Transportation Emissions Accounting

1.0 Introduction

This module (Independent components of Isometric Certified Protocols which are transferable between and applicable to different Protocols.) describes how transportation-related emissions mustshould be calculatedconsidered infor aCarbon carbonDioxide Removal (CDR) removal (The term used to represent the CO₂ taken out of the atmosphere as a result of a CDR process.)projectprojects (An activity or process or group of activities or processes that alter the condition of a Baseline and leads to Removals or Reductions.), soas part of project greenhouse gas (GHG (Those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic (human-caused), that itabsorb canand beemit subtractedradiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of terrestrial radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, by the atmosphere itself, and by clouds. This property causes the greenhouse effect, whereby heat is trapped in theEarth’s net CO2eatmosphere (TheCDR amount of CO₂ emissions that would cause the same integrated radiative forcing or temperature changePrimer, over a given time horizon, as an emitted amount of GHG or a mixture of GHGs. One common metric of CO₂e is the 100-year Global Warming Potential2022).)) removal calculationaccounting. This module applies to all transportation modes, including transportation by trucks, rail, ships, pipeline and aircraft. Furthermore, this module applies to all carbon removalCDR pathways (A collection of Removal or Reduction processes that have mechanisms in common.), ensuring a consistently rigorous standard in how transportation emissions are quantified and reported between different carbon removalCDR projects and approaches.

2.0 System Boundaries

The emissions associated with the transportation of goods must be calculated when any mode of transportation is used to move goods between sites as part of project operations. For a CDR project, the transportation of goods includes, but is not limited to, the transportation of CO₂, feedstock, consumables and wastes. The upfront transportation of materials associated with project establishment, for example to transport construction materials to site to build project facilities, is covered under the Embodied Emissions module.

At minimum, GHG (Those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic (human-caused), that absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of terrestrial radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, by the atmosphere itself, and by clouds. This property causes the greenhouse effect, whereby heat is trapped in Earth’s atmosphere (CDR Primer, 2022).) emissions from the direct combustion of fuels in vehicles, as well as the upstream emissions associated with the production and distribution of the fuel and/or electricity must be accounted for. These system boundaries apply regardless of if the fuel is hydrocarbon-based, hydrogen, ammonia, electricity, etc.

A full cradle-to-grave (​​Considering impacts at each stage of a product's life cycle, from the time natural resources are extracted from the ground and processed through each subsequent stage of manufacturing, transportation, product use, and ultimately, disposal.)GHG Assessmentassessment (The process by which all emissions associated with a Project's Removal or Reduction process, including leakages, are accounted for.) is required for vehicles and infrastructure produced, constructed, and utilized for the CO₂ removal project. Where vehicles and/or infrastructure is not utilized explicitly for the CO₂ removal project, a proportional approach to emissions accounting can be taken.

3.0 Calculation of Transportation Emissions

3.1 Calculation Approach

Emissions are calculated as the sum of all transportation journeys, [math: j], as part of a removal [math: R]:

[math: {{CO}_{2}^{}e}_{Transportation, R} = \sum_{j}{{CO}_{2}^{}e}_{Transportation, j}]

(Equation 1)

Where

[math: {CO}_{2}^{}e_{Transportation, R}^{}] = the total quantity of GHG emissions associated with transportation of products for a removal [math: R], in tonnes of CO₂e

[math: {CO}_{2}^{}e_{Transportation,\ j}^{}] = the total quantity of GHG emissions associated with the transportation journey of a product, [math: j], as part of a removal [math: R], in tonnes of CO₂e , see below for calculations of this term

Equation (1) and Section 3 can also be followed for a batch [math: n], or for a reporting period [math: RP].

