Achieving Net Zero: Digital Solutions for Supply Chain and Logistics

Net zero targets have become a priority across sectors, with logistics and supply chains under increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Clients are also increasingly prioritising sustainability and ethical governance throughout their supply chains, making it crucial that organisations can provide informed ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) guidance and demonstrate their commitment to these principles.

Clients and suppliers are drawn to organisations that can speak from experience on the cultural and commercial benefits of implementing sustainable strategies, making ESG and net zero a clear differentiator.

Yet, managing net zero in such complex operations remains challenging. Traditional methods like spreadsheet-based tracking, manual data entry, and isolated compliance checks are proving too slow and fragmented to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements needed to support a low-carbon future. Increasingly, organisations are turning to digitally driven solutions to simplify and accelerate their path to net zero.

Two such approaches include the Responsible Business Health Check and the Flotilla World platform. The Responsible Business Health Check is a quick digital tool designed to give organisations a snapshot of their ESG efforts. Meanwhile, Flotilla World provides a more in depth emissions tracking platform, helping logistics businesses streamline their approach to sustainability by making it easier to track, assess, and manage emissions, even for time pressed operations.

Transition from Spreadsheet-Based Methods to Advanced Digital Data Collection

Tracking and consolidating emissions data is still an emerging priority for many logistics and warehousing businesses. While some companies are navigating a patchwork of spreadsheets and manually gathering data from financial systems, fleet usage, and energy records, others have yet to start collecting this information, often due to the complexity and time required. This fragmented approach makes reporting challenging but also leaves gaps in data accuracy and consistency.

The Flotilla World platform offers a solution that simplifies and centralises this process by linking directly to a company’s financial software and other data sources. Emissions data flows automatically into a unified dashboard, reducing manual workload and enhancing data quality.

This system provides a simple and accessible way for companies just beginning their sustainability journey to start tracking emissions effectively. Meanwhile, organisations already collecting data can streamline and scale their efforts, gaining a current view of their total carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, along with specific emissions hotspots.

By eliminating manual consolidation, logistics teams can move beyond data entry, accessing real-time insights that drive strategic action and help set realistic goals for emissions reduction.

Flotilla’s platform as an effective strategy for achieving net zero

Hatmill has been working closely with sustainability tech and advisory company Flotilla to co-develop a platform tailored for the logistics and supply chain industry. This platform provides companies with the tools they need to effectively manage their journey to net zero. This platform is more than just a tool for data collection; it’s a comprehensive system designed with the industry’s unique needs in mind, offering a structured, actionable approach to sustainability beyond simple tracking.

• Emissions profiling and analytics allow companies to break down their emissions by source, location, or specific activity, offering a granular understanding of their carbon footprint.
• Live project management through a built-in project plan provides an at-a-glance view of sustainability actions in progress, enabling teams to monitor and manage these initiatives in real time.
• Regulation and compliance checker ensures that companies remain compliant with the latest requirements as sustainability regulations continuously evolve.
• Annual carbon footprint assessment and reporting is simplified, with data already compiled and standardised, making compliance and reporting far easier.

By consolidating these elements, the platform empowers logistics companies to move from reactive management to proactive, strategic planning in their sustainability efforts. Instead of struggling with scattered data and time-consuming processes, teams can see exactly where they stand on their path to net zero and take meaningful steps toward achieving it.

Quick ESG Insight with the Responsible Business Health Check

For logistics and warehousing companies, gaining an honest view of their ESG status is an essential first step on the sustainability journey. The Responsible Business Health Check was created to make this process simple, fast, and highly informative. In just five minutes, companies can gain an insightful overview of their current ESG efforts, identifying strengths and pinpointing areas where further improvement could drive meaningful impact.

>>Click here to start your Responsible Business Health Check<<

This free digital tool is designed for busy professionals who need high-level insights without wasting time or resources. With easy-to-interpret results, the Health Check is an ideal starting point for companies at any stage of their sustainability journey. It sparks ideas for action and sets a solid foundation for progress. Many have found it an invaluable snapshot that quickly outlines where they stand and where to focus next.

Addressing Scope 3 Emissions with Accuracy

For logistics companies aiming to achieve net zero, Scope 3 emissions, generated mainly across the supply chain, present a significant challenge. Unlike direct emissions, Scope 3 emissions encompass categories such as upstream and downstream transportation, purchased goods and services, and waste generated in operations. Managing these emissions requires visibility and coordination beyond a company’s immediate control.

The platform addresses this by providing logistics and warehousing companies with tools to map, measure, and monitor these indirect emissions. Integrating data from suppliers and partners enables businesses to view their Scope 3 impact comprehensively. This visibility supports better decision-making, allowing companies to identify areas in their value chain where emissions can be reduced.

With this capability, logistics businesses can establish informed reduction targets that align with their overall sustainability goals, tackling one of the most complex aspects of the net zero journey in a manageable and strategic way.

Simplifying sustainability for a busy industry

Logistics and supply chain professionals operate in a demanding environment where time and resources are often stretched. For many, implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy can feel like an additional burden. Digital tools like the Flotilla World platform and the Responsible Business Health Check provide a practical solution by centralising emissions tracking, compliance checks, and progress monitoring, all in one place.

These tools allow businesses to streamline their sustainability efforts without compromising operational efficiency. Compliance, reporting, and actionable insights are readily available, making it possible to drive impactful change without adding unnecessary workload to already busy teams. This digital approach makes sustainability achievable and manageable by offering everything they need to manage net zero targets in a single platform.

Conclusion: Adopting digital innovation for future sustainability

As the supply chain and logistics sectors navigate the path to net zero, digital solutions such as these advanced tools for emissions tracking and ESG assessment offer a compelling way forward. By shifting to a technology-driven approach, companies can streamline their data collection, improve the accuracy of their reporting, and develop actionable, targeted plans to reduce emissions across their operations and value chains.

In a world where sustainability is both a responsibility and a competitive advantage, embracing digital tools is not just about compliance but about leading the way in efficient, impactful change. For logistics and warehousing businesses, the future of net zero is digital, and this approach is ready to guide them there.

If you would like to see the platform in action or complete the Responsible Business Health Check, please get in touch with Aaron at aaron.thomas@hatmill.com