Transport and distribution
Transport and distribution are often where climate footprints become uncertain. Not because the modelling is complex, but because the data behind them is fragmented, estimated, or missing.
We model both storage and transport impacts across the value chain from supplier to production, and onwards to the final destination.
We do this by using a combination of your available data and default assumptions where needed.
This include:
- Transport across all supply chain stages – from raw materials to final delivery
- Storage in distribution centres based on product volume and time
- Distance-based modelling aligned with EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) guidance
- Weight- and volume-based calculations to reflect real transport constraints
- Mode-specific datasets covering road, sea, rail and air freight
Stocking and distribution modelling![]()
Stocking and distribution emissions are modelled based on documented transport datasets and EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) guidance.
The modelling includes both:
- Storage (distribution centres)
- Transport between supply chain stages
All calculations are based on distance, weight and, where relevant volume of goods.
Storage (Distribution Centre – DC)
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Electricity, heat and building impacts from storage are modelled based on:
- Product volume
- Time of storage
If specific energy consumption data is not available, default values defined in the EU PEF method are applied:
- 30 kWh/m² per year
- 360 MJ heat per m² per year (burnt in boiler)
- 10 Nm³ natural gas per m² per year
An average distribution centre is assumed to store approximately 60,000 m³ of goods.
Annual storage capacity is modelled according to PEF guidance (Annexes 1–2, 2021).
Electricity mixes are geographically specific.
Heat is modelled based on average fossil sources unless more specific data is available.
Transport modelling
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Transport emissions are calculated based on:
- Transport distance
- Weight of goods
- Transport mode
Where vehicle type is unknown, standard datasets are applied, including:
- Average diesel fueled lorry (Euro 4, >32t)
- Van transport to retail client
- Freight train (average mix)
- Barge (technology mix)
- Transoceanic container ship
- Cargo aircraft
Default transport distances follow EU PEF rules when primary data is not available.
Distance assumptions
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If supplier-to-warehouse or -retail centre distances are unknown, default PEF modelling applies (PEF Annexes 1–2, p. 42)
If only country-level information is available, road distance is calculated between country centroids and adjusted by a road factor.
Stocking and distribution emissions reflect:
- Realistic storage energy intensity
- Mode-specific transport datasets
- Distance assumptions aligned with EU methodology
- Volume-based corrections for lightweight goods
- Geographically specific electricity mixes
- 1,000 km by truck
- 18,000 km by ship (transoceanic container)
- 10,000 km by cargo aircraft
If only country-level information is available, road distance is calculated between country centroids and adjusted by a road factor in accordance with PEF methodology.
Stocking and distribution emissions reflect:
- Realistic storage energy intensity
- Mode-specific transport datasets
- Distance assumptions aligned with EU methodology
- Volume-based corrections for lightweight goods
- Geographically specific electricity mixes
Besides the transport from factory to warehouse or distribution centre, the transport to the final client is also accounted for, assuming the default scenario of PEF (PEF Annexes 1–2, p. 42).
Weight-based
vs
volume-based transport
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Transport is generally calculated per kg transported.
However, if goods are lightweight but bulky, emissions must be calculated based on volume rather than weight.
Example:
A truck load of assembled chairs weighing 5 kg per box will only occupy a fraction of the truck load capacity because it is limited by the volume of the container or trailer.
If transport becomes volume-restricted rather than weight-restricted, emissions per unit can increase significantly.
This prevents underestimation of emissions for low-density products.