A model for mapping carbon dioxide emissions during freight transports at Höganas AB, Sweden

Abstract: The purpose of this report is to develop a model that identifies and reveals the total carbon dioxide emissions generated throughout in- and outbound freight transport made by Höganäs Sweden. The developed model is to be used for future environmental calculations and also act as a tool for discovering new areas of environmental improvements. During the developing process of the model a key issue was to maintain simplicity and user friendliness with the user being able to easily update the model with current values and give a quick overview of related emissions. The choice of computer software to create the model in landed upon Microsoft Excel as it is commonly used computer software which is well known and has no need to install additional software in order to use the model. Being able to easily update the model, general emission factors has been used for the different modes of transport. A consequence in this matter is the probability for occurring deviations when measuring specific transports. Therefore, the model should primarily be viewed as a calculation tool for total emission values by the company and not a tool for calculating emissions on individual levels. For single freight transports, specific vehicle type data should be utilized in order to get accurate results. Based upon model calculations it can clearly be seen that the region accounting for the largest share of CO2 emissions is Asia, which accounts for approximately 62% of the total emissions that is released during distribution. The regions which utilize transport by sea as a main mean of transport are those with the lowest emission values per ton-km. Due to the distances, it is these regions that also stand for the highest emission values per ton. As stated above, the region that represents the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions is Asia. Therefore, it is concluded that this region should be prioritized in any discussions around improvement possibilities regarding reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Other findings and recommendations from this study will primarily serve as a basis for future guidelines. In coherence with author recommendations, the developed model and its calculations should primarily be used and adapted in areas such as: • Environmental analysis of freight forwarder selections during nomination periods • Baseline during evaluation of new logistical solutions • Underlying documentation during internal / external emission evaluations • For use in promotional purposes Please note that in order to maintain the model’s usefulness, the system need to be updated at regular basis to maintain the production of true emission values. The authors recommend that these updates should occur during the company´s nomination periods, where the probability of changes is at greatest within the distribution network.