10 March 2023

CLECAT SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE MEETS

The CLECAT Sustainable Logistics Institute met today to exchange views on the latest developments regarding sustainability policies affecting transport and logistics at national and EU level. Members discussed the revision of the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles, the future EU framework for calculating and reporting transport and logistics emissions, the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the political developments related to the Fit for 55 Package. 

Members received a briefing on the proposal revising the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles. For reference, the proposal was adopted by the Commission on 14 February, and strengthen the emission reduction targets for new HDVs, up to 90% by 2040. CLECAT provisionally welcomed the proposal, noting that strengthening the targets are essential to accelerate the transition towards zero-emission trucking and bring the emissions of road freight transport in line with the Paris Agreement and Europe’s climate ambition. CLECAT will prepare a more detailed policy response, in line with its  position paper published in November 2022. 

Members took note of the upcoming publication of the ISO 14083 standard on the calculation and reporting of GHG emission from transport and logistics, which is expected this month. The much-awaited international methodology would bring a level-playing field for GHG emissions accounting facilitate behaviour change. It is therefore crucial that the upcoming ‘CountEmissions EU’ initiative (expected in June 2023), setting a harmonised EU framework for calculating and reporting emission of transport emissions should be based on this international methodology.

Members were briefed on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) which updates and strengthens the rules on social and environmental information on which companies have to report. The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has been mandated to develop the EU Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which sets the detailed disclosures requirements for companies. The first set of cross-cutting standards is soon to be adopted by the European Commission, while sector-specific standards – including transport – are currently being in construction. CLECAT will monitor the opening of the various public consultations related to the developments of the ESRS and prepare its feedback when necessary.

Finally, members received an update on the policy development related to the Fit for 55 Package. While many files have already been agreed between the Parliament and the Council (ETS, EED), many proposals are still being discussed, including AFIR, FuelEU Maritime or ReFuelEU Aviation. CLECAT will continue to make sure freight forwarders’ position is heard by policymakers to ensure a fair and sound transition towards fully decarbonised supply chains.