French logistics provider FM Logistic has started to use a new tool called Resource Efficiency at Logistics Sites (REff) to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of logistics facilities, such as warehouses and distribution centers.
The tool will be tested for six months at FM Logistic warehouses and cross-docking facilities in 12 countries, mostly in Europe. FM Logistic is planning to disclose warehouse-related emissions after the test period.
The REff tool was developed by Germany’s applied research institute Fraunhofer IML. It enables logistics providers and shippers to determine the annual carbon footprint of individual logistics sites (kg CO2e per year) as well as one average emission intensity value (kg CO2e per ton cargo).
The tool and underlying methodology are designed to help the logistics industry adopt generally accepted measurement practices for emissions of logistics sites.
“While there are industry standards to measure GHG emissions from transportation, there has not been a globally accepted approach on how to calculate greenhouse gas emissions attributed to logistics buildings. Together with our partners, we have filled this gap and welcome the initiative of FM Logistic, the first logistics operator to use the REff tool in real-life conditions,” said Dr Kerstin Dobers, senior scientist, Fraunhofer IML.