Driving Real Change: Why Data and Low-Carbon Fuels Are Key to Sustainable Transportation

Insights from 4Refuel on low-carbon fuels and sustainable transportation.

In Canada’s transportation sector, the road to sustainability is anything but straightforward

After oil and gas, transportation and logistics are the second-largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions nationwide. Within this sector, fleet operations alone account for up to 90% of a company’s emissions—making them the most significant lever for meaningful climate action. The pressure is on to reduce GHG emissions—not just in theory, but in practice. And that means one thing: data.

At 4Refuel, we’ve seen firsthand how the industry is evolving. Companies are no longer just talking about sustainability—they’re being asked to prove it. Whether it’s due to investor expectations, customer demands, or emerging anti-greenwashing legislation like Canada’s Bill C-59, the need for transparent, verifiable emissions data has never been greater.

The Challenge: Tracking Emissions in a Complex Fuel Landscape
One of the biggest hurdles transportation companies face is simply getting accurate, real-time data on fuel usage and emissions. Long-haul fleets often rely on multiple cardlock suppliers, making it difficult to consolidate data into a single, reliable source, often relying on mileage to guesstimate consumption and emissions. The administrative burden alone can be overwhelming.

That’s where tools like 4Refuel’s Fuel Management Online (FMO) platform come in. By centralizing fuel data—whether it’s diesel, biodiesel blends, or renewable diesel—FMO gives companies a clear, auditable view of their fuel consumption and associated emissions across an entire fleet. It’s not just about tracking litres; it’s about tracking carbon intensity of these conventional and alternative fuels, too. Not every fuel has the same carbon intensity—factors like blend ratios, seasonality and feedstocks can make a big difference. That’s why 4Refuel works closely with suppliers to capture this data and build it right into FMO, so the emissions reporting you see reflects the real impact of what’s fueling your fleet on a lifecycle basis.

Why Low-Carbon Fuels Matter Now
While electric vehicles (EVs) often dominate the decarbonization conversation, the reality is that EV adoption at scale isn’t feasible for most fleets in the short term. Battery range, power grid capacity, and charging infrastructure simply aren’t ready to support a full transition yet. That’s why lower-carbon fuels like biodiesel blends and renewable diesel are playing a critical role in helping companies meet their near-term 2030 emissions targets.

These fuels offer a practical, immediate step toward decarbonization—especially when paired with robust tracking tools. With FMO, users can see exactly how much of each fuel type they’re using and the corresponding emissions impact. That level of granularity is essential for companies aiming to meet Scope 3 emissions requirements from their customers, or to differentiate themselves as low-carbon carriers.

Data That Stands Up to Scrutiny
In today’s regulatory environment, making a sustainability claim isn’t enough—you have to back it up. Verifiers and stakeholders want to see traceable, assured data. FMO provides that level of transparency, with line-by-line reporting and carbon intensity values tied directly to the fuel source. It’s the kind of data that holds up under external validation and helps companies avoid the risk of greenwashing.

We’ve heard from customers who use FMO daily—not just for compliance, but to make smarter operational decisions. Whether they’re optimizing routes, managing fleet logistics, or preparing ESG reports, the platform gives them the insights they need.

Simplicity Drives Adoption
One of the reasons FMO has been so successful is its ease of use. Any team member—from sustainability officers to fleet managers—can log in and generate a report in just a few clicks. There’s no minimum fleet size, and the platform scales effortlessly from a single site to a national operation.

And because FMO is integrated with our on-site refuelling services, every litre is metered and reported in real time. That means companies get not just fuel, but real-time emissions data they can plug directly into their sustainability reporting tools.

The Bottom Line
The energy transition in transportation isn’t about one silver bullet—it’s a poly-fuel approach that includes diesel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and eventually, electrification and hydrogen. But no matter the fuel mix, data is the foundation. Without it, there’s no way to measure progress, validate claims, or make informed decisions.

If your organization is serious about meeting its sustainability goals, now is the time to invest in the tools and partnerships that make it possible. Choose a provider who understands the industry, offers verifiable data, and can help you navigate the road ahead and make your sustainability goals more than just a promise.