New tool helps companies calculate – and offset – their carbon footprint

Companies can now easily calculate the carbon impact of their shipments using a new free online calculator, launched by logistics software development company CocoonFMS Ltd.

The CocoonCarbon tool allows companies to measure their Carbon Footprint and estimate the carbon, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions of a complete door-to-door, road, sea and air journey.

Enhanced subscription-based versions of the software also calculate the exact number of trees needed to offset the carbon impact of that trip – and provide the option to purchase those trees on the spot.

Multiple legs of a journey can be added, including the different modes of transport used.

CocoonCarbon is ideal for anyone who wants to better understand the impact of their business travel and expeditions so they can make strategic decisions on how to achieve net zero.

The web version is free and is aimed at small businesses for infrequent shipments or trips. Businesses can also add the calculator to their own websites for customers to use.

Subscription-enhanced versions of the software are intended for large businesses, including distribution or freight companies, that process tens of thousands of shipments every day.

This includes a self-contained, cloud-based portal, ideal for businesses importing and exporting, where emissions can be broken down by stage of travel to see where the carbon impact is highest.

Large-scale freight companies handling tens of thousands of shipments can go further with the API version that integrates directly into their existing systems.

Basically, subscription-based models include the ability to directly purchase the trees needed to fully offset the impact of that trip.

These will be planted in the UK and overseas through Cocoonfxmedia’s Gold Standard partner, Ecologi.com. Companies will receive GPS codes for actual trees that have been planted on their behalf.

As an environmentally conscious company, CocoonFMS Ltd achieved its net zero goal at the end of 2021 and has so far planted over 1,600 trees in a dedicated plantation through the Ecologi partnership. This offset 38 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of 29 long-haul flights or 95,000 miles driven by car, and the equivalent of 115 square meters of sea ice saved.

CocoonFMS is now on a mission to help other businesses do their bit for the planet – and the Carbon Calculator is part of that green agenda.

James Blackman, Managing Partner of CocoonFMS Ltd, said: “CocoonCarbon’s USP is that emissions can be quickly calculated over all stages of a journey, which can start with a truck in China, move on a boat or an airplane, transfer to a truck and then a van.

“It helps companies understand their carbon impact and then see where improvements can be made, for example by shortening the supply chain, or perhaps calculating the difference that would be made by having bigger vehicles but less of journeys.”

“This software can also tell you how many trees should be planted to offset that trip, and gives you the ability to purchase them, on the spot, through a trusted partner. The software takes minutes to set up and can calculate emissions for thousands of shipments. With the added option of planting trees, you can start mitigating your negative impact on the planet immediately, while planning for long-term improvement measures.

“Compensation by planting trees is not as expensive as people might think either; 20 trees cost just £10. To offset an air freight trip from Hong Kong to London would require around 200-300 trees, which would cost £75.

“Some of the trees planted bear fruit, which is then used in biofuels, some last for 1000 years. Small changes can make a big difference.

“We wanted everyone to have access to basic calculator functions because it’s part of our philosophy to help the planet and use our technology expertise to make everyone’s job easier.”

“We need to act now and while big business has a huge role to play, there is also a lot of power in the collective action of all of us, whether it’s an individual or a company. a little company.”