Between 2013 and 2023, almost every economic sector in the European Union managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The only exception was transport and storage, where emissions increased by around 14%, according to Eurostat. It’s a striking contrast. And a reminder that the sector at the heart of Europe’s economy still has the hardest road ahead.
That was also the starting point for Sustinere’s environmental expert Kristel Lopsik, who spoke at the 8th Online Workshop of the EasTnT project (“Strengthening Sustainable and Digital Trade Routes and Logistics Concepts between Eastern Partnership Countries and the EU”). The event, organised by the Transport Innovation Association and supported by GIZ, gathered government officials and logistics companies to explore how the sector can adapt to European climate ambitions and the tightening regulatory landscape.
Regulations that reshape the map
In her presentation, “Essentials to European Climate Change Regulations and Market Practice – What to Know, Consider and Do?”, Kristel provided a concise overview of the frameworks that define the new playing field for transport and logistics:
- CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) – mandatory disclosure of Scope 1–3 emissions for large and listed companies.
- ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) – new requirements for carbon footprint and lifecycle data through the upcoming Digital Product Passport.
- CPR (Construction Products Regulation) – environmental performance disclosure for construction-related goods.
- ETS and MRV Regulations – covering power, industry, aviation, and now maritime and road transport under ETS 2.
- CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) – reporting embedded emissions in imported goods.
Together, these policies are shifting how companies account for climate impact. “Understanding how the different frameworks connect is crucial,” Kristel noted. “They are not separate boxes to tick but parts of one system pushing businesses toward transparent, data-based management.”
Methodology as a foundation
From regulation, Kristel moved to methodology – outlining how GHG emissions are actually measured and managed. The main standards include the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1, and the GLEC Framework for logistics-specific calculations.
Each serves a slightly different purpose, but the principle is shared:
to quantify an organisation’s direct and indirect emissions, understand their sources, and establish a baseline for reduction.
She also walked participants through the five-step process of compiling a reliable GHG inventory:
- Set boundaries. Define organisational units and activities within Scope 1–3.
- Collect data. Gather annual data on energy use, fuel, materials, and processes.
- Analyse impacts. Apply relevant emission factors and calculate totals.
- Report transparently. Indicate scopes, exclusions, and base-year comparison.
- Plan next steps. Define reduction targets and improve data quality over time.
For transport and logistics companies, this process comes with sector-specific nuances. Transport operators with their own fleets primarily report under Scope 1, while logistics service providers typically account for emissions under Scope 3. Kristel emphasised that including Scope 3 data is good practice, as it reveals the full value-chain impact and supports science-based target validation.
From compliance to competitiveness
The practical value of GHG calculation goes beyond meeting EU rules. It allows companies to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimise fleet efficiency, and strengthen their market position in customer tenders where low-carbon transport increasingly makes the difference.
“Transport is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise,” Kristel explained. “Every effort matters. From switching fuels to improving logistics planning. Reliable data is the key that enables all of it.”
Our take
For Sustinere, the invitation to share expertise at this international workshop reflects a broader shift we are seeing among Baltic companies. Sustainability expectations are no longer confined to heavy industry or manufacturing. Transport and logistics are next in line.
Our role is to make that transition practical. Through climate impact assessments, carbon footprint analysis, and digital tools that simplify data collection and reporting, we help companies build the methodological backbone needed to act with confidence.
Because ultimately, counting emissions is not about bureaucracy. It’s about understanding where change begins. And how each tonne of CO₂ avoided strengthens both the climate and the business behind it.