The new CountEmissions EU is a reporting regulation that sets a single European framework for calculating GHG emissions data of transport operations/services. This new system harmonises the way emissions are calculated across all modes of transport, covering both carbon emissions and emissions from other greenhouse gases, including radiative forcing. The latter emissions – most visibly from contrails – represent two thirds of the total climate impact of business air travel. It will count with a “verification regime” that will also govern data exchange between different parties. This verification would be guaranteed by a certificate of compliance.
This marks an important milestone towards a transparent measurement framework, to promote more sustainable choices and ultimately, low-carbon business travel.
Talking specifically about business air travel, the question remains whether non-CO2 effects would be presented as optional reporting.