Analysis of the environmental impact from transportation

The results from the study have shown that the most common emissions from combustion are similar or larger for the total transportation than from the production site. Accordingly, it is important to make an effort to decrease the environmental impacts from transport and realize that this area is as important as working with environmental improvements directly connected to the production.

Time needed to perform the study depends on the amount of different transports and transport companies involved in the study. The possibility to get information about the transported goods from logistic departments is also crucial as well as the number of people involved in the data seeking process and where these people are situated in the organization. If a group of people is involved in the data seeking process, it is important to make sure that everyone uses the same terminology and collects transport data in the same format. Regular meetings are often necessary.

Sometimes, it is difficult to get information from transport companies, especially about fuel consumption and emissions per transported ton*km. It is often better to keep the questionnaire to the transport companies short and simple than the other way around. In this way, the transport company is more likely to answer all questions quickly and correctly.

Business value
The environmental impact can be in the same range for transportation as for production at sites. By analyzing the environmental impact of transportation, sub optimization can be avoided as it becomes clear where improvements make the largest difference. Otherwise, the focus of improvements might be placed on activities that do not have as much impact on environment as transportation. 

Furthermore, if the demands of authorities are accomplished and reasonable measures are followed; unreasonable demands and high costs for lawyers can be avoided. Being one step ahead of legislation and demands from authorities decreases the risk of costly surprises, because you are well-prepared for coming changes. Finally, a company earns goodwill by working with the entire supply chain.