Is the GLEC Framework the same as ISO 14083?

They now agree: version 3.2 integrates the provisions of ISO 14083:2023, and both are built on well-to-wheel emissions. ISO 14083 is the international standard; GLEC adds default factors, worked examples and guidance for each mode.

Who uses the GLEC Framework?

Shippers, carriers and logistics service providers, according to the Smart Freight Centre. It is the method CDP recommends for reporting logistics emissions, and the framework says the Greenhouse Gas Protocol recognises it.

Can I report using GLEC default factors?

Where measured data is missing. The framework asks for primary data whenever possible and calls its defaults best-case approximations, so a report built on defaults should say so and move to measured fuel over time.

Term

GLEC Framework

The GLEC Framework is the Smart Freight Centre's method for calculating and reporting logistics greenhouse gas emissions across every mode, from trucks to ships, planes and logistics hubs. Version 3.2, published in October 2025, folds in ISO 14083, counts emissions well-to-wheel, and asks for both total emissions and emission intensity in CO2e per tonne-kilometre.

Also called GLEC, Global Logistics Emissions Council Framework, GLEC v3.2, ISO 14083, Smart Freight Centre methodologyUpdated 13 October 2026

What it asks for

Well-to-wheel: like ISO 14083, version 3 is built on the well-to-wheel concept, so producing the fuel counts as well as burning it.
Two numbers: total GHG emissions, and emission intensity as mass of CO2e per tonne-km.
Primary data whenever possible — measured fuel and distance. The framework calls its own default factors best-case approximations of the actual situation.
Anyone in the chain: shippers, carriers and logistics service providers can all implement it, the Smart Freight Centre says.

Default intensities by mode

Mode	Region	Default
Heavy goods vehicle over 20 t, no temperature control	Europe and South America	125
Truckload dry van (SmartWay category)	North America	93
Less-than-truckload dry van (SmartWay category)	North America	218
Rail, traction type unknown	EU average	18.4
Rail, diesel	US average	16.1
Rail, diesel and electric	India average	10.6
Air freighter, long haul over 1,500 km	Air sector default	608

GLEC Framework v3.2 defaults, well-to-wheel, g CO2e per tonne-km

Worked example: the fuel-based method

100,000 litres of diesel with 5% biodiesel, burned in Europe × 3.36 kg CO2e per litre (well-to-wheel) = 336,000 kg = 336 t CO2e

The framework's own example. The factor is regional and blend-specific: the UK government's 2026 forecourt diesel is 3.19 kg a litre well-to-wheel, so a report names the factor it used.

The framework says it is recognised by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and is the recommended method for reporting logistics emissions to CDP, the Carbon Disclosure Project. It covers the transport itself as well as logistics hubs, and its North American road defaults are based on SmartWay categories, so a carrier's region decides which default applies.

The mistake people make

Two, both named in the framework. One is substituting a tank-to-wheel value where a well-to-wheel one belongs: on UK 2026 diesel factors, that drops about a fifth of the emissions. The other is failing to include emissions from empty running — a truck that returns empty burned that fuel for the load it delivered, and leaving the return leg out makes the lane look cleaner than it is.

FAQ

GLEC Framework: common questions

Is the GLEC Framework the same as ISO 14083?: They now agree: version 3.2 integrates the provisions of ISO 14083:2023, and both are built on well-to-wheel emissions. ISO 14083 is the international standard; GLEC adds default factors, worked examples and guidance for each mode.
Who uses the GLEC Framework?: Shippers, carriers and logistics service providers, according to the Smart Freight Centre. It is the method CDP recommends for reporting logistics emissions, and the framework says the Greenhouse Gas Protocol recognises it.
Can I report using GLEC default factors?: Where measured data is missing. The framework asks for primary data whenever possible and calls its defaults best-case approximations, so a report built on defaults should say so and move to measured fuel over time.