In its methodology for analyzing and rating companies' environmental performance in the transport sector, Vigeo questions companies' commitment to having the overall environmental impact of their transport chain assessed and reported on by an independent third party.
TK Blue Agency presented its tools for measuring the environmental impact of companies to Vigeo's methods and analyst teams, highlighting the open, controlled nature and scientific guarantees of its evaluation process.
The two parties have agreed to maintain a regular exchange of information on the best practices they observe, and on the elements likely to lead to the emergence of advanced standards of environmental responsibility in the logistics sector.
The scores awarded by Vigeo to companies on the criterion relating to the control of the environmental impacts of transport may now be increased for those who report on the external due diligence they have used to assess their environmental performance with regard to all the nuisances generated (CO2, particles, noise, congestion, accidents, upstream and downstream processes, air and water pollution).
In view of the granularity of the TK'Blue methodology, particularly with regard to calculating the cost of transport externalities, Vigeo has agreed to recognize TK'Blue's ratings and opinions as benchmarks.
The simple fact of using TK'Blue will be a positive factor for companies. Making their rating public will improve their score and the recognition of their social responsibility.
Vigeo and TK'Blue are already drafting a partnership of methods to exchange and identify best practices, contribute to strengthening the transparency and relevance of methods for reducing emissions from the negative externalities of transport, and promote rigor and precision in assessing companies' performance in reducing the overall footprint of their logistics.
The idea is to enable companies to better define and assess their objectives, and to communicate responsibly on the environmental performance of their transport systems.
This cooperation is congruent with the desire expressed in July 2015 by Minister Alain Vidalies to create a CSR benchmark for logistics.
It will also satisfy the many transport stakeholders advocating the development of an environmental responsibility benchmark that is based on enforceable standards, and accompanied by independent, credible assessment mechanisms geared towards the continuous improvement of the transport sector's environmental performance.
Vigeo is Europe's leading expert in the analysis, rating and auditing of organizations involved in Socially Responsible Investment (SRI).
By officially integrating the TK'Blue indicator into its assessment of companies (shippers and carriers), Vigeo has confirmed the importance of companies' eco-responsible behavior in their choice of chains and means of transport.
This recognition by Vigeo's experts illustrates TK'Blue's development towards a position as a recognized international standard for all players in the transport market.