Green House Gas Calculation
PEARL is committed to providing transparent and reliable greenhouse gas emissions reporting for all rail freight services operated through its network. To ensure consistency, credibility and comparability of results, all emissions calculations are performed in accordance with ISO 14083:2023, the internationally recognized standard for greenhouse gas emissions from transport chains, and the GLEC Framework, the global reference methodology for logistics emissions accounting.
Our calculations cover the complete rail transport service from origin to destination and follow a Well-to-Wheel (WTW) approach. This means that emissions associated with both energy production and transport operations are included, providing a complete representation of the environmental impact of each transport movement.
The methodology is based on actual transport activity and incorporates operational data such as route distances, cargo volumes, train composition and traction type. Where primary operational data is available, it is used directly. In cases where direct measurements are not available, calculations are based on recognized industry methodologies and verified emission factors in accordance with ISO 14083 requirements.
Emissions are calculated and reported as carbon dioxide equivalent (𝐶𝑂2𝑒), allowing the combined climate impact of greenhouse gases to be expressed through a single, internationally accepted metric. Results are allocated to transport work and reported using indicators such as grams of 𝐶𝑂2𝑒 per tonne-kilometer and grams of 𝐶𝑂2𝑒 per TEU-kilometer, enabling meaningful comparison across transport services and transport modes.
To ensure the highest possible level of accuracy, PEARL utilizes operational information from its own management systems, railway partners, internationally recognized railway infrastructure databases and industry-leading emissions datasets. The methodology is regularly reviewed and continuously improved as additional primary operational data becomes available.
As part of its commitment to transparency and sustainability, PEARL also compares the environmental performance of rail transport against equivalent road freight scenarios. This allows customers to better understand the environmental benefits of selecting rail as part of their supply chain strategy.
Through this approach, PEARL provides customers with emissions data that is transparent, traceable and aligned with internationally recognized best practices.
