EU agrees single methodology for transport GHG calculations

The European Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on a preliminary deal to establish a single EU methodology for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport services.

• Main action: The agreement sets a common EU methodology for counting emissions from vehicle use and energy provision during transport operations; companies are not obliged to calculate emissions but, if they do (for reporting, contractual or marketing purposes or when required by other EU rules), they must apply the common methodology. The deal prioritises primary data over default estimates and includes incentives for operators that measure emissions directly.
• Implementation details and timelines: The European Commission is committed to develop a public, simple and free calculation tool (with a manual) within four years; the Commission must also assess the possibility of expanding the methodology to include life-cycle emissions (manufacturing, energy production, maintenance, end-of-life) within four years after the new rules start to apply. The new rules would apply four and a half years after publication and entry into force. Additional specifics: incentives and ISO standard application are noted for SMEs to reduce administrative burden.