For each leg, [math: {CO}_{2}^{}e_{Transportation,\ j}^{}] must be calculated by using one of the two approaches:

(1) Energy usageUsage methodMethod: uses direct measurement of fuel or energy usage and associated emissions factors (preferred), see Section 3.2, Equation (2)

(2) TonneDistance-kmBased method: uses the distance traveled, transport mode, and load weight with associated emissions factors (acceptable if data unavailable for (1) ), see Section 3.3., Equation (3)

3

The Energy Usage Method must always be prioritized.1 CalculationWhere Approach

Equationit (1)is not possible to use the Energy Usage Method due to lack of data and Sectionthis 3is canappropriately alsoevidenced, the Distance-Based Method may be followed for a batch [math: n], or for a reporting period [math: RP]used.

3.2 Energy Usage Method

Emissions are calculated as follows:

[math: {CO}_{2}^{}e_{Transportation,\ j}^{}\  = \ F_{j}^{}\  \times \ {EF}_{Fuel,\ Transportation,\ j}^{}]

(Equation 2)

Where

[math: {CO}_{2}^{}e_{Transportation,\ j}^{}] = the total quantity of GHG emissions associated with the transportation journey of a product, [math: j], as part of a removal [math: R], in tonnes of CO₂e

[math: F_{j}^{}] = the quantity of fuel or energyelectricity consumed during the deliverytransportation journey, [math: j], from one location to another, including other induced transportation, as applicable, in massappropriate orunits volumee.g. depending on the emission factorlitres

[math: {EF}_{Fuel,\ Transportation,\ j}^{}] = the relevant fuel or energyelectricity-based emission factor for transportation for a specific vehicle type, providedin inappropriate units e.g. kg CO₂e/gal fuel or kg CO2e/MJ energy, or similar units.litre

3.3 Distance-Based Method

Emissions are calculated as follows:

[math: {CO}_{2}^{}e_{Transportation,\ j}^{}\  = \ D_{j}^{}\  \times \ W_{j}^{}\  \times \ {EF}_{Transportation,\ j}^{}]

(Equation 3)

Where

[math: D_{j}^{}] = the distance traveled for deliverythe oftransportation materialjourney, [math: j], from one location to another, including other induced transportation, as applicable, in milesappropriate orunits e.g. km depending on emission factor

[math: W_{j}^{}] = the mass of material transported as part of the transportation jounrey, [math: j] loaded onto a vehicle (truck, railfrom one location to another, car,in etcappropriate units e.)g. tonnes

[math: {EF}_{Transportation,\ j}^{}] = the weight- and distance-based emission factor for transportation for a specific vehicle type, or infrastructure asset where available, provided in appropriate units e.g. kg CO₂e/tonne-km or similar units.

3.4 Acceptable Emission Factors

For the Energy Usage Method, Emissionemission factors (An estimate of the emissions intensity per unit of an activity.) must:

• be for the specific type of fuel utilized in the vehicle (e.g. on-road diesel, biodiesel, gasoline, E-85, electricity)
• include all emissions associated with the fuel-cycle, such as direct combustion of fuel as well as indirect upstream emissions, including production and distribution of fuel or electricity

For the Distance-Based Method, emissions factors must:

• be selected for the specific vehicle type and age being utilized (e.g., Class 8 heavy-duty long-haul truck, Class 6 medium-duty truck, etc.) for the distance-based method
• account for vehicle loading/capacity utilization (e.g., 50% capacity) as appropriate
• be for the specific type of fuel utilized in the vehicle (on-road diesel, biodiesel, gasoline, E-85, etc.) for the energy usage method

• include all emissions associated with the fuel-cycle such as direct combustion of fuel as well as indirect upstream emissions, including production and distribution of fuel or electricity

  • if

  For vehiclesboth are producedmethods, constructed, and utilized explicitly for the CO2 removal project life cycle emission factors must be used instead, which account for all emissions associated with the fuel-cycle as well as construction of the vehicle(s)

4.0 Measurements - CO₂e_{Transportation, j}

GHG emissions from transportation sources must be evaluated for all transportation completed between facilities, from the gate of one facility to the gate of the next facility. Primary measurements considered in calculation of emissions are:

