GLEC framework

What is the GLEC Framework?

The GLEC Framework is the logistics sector’s leading, globally harmonised method for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all freight modes (road, rail, air, sea, inland waterways) and logistics hubs.

Developed by Smart Freight Centre’s Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC), it provides common principles, default emission factors, and mode-specific guidance so companies can produce consistent, comparable CO₂e results for supply chains.

The methodology underpins – and is now the primary industry guide to implementing – ISO 14083, the international standard for transport and logistics emissions accounting.

Why was GLEC put in place?

Before the GLEC Framework, organisations used varying methods and factors, making emissions claims hard to compare and aggregate. GLEC was created to harmonise practices, improve data quality, and build trust in reporting for customers, investors, and regulators – especially for Scope 3 (value-chain) emissions from transport and distribution. By aligning industry practice and informing ISO 14083, the framework enables like-for-like reporting and supports credible decarbonisation decisions, procurement, and disclosure (e.g., CDP).

Who is GLEC designed for?

Any organization involved in moving goods or buying logistics services can use the GLEC Framework: shippers/brands, carriers, freight forwarders and 3PLs, digital platforms and tools, and even policymakers seeking consistent metrics. ISO 14083 – and, by extension, GLEC – primarily targets shippers, carriers, and logistics service providers that need robust, comparable calculations for internal management, customer reporting, and target setting.

How should you use GLEC?

1. Define scope and boundaries. Map the logistics chain, select the relevant transport modes and hubs, and decide reporting boundaries in line with ISO 14083. Clarify which GHGs are included (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, aggregated as CO₂e) and the reporting period.
2. Collect activity data. Gather distance, fuel/energy use, payloads, and utilization by leg and mode (and for hubs where relevant). Higher-quality primary data improves accuracy; where unavailable, use approved defaults.
3. Apply emission factors and methods. Use GLEC’s factors and mode-specific methods (energy-based, fuel-based, distance-based as applicable) to calculate emissions, allocating them fairly across shipments when legs are shared. Keep an eye on the latest factor updates in new framework releases.
4. Assure and report. Report results transparently (inputs, assumptions, data quality) and, where possible, obtain third-party assurance. If you’re using software or an internal tool, consider Smart Freight Centre accreditation/certification to demonstrate methodological conformity.
5. Use the insights. Feed results into procurement (e.g., carrier selection by intensity), strategy (route/vehicle/fuel switching), and disclosure/target frameworks. Because GLEC aligns with ISO 14083, results are comparable and suitable for customer requests and regulatory reporting.