The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG Assists Members in Decarbonization

The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG is intensifying its efforts regarding the decarbonization of road transport. To ensure uniform recording and declaration of CO2 emissions, a new “Fair Carbon Player” is now available. The new guideline aims to achieve a standardized approach across the entire industry.

(Bern) The Swiss road transport sector is actively committed to Green Logistics. For years, there have been innovative concepts to reduce CO2 emissions, whether through continuous renewal of vehicle fleets, optimized route planning, or the formation of company networks aimed at avoiding empty trips. The goal is net zero by 2050 at the latest, as decided by the electorate with the acceptance of the Climate and Innovation Act on June 18, 2023.

A major challenge lies in measuring CO2 emissions during transport operations. A uniform, industry-wide recognized methodology is still lacking. Therefore, the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG has developed an industry standard in close collaboration with GS1 Switzerland and numerous experts. Under the title “Fair Carbon Player,” a guideline is now available to association members (free of charge) and other interested parties, detailing how to record and declare CO2 emissions during transport operations. The basis is the ISO standard 14083:2023. The “Fair Carbon Player” fills several gaps that previously left much room for interpretation, leading to uncertainty and sometimes differing approaches. “With the ‘Fair Carbon Player’, we create transparency,” explains ASTAG Deputy Director André Kirchhofer: “This allows CO2 emissions to be measured uniformly and then targeted for reduction.”

CO2 Calculator as an Additional Offering

Next, ASTAG will work towards a broad application of the “Fair Carbon Player.” In principle, measuring and declaring CO2 emissions remains very complex and demanding despite the ISO standard and industry guideline, especially when integrating into IT systems. As an additional support for member companies, ASTAG is therefore offering an online CO2 calculator in collaboration with partner company CarbonCare. This allows CO2 emissions per transport operation to be calculated easily and directly. Of course, the standards according to the “Fair Carbon Player” are embedded.

Graphic: © ASTAG