• [math: F_{j}^{}] (fuel/ electricity consumed)
• [math: D_{j}^{}] (distance traveled)
• [math: W_{j}^{}] (weight of vehicle load)

The fuel consumed, [math: F_{j}^{}] , mustcan be determined by one of the following methods:

• fuel/ electricity metering for vehicles, including data from calibrated on-board flow meters
• fuel/ electricity metering for pipeline transport
• fuel/ electricity usage data from fleet monitoring systems or software
• fuel/ electricity usage values provided by outputs of on-board vehicle diagnostic systems (OBD)
• fuel/ electricity efficiency (e.g. miles/gallon) data for transport vehicles used and distance travelled, to estimate fuel/ electricity use

The distance traveled, [math: D_{j}^{}], mustcan be determined by one of the following methods:

• recording of vehicle odometer reading before and after completion of trip
• recording of travel distance by vehicle fleet management system
• online mapping of route traveled using common mapping platforms (e.g., Google Maps) and exact start and end trip locations
• other justifiable methods that account for actual route traveled for each shipment

Distance traveled and fuel usage must consider:

• full round trip distance of vehicle traveled when vehicle returns to origination site unloaded, or if next destinaton is unknown; or
• full distance of one-way trip plus distance of trip to the next location of service or to final rest destination

Evidence must be provided showing the distance of one-wayevery trip onlyto the next destination if vehiclethe second option is loadedused. atWhen orno nearbyonwards destinationjourney forinformation non-projectis relatedavailable, returnthe full round trip must be assumed in calculations.

Calculations shall be completed separately for each leg of the trip ifassociated vehiclewith loadinga is differentremoval, with total emissions calculated by the sum of emissions from each leg.

Weight of the material being shipped, [math: W_{j}^{}], should be determined as loaded gross vehicle weight measured at facility gate of departure minus vehicle gross weight upon facility entry, as determined by calibrated a weigh scale.

5.0 Required Records & Documentation - CO₂e_{Transportation, j}

Required records for each transportation leg calculated using the energy-usageEnergy methodUsage Method include:

• documentation of fuel consumed
• citation and description of emission factors used

Required records for each transportation leg calculated using the distanceDistance-basedBased approachMethod include:

• weigh scale tickets or similar documentation at each location to document load weight transported
• weigh scale calibration record
• bill of lading or similar transportation documentation indicating load type/contents, quantity, and pickup and delivery location
• documentation of vehicle destination after drop off, to account for determination of inclusion of return trip
• documentation of vehicle type and class used, including, whenever possible, vehicle (i.e., truck) class and model year

Any use of book and claim mechanisms to reduce reported transportation emissions should be transparently disclosed and explained. Any meters used must be calibrated for the fuel being used both initially and at regular intervals in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

6.0 Acknowledgements

Isometric would like to thank following contributors to this module:

• Tim Hansen (350 Solutions).
• Grant Faber (Carbon Based Consulting).

7.0 Definitions and Acronyms

Independent components of Isometric Certified Protocols which are transferable between and applicable to different Protocols.

The term used to represent the CO₂ taken out of the atmosphere as a result of a CDR process.

An activity or process or group of activities or processes that alter the condition of a Baseline and leads to Removals or Reductions.

The amount of CO₂ emissions that would cause the same integrated radiative forcing or temperature change, over a given time horizon, as an emitted amount of GHG or a mixture of GHGs. One common metric of CO₂e is the 100-year Global Warming Potential.

A collection of Removal or Reduction processes that have mechanisms in common.

Those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic (human-caused), that absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of terrestrial radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, by the atmosphere itself, and by clouds. This property causes the greenhouse effect, whereby heat is trapped in Earth’s atmosphere (CDR Primer, 2022).

A collection of Removal or Reduction processes that have mechanisms in common.

