The GLEC Framework

The GLEC Framework serves as the primary industry guideline on how to implement ISO 14083

As of March 2023, in collaboration with the German Institute for Certification (DIN), and members of an ISO working group, SFC was instrumental in setting up the process for a new ISO 14083 standard, marking its foray into a new phase of global standardization. The GLEC Framework was a core element used to develop the content for the new standard, with Alan Lewis, SFC's Technical Director, leading the project. The development of ISO 14083 is an important milestone in gaining broader acceptance of the principles established in the GLEC Framework, which has been shaped in collaboration with the industry over a period of nearly 10 years.

Would you like to learn more regarding ISO 14083?

Read the news article and consult the project page.

What is the GLEC Framework?

The global method for calculation and reporting of logistics emissions.

Comparing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across different modes of transport or suppliers can be like comparing apples with oranges.

That’s why the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) developed the GLEC Framework, to harmonize the calculation and reporting of logistics GHG emissions across multi-modal supply chains. It is the primary industry guideline to support implementation of ISO 14083, and can be implemented by shippers, carriers and logistics service providers.

Designed to inform business decisions that reduce emissions and track progress towards climate goals, reduce emissions. It works with:

  • Greenhouse Gas Protocol
  • UN-led Global Green Freight Action Plan
  • CDP Reporting

In the current logistics industry landscape with more climate urgency than ever, the GLEC Framework has been updated in step with external developments, of which the new ISO 14083 standard is one. GLEC Framework v3.0 includes updates resulting from new versions of source information, as well as recognizing the latest findings on higher emissions from fossil fuel production.

Why adopt the GLEC Framework?

As a user of the GLEC Framework, you’ll demonstrate leadership in your sector, influencing your suppliers to follow. By doing so, you’ll prove to your customers that you’re committed to delivering on your sustainability promises.

  • Use GHG emissions as a metric for sustainable freight transportation decisions

  • Make or influence decisions around supply chain optimization

  • Manage the performance of the transportation in your supply chain

  • Evaluate the impact of measures taken to reduce emissions

  • Track progress towards your climate goals

  • Inform customers of emissions reductions achieved

  • Stay ahead of regulatory requirements
Download GLEC Framework v3.0

How do I implement the GLEC Framework?

Companies can implement the GLEC Framework in different ways. Companies with developed accounting and reporting systems and dedicated staff can do this themselves. Companies that have less developed systems or are starting with emissions accounting can call in the help of SFC or SFC-accredited partners.

The following support is available to all companies:

GLEC Framework

Download the GLEC Framework and supporting materials.

Download here

GLEC Framework e-training

Learn about the basics of calculating and reporting of CO2e emissions for your global supply chain.

Sign up!

GLEC & ISO 14083 Calculation Workshop

This live-training will provide participants with hands-on experience on how to use the GLEC Framework to calculate and report your company’s supply chain emissions in line with ISO 14083.

Sign up!

Convince your management

Explain the GLEC Framework to your management team.

Download here

SFC-Accredited Partners

SFC-accredited partners, including tools, programs and other providers, who can deliver emission calculations in conformance with the GLEC Framework.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t worry! Having a tool or methodology to calculate emissions in place doesn’t mean that you can’t adopt the GLEC Framework. GLEC Framework is intentionally based on existing methodologies, standards and tools so it won’t be difficult for companies to implement both GLEC and other existing standards in their emissions calculation practice.

Download here the case study from GEODIS, STEF, Ewals Cargo Care and read how they tackled this challenge.

It will save a lot of time for the company and improve emissions data quality, if the data needed to calculate logistics emissions can be obtained through the TMS system.

However, current TMS systems often do not capture all the parameters needed to give a good quality emissions calculation.

As a first step, companies can ensure that a minimum level of parameters are captured in their TMS to combine it in the calculation. Read here what are the minimum requirements and the results and conclusions from the companies that were part of the case study (Road freight carriers, Retailer) 

The GLEC Framework covers all modes and logistics sites, thus allowing companies to calculate their logistics emissions consistently across their global supply chains.

The GLEC Framework includes different chapters describing how to calculate emissions for each individual mode, and results from individual legs in the logistics chain can be added up.

Download here the case study of companies that tested the GLEC Framework to specific segments or specific modes of their logistics chain . (GEODIS, FMC Corporation & BDP International)

The GLEC Framework provide guidance for companies who wish to report logistics emissions in standardized way. It provides a menu of information that companies can choose from to disclose whether they wish to conduct public reporting or business-to-business reporting. Check out GLEC FW v3.0 Section 2 for more details on this topic.

The ultimate goal of emissions accounting and reporting is to use this information in decision-making to improve carbon performance and bring benefit to your organization. By following the GLEC FW for your logistics emissions accounting and tracking the figures overtime, you will be able to unlock different decarbonation use cases, such as identifying emissions hot spots in your operation, or collaborate with other companies to consolidate freight.

Download here to read the case study of VRTO and an air freight LSP who tried to make informed decisions based on the GHG emissions information.

Top