TTW vs WTT: What Businesses Must Know
Many UK businesses assume that zero tailpipe emissions mean zero environmental impact. This common misunderstanding can lead to incorrect conclusions about the carbon footprint of deliveries. Understanding the difference between TTW and WTT is essential for accurate sustainability reporting and workplace compliance.
TTW stands for Tank-to-Wheel and measures emissions produced when fuel is used in vehicles. WTT stands for Well-to-Tank and covers emissions from producing, refining, and delivering that fuel. By considering both, businesses gain a complete picture of delivery emissions. This knowledge supports smarter decisions, helps meet health and safety standards, and improves ESG compliance.
What Are TTW and WTT Emissions?
TTW, or Tank-to-Wheel, measures the emissions produced while a vehicle is running. This includes CO₂, nitrogen oxides, and particulates released from the exhaust. It shows the direct impact of fuel use during deliveries but does not consider emissions from fuel production.
WTT, or Well-to-Tank, accounts for the emissions generated when extracting, refining, and transporting fuel or electricity. Together, TTW and WTT form WTW, or Well-to-Wheel, which represents the total environmental impact of transport. Understanding these categories helps businesses assess delivery emissions accurately and supports better workplace hygiene and sustainability decisions.
Why TTW Alone Can Be Misleading
Many suppliers highlight zero tailpipe emissions to suggest their vehicles are completely green. However, TTW only shows the emissions produced during driving. It does not account for energy or fuel production, which can still create significant CO₂.
For example, electric delivery vans have zero tailpipe emissions. Yet, the electricity used to charge them may come from fossil fuels. Therefore, considering only TTW gives an incomplete picture. Businesses must review WTT and WTW to understand the full delivery impact and ensure accurate reporting for health and safety standards and compliance audits.
How Delivery Emissions Affect Your Cleaning Business
Delivery emissions impact more than sustainability reports. They contribute to Scope 3 emissions, which many UK businesses must track for ESG reporting and HSE audits. Understanding these emissions ensures your procurement decisions support both compliance and environmental goals.
For more detail on managing indirect emissions, read our blog post Your Supply Chain’s Role in Scope 3 Emissions. It explains how every delivery and supplier decision affects your overall carbon footprint.
To manage delivery emissions effectively, businesses can:
Choose suppliers who provide clear TTW and WTT data.
Compare full WTW emissions, not just tailpipe numbers.
Prioritise delivery options that reduce total carbon impact.
By considering the full lifecycle of delivery emissions, facility managers and compliance officers can make informed decisions. This approach supports workplace hygiene, sustainability objectives, and meets regulatory expectations.
Partnering With a Supplier Who Understands Emissions
At Wessex Cleaning Equipment, we support UK businesses with high-quality cleaning products while helping them make sustainable choices. We understand delivery emissions and provide clear information on TTW and WTT so you can make informed procurement decisions.
You can browse our full range of equipment and supplies at our online shop. If you want to work with a supplier who prioritises transparency, reach out to us at marketing@wessexcleaning.com.
Key Takeaways
TTW vs WTT: TTW measures tailpipe emissions, while WTT accounts for fuel production and delivery. Together, they form WTW, showing total delivery impact.
Avoid misleading claims: Relying on TTW alone can hide the full carbon footprint. Always consider WTT and WTW.
Make informed procurement decisions: Choose suppliers who provide clear emission data to support sustainability goals and compliance.
Support compliance and audits: Understanding delivery emissions helps meet HSE audits, workplace hygiene, and other regulatory requirements.
Strengthen your business reputation: Transparency and accurate emissions reporting enhance your ESG profile and credibility with clients.
Partner with the right supplier: Working with knowledgeable suppliers, like Wessex Cleaning Equipment, simplifies sustainable procurement and delivery management.