How Murata gets accurate Scope 3 data from its global carrier network

‍Murata Electronics Europe BV's is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and supply of advanced electronic components, modules and solutions. Its commitment to sustainability is clear, from the miniaturised design of its products to waste reduction initiatives.

In this case study, we explore how the company calculates and reports on emissions across its global network of carriers. 

The challenge of getting CO₂e data from a network of carriers

Scope 3 emissions make up 76% of Murata’s global GHG footprint, of which 7% are from upstream transportation and distribution. Reducing these transport-related emissions are essential to achieving its carbon neutrality goals. 

Yet, this is complicated as Murata Europe works with a wide network of third-party carriers, many of which do not yet track or report their own CO₂e emissions. Even when data is available, it is often calculated using different methodologies, delivered in inconsistent formats, or not easily broken down per customer.

This creates a huge admin burden when it comes to calculating Scope 3 emissions for annual sustainability reports and other purposes, while also making it difficult to identify and implement emissions reduction strategies.

Calculating emissions consistently across global transport operations

To simplify its emissions calculation approach, Murata Europe started using BigMile in 2022 to centralize CO₂e emissions data across its network of carriers and essentially create a single source of truth for its transport emissions. 

Since then, Murata Europe has been able to apply a consistent, ISO 14083-aligned methodology to calculate emissions for every shipment, regardless of the transport mode or carrier involved. 

This approach is significantly faster and far less labor-intensive than piecing together inconsistent data from different carriers and it reduces the need to rely on estimates. All of this results in more accurate Scope 3 reporting and an approach that can easily be rolled out for other transport modes, including deep sea, air freight, and barge.