Study funds lack of knowledge over emissions reporting

Fewer than a fifth (18%) of managers think their business is equipped to calculate and report its fleet emissions, an Alphabet study found, while more than a third (38%) said they still used simple spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel, or even paper, to record the emissions of their fleet. A further 8% admitted that they don’t calculate emissions at all.

Crucially, fewer than a fifth (18%) believe their business has the tools it needs to help calculate and report its fleet emissions, while one in eight (12%) said they have no plans to invest in new technology or software to help.

Alphabet’s research, encapsulated in a new white paper, also uncovered significant disparities in fleet managers’ knowledge and use of the latest emissions reporting tools across UK industry sectors. For example, more than 40% of logistics companies – which often have substantial vehicle fleets – still use spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel to record emissions. Furthermore, some delivery services and retailers are still using an antiquated paper process.

More than a quarter (26%) of those questioned admit they do not know the difference between Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. In addition, 11% say they’re confused or not confident in being able to report their fleet emissions and a similar number (12%) see all reporting of vehicle emissions as merely ‘a tick-box exercise’.

Ian Turner, chief sales officer at Alphabet GB, said: “Our study reveals that a large number of UK businesses are either ill-prepared or ill-equipped when it comes to calculating, recording and reporting their vehicle emissions. A significant number have acknowledged their uncertainty about what actions they need to take, and when, and what carbon manager tools are available to ensure they remain compliant with new legislation. Our study is a wake-up call for the whole fleet sector, so businesses should start planning now to identify what tools and processes they need.”