Carbon labelling of biofuels in Europe

Abstract

In the framework of the Carbon Labelling project within the EU Intelligent Energy – Europe (IEE) programme, pilot carbon labelling initiatives were implemented in order to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the European transport sector. Firstly, a supportable methodology for the quantification of carbon lifecycle reductions was identified in co-operation with recent and on-going activities and methodologies. In a second step, the “CO2Star” label was developed and three “CO2Star” labelling initiatives were implemented, namely a biodiesel (B100) and an improved lubricants labelling initiative at Q1 fuel stations in Germany, as well as a labelling initiative of low carbon freight services in The Netherlands. The present paper presents main results of the Carbon Labelling project which was implemented from 2006 to 2008 and give recommendations on the applications of labels in the transport sector.