing GLEC Framework for logistics emissions calculation and reporting, as part of Smart Freight Centre’s effort to help companies on their journey to zero-emissions freight.
The SFP Guidelines are part of WBCSD’s Transforming Heavy Transport project in partnership with Smart Freight Centre and the We Mean Business coalition.