Calculate the
CO₂ emissions of
your truck fleet
Reducing CO₂ emissions has become a decisive competitive advantage for transport companies and freight forwarders. At a time when sustainability and legal requirements are coming more into focus, fleet managers need to develop precise methods to calculate and actively reduce the carbon footprint of their fleet. Find out how you can calculate and monitor the CO₂ emissions of your vehicles and optimise them with modern solutions - for example by using PTV OptiFlow.
Why is it so important to determine the carbon footprint of your fleet?
Transport logistics is responsible for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. Trucks and other combustion vehicles in particular contribute significantly to the environmental impact of the transport sector. Fleet managers are therefore called upon not only to increase efficiency but also to actively reduce consumption and emissions. Precisely calculating CO₂ emissions helps to identify potential savings and plan long-term measures.
Step-by-step instruction for CO₂ calculation
To calculate the CO₂ emissions of your fleet, you first need comprehensive data. The use of emissions calculators or special web calculators makes the calculation easier and provides reliable estimates.
1. Data collection: What you need
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 km)
- Mileage per vehicle and year
- Vehicle type and emission class
- Vehicle load and capacity utilisation
This data can be used to determine precise key figures that reflect both current consumption and potential savings.
2. CO₂ emissions calculation formula
Use the following formula for each vehicle in your fleet:
CO₂ emissions (kg) = consumption (l/100 km) × mileage × emission factor (kg/l)
Example calculation:
A diesel truck with a consumption of 9 litres per 100 km and an annual mileage of 80,000 km causes:
9l /100 km × 80,000 km × 2.64 kg/l =19,008 kg CO₂
Optimisation strategies for a sustainable fleet
1. Use of low-emission vehicles
Modern vehicles with better emission classes or electric drives cause significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional combustion engines. By gradually switching to low-emission transportation solutions, you can sustainably reduce the carbon footprint of your fleet.
2. Route optimisation with PTV OptiFlow
Efficient route planning is crucial for avoiding unnecessary driven kilometres and reducing fuel consumption. With the help of PTV OptiFlow, daily tours, round trips and peak times can be optimally planned. The tool helps to reduce consumption, minimise toll costs and increase vehicle utilisation.
3. Driving behavior behaviour and driver training
Economical driving behaviour has a direct impact on fuel consumption and emissions. Through training, drivers can learn to avoid speeding and optimise fuel consumption.
4. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the fleet
A well-maintained fleet works more efficiently and consumes less diesel fuel. With regular maintenance and emissions analysis, you can ensure that your vehicles always have optimum fuel consumption.
Monitoring of emissions and reporting
1. Use of monitoring tools
Modern fleet management software makes it possible to continuously monitor overall consumption and transport emissions. This allows you to react quickly in the event of deviations and regularly improve the key figures.
2. Environmental reports and certificates of conformity
Transparent reports on environmental impact and progress in reducing emissions are essential for transportation companies. A regular analysis of greenhouse gas values promotes trust among customers and partners.
How does your company reduce CO2 emissions?
Contact one of our experts without obligation. Estimate the added value of PTV OptiFlow by analyzing your own data.
We are convinced that we can get the best out of our software for you.
Economic benefits through sustainable measures
Reducing fuel consumption and fuel costs has a direct financial impact on your company. In addition, optimised transport solutions also make it easier to comply with legal requirements and environmental certificates. Compliance with environmental standards also strengthens your company's competitiveness and promotes long-term sustainability.
Act now and reduce emissions
Calculating the carbon footprint of your vehicle fleet is an essential step towards sustainability. By systematically collecting data, applying calculation formulas and implementing targeted strategies to reduce emissions, companies can not only improve their environmental footprint but also save costs and increase efficiency. Start analysing and optimising your vehicle fleet today to actively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Your benefits of CO₂ optimiszation
Reduction of CO₂ emissions and fuel costs
Optimiszed route planning and more efficient daily routes
Improved capacity utiliszation and lower transport emissions
Regular analysis of key figures to monitor progress
Compliance with environmental standards and greater sustainability
FAQs
1. What does the Regulation (EU) “2019/1242 - CO₂ limits for heavy commercial vehicles” mean?
This regulation sets CO₂ limits for new trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles. Manufacturers must reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of their vehicles to achieve the specified reduction targets:
- 45% reduction for 2030-34
- 65% reduction for 2035-39
- 90% reduction from 2040 compared to 2019
Companies benefit from lower fuel costs if they use low-emission vehicles and modernise their fleets.
2. What role does the inclusion of the transport sector in emissions trading play?
From 2027, road transport will be integrated into emissions trading (EU ETS). Transport companies will then have to purchase certificates for their CO₂ emissions, which will increase the economic pressure to reduce them. The precise determination of emissions becomes a competitive advantage, as unnecessary consumption and kilometres can result in high costs.
The EU has developed regulations for measuring, reporting and verifying (MRV) CO₂ emissions, particularly in the logistics sector. Above a certain fleet size, companies are obliged to report annually on their carbon footprint. These reports are included in the EU Fleet Monitor, which tracks the development of emissions over time.
3. What does ISO 14083:2023 mean for the calculation of transport emissions?
ISO 14083:2023 is a globally recognised standard that helps companies to accurately record their greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. The standard defines clear methods for measuring and calculating emissions across all means of transportation - whether truck, rail, air or sea. It also promotes the comparability of data and enables a transparent analysis of the environmental impact of the entire fleet management. Companies that follow the requirements of ISO 14083:2023 receive a certificate of conformity, thereby increasing their credibility in terms of sustainability and transparency. The standard provides valuable guidance for transport companies that want to actively reduce their carbon footprint and make their transport logistics fit for the future.
4. Does the PTV software comply with ISO 14083:2023?
This process can be implemented efficiently with the PTV OptiFlow software:
- Route optimisation minimizes unnecessary kilometres and reduces fuel consumption.
- PTV software emissions analysis function calculates precise estimates of CO₂ emissions based on the standards defined in ISO 14083:2023.
- The software automatically generates reports that contain all the required key figures and serve as the basis for the ISO-compliant certificate of conformity.
By using PTV OptiFlow, companies not only meet the ISO requirements but also identify potential savings and increase the sustainability of their transport solutions. This strengthens competitiveness and signals a strong commitment to environmentally friendly logistics to customers and partners.
