01What it is about
GLEC Framework, ISO 14083 and DIN EN 16258 are the relevant standards for CO₂ accounting of transport.
Sustainability in logistics is no longer a nice-to-have: regulators, customers and investors demand transparent data, credible roadmaps and measurable reduction progress. Missing or weak disclosures drive questions, lost bids or reputational damage.
02Scope and application
Scope 1 (own fleet) and Scope 3 Cat. 4/9 (purchased/sold transport services) are the key categories for shippers.
Shippers and LSPs face pressure from regulators, customers and investors. Early integration into procurement, tender processes and reporting pays off — both in risk reduction and reputational gains. CSRD, CDP, EcoVadis and SBTi questions are becoming standard in RFPs, and banks increasingly use ESG KPIs in credit decisions.
03Practical implementation
Start with a data inventory: transport volumes, modes, O/D pairs, equipment used, energy mix. On top of that, build a CO₂ baseline per the GLEC Framework or ISO 14083, define clear reduction pathways (e.g. modal-shift share, SAF/HVO quota, fleet electrification) and implement robust reporting structures.
Independent certifications such as Smart Freight Centre, ISCC+, Bonsucro or ISO 14001 deliver proof. Watch out for plausibility checks: emission factors, allocation rules and data quality decide the credibility of every claim.