The transport sector is responsible for around a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. There is an urgent need to decarbonise the industry. The problem is that transport companies cannot handle every consignment on request in an emissions-neutral way, especially not in general cargo transport. This is where the Book & Claim process comes in: it enables transport companies to offer emission-free services by decoupling the CO2 reduction from the physical supply chain.
With this model, companies can "book" sustainable transport services and "claim" the resulting reduction in emissions without having to physically use the low-emission fuels in their supply chain.
Sebastian Korporal
Director, Performance & Strategy, Enterprise Performance
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Julia Kristin Ruf
Partner, Performance & Strategy, Enterprise Performance
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
How does Book & Claim work for CO₂ reductions?
Book & Claim is based on a transparent system that enables companies to use low-emission fuels or other sustainable measures. The CO₂ reductions are documented and can be passed on by the transport company to customers, who include the savings in their reporting.
As companies are currently unable to handle every single consignment emission-free, Book & Claim nevertheless helps to meet the demand for sustainable transport services.
Advantages of Book & Claim for companies and sustainability strategies
Book & Claim enables companies to expand their sustainability strategy in a targeted manner. Decarbonisation becomes more predictable and can be financially optimised. Companies not only benefit from a reduction in their carbon footprint, but also from new refinancing options for their sustainability initiatives.
Another advantage lies in the flexibility of the model. Transport companies enable their customers to achieve their climate targets by being able to use alternative fuels regardless of the specific consignment.
Challenges in the implementation of Book & Claim
Despite the many advantages, there are some key challenges when implementing a book & claim system.
- Greenwashing must be prevented by only issuing reliable certificates that relate exclusively to residual emissions.
- Different certification standards and legal requirements must be taken into account during implementation.
- The success of Book & Claim also depends on customer acceptance.
How KPMG supports the implementation of Book & Claim
A successful book & claim model is based on a clear strategy and careful implementation. KPMG supports companies in the development and implementation of book & claim systems - from analysing regulatory requirements and preparing for certification through to long-term integration into existing sustainability strategies.
