The best practices for tracking emissions for last mile sustainability

The best practices for tracking emissions for last mile sustainability

Today, retail and e-commerce businesses are increasingly being held accountable for their carbon footprint and environmental impact. One area that has come under scrutiny is the delivery process, which can generate significant emissions. As a result, tracking emissions has become an essential aspect of delivery process management.  

In this blog, we will explore the best practices for tracking emissions and highlight the benefits of adopting these practices. 

Importance of tracking emissions in the delivery process  

Tracking emissions is crucial for businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact and operate sustainably. By monitoring emissions, businesses can identify areas where they can reduce their carbon footprint and improve their efficiency. Additionally, tracking emissions can help businesses comply with regulations and meet sustainability targets. 

The nShift emission tariff engine can measure emissions in real time and help drive improvements in supply chain management. It makes it possible to make decisions based on expected emissions values, to create detailed reports to meet compliance requirements, and even deeper analyses using our analytics business information tools. 

Clear goals for emission tracking 

Setting clear goals is critical for effective emission tracking. Goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable. For example, a business may set a goal to reduce emissions by 10% over the next year. Clear goals provide direction and focus, ensuring that emission-tracking efforts are aligned with business objectives. 

Utilising reliable data sources 

Accurate emission tracking requires reliable data sources. Businesses should identify trustworthy data sources that provide accurate and up-to-date information, particularly in the delivery process. For example, businesses can use fuel consumption data from their vehicles or data from GPS tracking systems. Reliable data is essential for generating meaningful insights and identifying areas for improvement. 

Regular monitoring and reporting 

Consistent monitoring of emissions is essential for effective emission tracking. Businesses should monitor emissions throughout the delivery process, from the warehouse to the final destination. Real-time monitoring provides businesses with valuable information that can be used to optimise delivery routes, reduce idle time, and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, regular reporting allows businesses to track their progress towards their emission reduction goals. 

According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, regular monitoring and reporting are crucial for tracking emissions in the delivery process. It allows companies to accurately calculate their total emissions, including those generated by the production and delivery of inputs and product packaging, as well as customer use. This is important because companies that only calculate emissions from their own production processes may greatly underestimate their total emissions.

Collaborating with partners and suppliers 

Collaboration with partners and suppliers is essential for comprehensive emission tracking. Businesses should work closely with their partners to share information and coordinate efforts. For example, the nShift library clearly identifies sustainable carriers helping our customers to track emissions and identify areas for improvement. 

Continual improvement and optimisation 

Emission tracking is an ongoing process that requires continual evaluation and optimisation. Businesses should regularly review their emission tracking processes and identify areas for improvement. Feedback loops can be implemented to ensure that improvements are made continuously. By optimising emission tracking processes, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and operate more sustainably. 

The role of delivery management software 

Delivery management software can support best practices for emission tracking. nShift's delivery management software is designed to help businesses optimise their operations for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Additionally, it can generate reports that help companies fulfil their environmental reporting obligations. 

Identify areas for improvement  

Tracking emissions is essential for businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact and operate sustainably. By adopting best practices for emission tracking, businesses can identify areas for improvement and optimise their delivery processes.  

nShift's delivery management software provides a comprehensive solution for efficient and sustainable emission tracking. Contact us today. 

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