​​Considering impacts at each stage of a product's life cycle, from the time natural resources are extracted from the ground and processed through each subsequent stage of manufacturing, transportation, product use, and ultimately, disposal.

The process by which all emissions associated with a Project's Removal or Reduction process, including leakages, are accounted for.

An estimate of the emissions intensity per unit of an activity.

A measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 tonne of a GHG will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emissions of 1 ton of CO₂.

A source that would be widely considered trustworthy based on the process undertaken (e.g., peer review) or origin of the information (e.g., government body).

8.0 Relevant Works

EcoInvent. (2013). Overview and methodology Data quality guideline for the ecoinvent database version 3. https://ecoinvent.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/dataqualityguideline_ecoinvent_3_20130506\_.pdf

International Organization for Standardization. (2006). ISO 14040:2006 Environmental management --- Life cycle assessment --- Principles and framework. https://www.iso.org/standard/37456.html

International Organization for Standardization. (2006). ISO 14044:2006 Environmental management --- Life cycle assessment --- Requirements and guidelines. https://www.iso.org/standard/38498.html

International Organization for Standardization. (2008). Evaluation of measurement data --- Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (ISO JGCM GUM). https://www.iso.org/sites/JCGM/GUM/JCGM100/C045315e-html/C045315e.html?csnumber=50461

International Organization for Standardization. (2019). ISO 14064-2:2019. Greenhouse Gases - Part 2: Specification With Guidance At The Project Level For Quantification, Monitoring And Reporting Of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions Or Removal Enhancements. ISO. https://www.iso.org/standard/66454.html

International Organization for Standardization. (2019). ISO 14064-3:2019. Greenhouse gases --- Part 3: Specification with guidance for the verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements. ISO. https://www.iso.org/standard/66455.html

Isometric. (n.d.). Isometric --- Glossary: Defining the terms that appear regularly in our work. Isometric. https://isometric.com/glossary

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023, April 18). Understanding Global Warming Potentials | US EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved June 14, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials

9.0 Appendix 1

Additional guidelines for choosing emission factors for different types of transportation modes.

Road:

• Resolution: The payload of the truck should be considered. Different emissions factors take payload into consideration differently. In general, higher payload utilizations translate to lower emissions on a per-metric-tonne-kilometer basis despite the increased fuel burn from transporting more mass.
• Timing: Due to relatively rapid changes in road transportation emissions regulation and technologies, utilized emissions factors should not be more than three years old. The most recent emissions factors available must be used.

Rail:

• Resolution: An emissions factor considering the source of the fuel should be used, with minimum resolution covering the use of diesel or electricity.
• Timing: Due to slower innovation in the locomotive space, utilized emissions factors should not be more than seven years old.

Ship:

• Resolution: Emissions factors matching the general type of ship (bulk carrier, tanker, barge, and cargo/container ship) and the general type of fuel (HFO, MDO, MGO, LNG, biodiesel, ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol) should be used.
• Timing: Utilized emissions factors should not be more than five years old.

Pipeline:

• Resolution: Most pipeline emissions factors are for natural gas and petroleum products and should be assigned accordingly. For transport of other products, direct energy needs for pipeline transportation should be calculated and multiplied by corresponding fuel-cycle emissions factors to estimate transportation impacts. If this is not possible, a petroleum product pipeline transportation emissions factor should be used. The natural gas factor is inflated due to consideration of methane leakage, which would not apply to most other products.
• Timing: Due to slower innovation in the pipeline space, utilized emissions factors should not be more than seven years old.

Aircraft:

• Resolution: Emissions factors for transportation via aviation should consider non-CO₂ impacts generated during combustion. Such impacts can arise from more than solely non-CO₂ GHGs due to the complex dynamics occurring during high-altitude combustion. The full impact can be determined using an appropriate radiative forcing multiplier. The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero recommends a multiplier of 1.7.¹
• Timing: Utilized emissions factors should not be more than five years old.