Methodological Framework for Decarbonizing Warehouse Logistics in SMEs: Identification and prioritization of Emission Drivers and Reduction Measures in retrofit projects

Warehouse logistics face increasing decarbonization and reporting pressure, yet internal warehouse processes are often treated as a "black box". Many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises lack practical, site-level methods to translate sustainability targets into retrofit actions. This thesis develops a modular sustainability audit and consultancy tool for LNConsult GmbH to quantify on-site warehouse emissions and support reduction measure prioritization, answering (1) which direct emission drivers are most relevant in warehouse logistics and (2) which literature-based reduction measures are effective and retrofit-feasible. A systematic literature review in Scopus is conducted to identify and structure evidence on emission drivers and measures. The results are implemented in an Excel-based workbook that combines data capture, CO2e baseline modelling, hotspot allocation and measure quantification, including examples of savings derived from benchmark cases. Furthermore, a questionnaire was developed which is assigned to the respective measures using logic. The output indicates whether the measure is applicable or not. The synthesis consistently highlights facility electricity and stationary heating fuels. The workbook calculates Scope 1 and Scope 2 baselines from annual activity data and allocates the emission drivers to end uses such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and material handling equipment. In addition, expert interviews were conducted to validate the assumptions, calculation logic and results implemented in the Excel-based tool and to assess the practical applicability of the framework. The framework enables consistent GRI-KPI reporting and the scenario-based comparison of retrofit options. It is limited to measures within the audited site boundary.