Helping Veja Calculate its Global Logistics Emissions
Amplifying purpose-first footwear brand Veja’s climate commitment for reducing transport emissions
Brands must rigorously track and analyze their logistics CO2 emissions and footprint in order to reduce the carbon emissions footprint associated with transportation and further impact at scale. Scope 3 emissions, which include logistics and transport CO2 emissions, usually account for the vast majority of retailers’ carbon footprint — sometimes as high as 85% or 90% of total emissions. In 2021, Veja calculated that the transportation carbon emissions of its sneakers alone contributed to 12.8% of its total emissions.
Veja is steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and transparency, crafting trainers from innovative materials, including recycled plastic bottles and recycled polyester, and using Amazonian rubber which emits approximately 73% fewer greenhouse gasses than conventional rubber used in the industry. And in 2023, the purpose-first footwear brand, partnered with Vaayu to help power reductions at scale across its business, with a focus being to reduce its transport CO2 emissions and the carbon footprint of its transportation and logistics. Now, with Vaayu, Veja is able to understand its logistics CO2 emissions and transport CO2 emissions with acute granularity — from inbound to wholesale and outbound — to help reduce the carbon emissions footprint associated with its transportation.
Calculating and Cutting Complex Global Logistics Emissions
Veja was already calculating Scope 3 emissions and sharing its carbon emissions to share with shoppers and take them on their sustainability journey. This year, Veja wanted to focus on an even more granular approach to understanding its logistics impact, including eCommerce deliveries, store replenishment, wholesale, inbound and raw materials transportation — all key factors in calculating and truly understanding its Scope 3 emissions.
However, measuring actual logistics CO2 emissions is complex due to the nature of global supply chains and transportation networks. Veja’s global logistics uses various modes of transportation, and tracking emissions across these is often complex. Obtaining accurate and reliable primary data from different suppliers can be equally as challenging in order to calculate logistics CO2 emissions.
Veja partnered with Vaayu to calculate its worldwide logistics CO2 emissions footprint using granular data, with the plan to optimize and reduce its logistics carbon footprint, including the carbon emissions and footprint associated with its transportation.
Using LCA to Calculate Transportation Emissions Per Unit, Country and Style
For calculating carbon emissions from transport, Veja’s logistics emissions were calculated using Vaayu’s proprietary impact database of more than 600,000 data points and automated, machine-learning impact modeling engine, Kria. Using primary data points provided by Veja on its logistics networks, such as CO2 emissions by mode of transport or delivery origin and destination, Kria automatically calculated the emissions released at each stage of the logistics journey.
To aid with calculating the carbon emissions from transport, other data points were also used. While primary data was used for calculations such as CO2 emissions by mode of transport, for specific transportation routes, Vaayu’s AI and machine learning solution leveraged its proprietary impact database to fill gaps with quality data on Veja’s logistics CO2 emissions, enriching the results while keeping accuracy in view.
The Most Comprehensive & Detailed Logistics Data Presented in One Place
Vaayu delivered a comprehensive logistics dashboard, providing accurate emissions data for the logistics journey of a Veja shoe in 2022 across eCommerce deliveries, store replenishment, wholesale, inbound and raw materials transportation. The data was intended to help Veja reduce the carbon emissions footprint associated with its transportation and logistics.
A breakdown of transportation carbon emissions by stage within the Vaayu dashboard allows Veja to see, in real-time, the overall carbon impact, enabling the Veja team access to the most granular levels of detail based on their needs. The dashboard is comprehensive and provides insights into Veja’s logistics CO2 emissions and impact
Understanding this type of data is the first step to lowering climate impact. The data providing a breakdown of transportation carbon emissions garnered via Vaayu is helping Veja to optimize and reduce the carbon footprint associated with its transportation and its overall logistics footprint.
with emissions data across each stage of its journey to the end consumer
by transport mode, delivery type, store and unit
to drive greater transparency for Veja
With Scope 3 emissions accounting for as much as 85% or 90% of total emissions in this industry, logistics and transportation hotspots must remain a priority for reduction.