In an exclusive interview with Ellen Liang, Co-Founder of JET Charge, she discussed the urgent need for corporations to address Scope 3 emissions, particularly through decarbonising their fleets. From January 1st, 2025, Australia’s largest corporations are required to disclose their yearly greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. As new legislation looms and stakeholder pressures mount, Liang shared practical insights on why fleet decarbonisation is not only necessary but achievable.
“The effect of this legislation is that companies will have to report not only on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions but also Scope 3. This brings in all upstream and downstream logistics and distribution, which means pressure will cascade down from large companies to smaller logistics providers,” she explained.
Understanding the Scope 3 Challenge
Scope 3 emissions represent all indirect emissions occurring across a company’s supply chain, both upstream (e.g., supplier operations and transportation) and downstream (e.g., product distribution and use). These emissions often constitute the majority of a company’s carbon footprint, making them a focal point for achieving net zero goals.
Liang detailed the impending impact of Australian legislation that will require large corporations to report Scope 3 emissions starting in 2025.
“Boards and CEOs will feel the heat because executive KPIs will be tied to measurable reductions in emissions. Fleet managers will inevitably get tapped on the shoulder, as fleets contribute to Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions.”
This legislative push is expected to ripple through supply chains, compelling smaller suppliers and logistics providers to align with corporate sustainability targets.
Corporate Fleets: The Decarbonisation Opportunity
Corporate fleets, encompassing company-owned and contracted logistics vehicles, offer a clear starting point for addressing Scope 3 emissions. Transitioning fleets to EVs delivers immediate and measurable reductions, creating a visible pathway for companies to meet their sustainability goals.
“Fleet electrification is critical, but the biggest barrier we consistently hear from fleet managers is charging infrastructure. Without centralised, reliable solutions, fleet decarbonisation becomes fragmented and difficult to scale,” Liang said.
Companies like JET Charge are addressing this barrier with comprehensive solutions such as their such as their Charging as a Service offering, JET Charge+. It simplifies EV charging infrastructure management by bundling hardware, technology, ongoing maintenance, and by providing a centralised dashboard for tracking emissions reductions.
“JET Charge+ integrates delivery, operations, and reporting into one service, ensuring the data is accurate and reliable. For large corporates with fleets in transition, centralising this data is critical to meet legislative requirements,” Liang explained.
Upstream and Downstream Impacts of Fleet Electrification
Fleet electrification’s impact extends beyond immediate operations, influencing emissions across the entire value chain. Upstream, cleaner supplier transport practices reduce emissions related to raw material delivery. Downstream, optimised product distribution through electric fleets enhances sustainability for logistics partners and end consumers.
“It will become a competitive advantage for logistics suppliers to provide emissions reporting to their customers neatly packaged in a bow. The ability to show year-on-year emissions reductions will set leading suppliers apart,” Liang noted.
This dual benefit positions fleet decarbonisation as a win-win solution for corporations aiming to meet Scope 3 requirements while strengthening supplier relationships.
Addressing Challenges: Mixed Fleets and Stakeholder Alignment
Many organisations face the challenge of managing mixed fleets during the transition to full electrification. This includes both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs, which complicates emissions reporting. Liang highlighted the need for seamless systems to handle this complexity:
“Mixed fleets add complexity to tracking and reporting emissions. Fleet managers need systems that can blend data from ICE and EV vehicles seamlessly, showing progress as the fleet transitions.”
In addition to operational hurdles, securing stakeholder buy-in sometimes slow progress. Liang explained that internal resistance may arise as fleet managers navigate the broader organisational changes required for electrification.
“The key challenges often emerge when involving internal stakeholders. Fleet managers often understand the need and are on board, but new systems and processes can lead to questions across the organisation. To assist this, we’ve developed materials to help fleet managers lead these discussions and foster alignment.”
Centralising Data for Compliance and Efficiency
Centralising data is a cornerstone of effective fleet decarbonisation. As emissions reporting becomes a mandatory aspect of corporate compliance, having a unified system that tracks and consolidates emissions data is essential. JET Charge’s Charging as a Service product exemplifies this approach, offering companies a single dashboard to manage emissions reporting.
“Boards need accurate and reliable data that can be pulled from a dashboard and plugged straight into their reports. Centralising data isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making fleet decarbonisation manageable and scalable,” Liang said.
Action Steps for Boards and Sustainability Managers
Liang urged corporate leaders to act now, leveraging the legislative timeline to prepare their organisations for the transition. She outlined several key actions:
- Invest in Infrastructure: Partner with experienced providers to implement scalable EV charging solutions tailored to fleet needs.
- Adopt Centralised Platforms: Use systems like JET Charge+ to ensure data accuracy, streamline reporting, and simplify fleet management.
- Engage Stakeholders: Equip fleet managers with resources to align internal teams and secure organisational support for decarbonisation efforts.
- Focus on Competitive Advantage: Collaborate with suppliers that demonstrate strong emissions reporting capabilities, enhancing sustainability credentials across the value chain.
“Legislation like this focuses attention and forces action. For corporates, the hope is that the acceleration of fleet transitions happens not only because it’s better for the environment but also because it makes reporting and management easier,” Liang added.
Turning Pressure into Opportunity
Decarbonising corporate fleets represents a practical and impactful strategy for reducing Scope 3 emissions. By transitioning to EVs, centralising emissions data, and fostering supplier collaboration, companies can achieve measurable progress while preparing for stricter legislative demands. As Liang emphasised, the time to act is now:
“The pressure from the big end of town is coming faster than anyone expects. By preparing now, companies can not only meet these challenges but turn them into opportunities for leadership and growth. To assist in reporting JET Charge has prepared a step by step guide to navigate Scope 3 emissions.”
Corporate leaders who seize this moment will not only meet regulatory requirements but position their organisations at the forefront of sustainable business practices, driving value for stakeholders and contributing to a net-zero future.
