The Smart Freight Centre unveils GLEC Framework 3.0

In line with its mission, The Smart Freight Centre (SFC) has announced a major update to the GLEC Framework, which is already the de facto reference for logistics emission accounting and which formed the basis for the new ISO 14083 standard. As a full GLEC member, Zeus will be taking on board these latest developments, and we’ll be sharing some key takeaways here.

What is the GLEC Framework 3.0?
The GLEC Framework is a flagship output of the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC), a subsidiary of the Smart Freight Centre. It builds on the Centre’s mission to harmonise and standardise the calculation and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions in the global logistics supply chain. The first GLEC Framework was launched in 2016, followed by version 2.0 in 2019. Seven years later, the SFC has now launched the GLEC Framework 3.0 taking on board new developments and aligning with the new ISO 14083 standard.

So, what’s new?
The GLEC Framework 3.0 is not a major overhaul of the key calculation and reporting principles on which it was founded. Rather, it encompasses the latest emission data for up-to-date emissions reporting, and aligns with one of the key international standards to be launched in this space: the ISO 14083 standard.

Significant updates include:

• New transport modes have been included

• Emission factors now account for the construction and dismantling of energy infrastructure, the start-up and idling of vehicles and equipment, pipeline cleaning activities, the combustion and/or leakage of energy carriers at vehicles or hubs, and the leakage of refrigerants by vehicles and hubs.

• As such, many of the emission factors have increased. (For example, the emission intensity factor for a European 40t articulated vehicle running on B5 diesel has increased from 80 to 95 g CO2/tonne-km.)

• New emission factors cover electric heavy goods vehicles up to 40 tonnes. (This was previously limited to 12 tonnes.)

• New fuel emission factors are featured, including HVO (50% waste oil), ethanol, and hydrogen.

• Changes to the terminology used to account for direct/indirect emissions

While there was some anticipation that country-specific emissions data for China would be included in the update, this is not the case. As before, China is lumped together with Asia and Africa using a single “uplift factor”. The SFC has suggested that this may be included in a minor update in the coming months.

What it means for you and for Zeus
Zeus is already a full GLEC member, and is obligated to align with the updated recommendations of the Framework 3.0. This means that by working with Zeus, you can be sure of the latest and most accurate tracking of logistics emissions according to industry best practice. Through our partnership with Pledge®, the emission factors which we use, and the calculation methodology will be automatically up-to-date in line with the latest framework.

Why Choose Zeus?
Our freight management solutions are designed with sustainability at their core. Through Freight Connect, we offer a streamlined and comprehensive sustainable freight and emissions reporting solution to meet your decarbonisation needs. Through Freight Command, we offer shippers the ability to manage their own distribution chains with maximum visibility of their operations and emissions impact, seamlessly integrated into their existing digital management systems.

The Time to Act is Now
Climate change is upon us, and the GLEC Framework 3.0 is your roadmap to a greener, more sustainable logistics future. Zeus is your trusted companion on this journey, providing not just solutions but a partnership for a sustainable tomorrow.

Learn More
Ready to dive into the GLEC Framework 3.0? Download it from Smart Freight Centre's website here, or contact us for more information.