8 best software tools for calculating emissions under the GLEC framework

Measuring emissions associated with transport and logistics has become a key requirement for companies aiming to comply with European sustainability standards and move toward a low-carbon supply chain.

The GLEC Framework (Global Logistics Emissions Council), developed by the Smart Freight Centre, is now the international reference standard for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the logistics sector.

Whether your company manufactures physical goods or manages distribution or transport operations, applying the GLEC Framework allows you to harmonise carbon footprint calculations among suppliers, carriers and customers, ensuring comparable and auditable results.

What is the GLEC Framework and why is it essential for measuring logistics emissions?

The GLEC Framework is the global standard recognised by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for calculating and reporting emissions in freight transport.

Unlike traditional corporate approaches, the GLEC Framework focuses on logistics flows and transported products, covering all transport modes: road, maritime, air, rail and intermodal.

Its goal is to unify criteria so that the same shipment generates the same emissions result regardless of who calculates it, provided the same data and assumptions are used.

For this reason, it is an essential tool for:

• Manufacturers who need to trace product footprints to the final customer.
• Logistics operators who must report emissions to their clients.
• Companies with Net Zero targets that include Scope 3 (value chain) emissions.

In practice, the GLEC Framework is the methodological backbone of many product carbon footprint (PCF) measurement platforms and sustainable transport software tools. You can see how Manglai applies it in its GLEC solution.

What criteria should you use to choose the best GLEC-compliant calculation software?

Selecting the right tool isn't just about comparing prices or user interfaces; it requires verifying its technical robustness, regulatory alignment and ability to integrate data from multiple sources.

These are the six key criteria any serious software must meet in order to calculate emissions under the GLEC Framework:

1. Recognised methodology: alignment with the GLEC Framework, the GHG Protocol and the ISO 14083 and ISO 14067 standards.
2. Multimodal coverage: capability to calculate emissions across all transport modes.
3. Data integration: automatic import of fuel consumption, distances travelled or transported weights from ERP, TMS or spreadsheets.
4. Scalability: ability to move from pilot projects to the entire logistics network.
5. Visualisation and reporting: dashboards and reports compatible with CSRD, CDP or Science Based Targets.
6. Total cost: including licences, maintenance and technical support.

Which is the best software for calculating emissions under the GLEC Framework?

Choosing the right software for applying the GLEC Framework is crucial to ensuring consistent, auditable and comparable measurements across different transport modes. Not all tools on the market offer full compatibility with this standard, which requires methodological rigour and data traceability throughout the logistics chain.

Below we present the main software solutions on the market, prioritising those aligned with the GLEC Framework or integrating logistics data into product carbon footprint (PCF) calculations, with Manglai leading the ranking thanks to its balance of methodological rigour, ease of use and multicriteria approach.

1. Manglai: multicriteria measurement adapted to the GLEC Framework

Manglai is a Spanish platform that integrates recognised methodologies, including the GLEC Framework, to deliver product, service and route-level emission calculations with full traceability.

Its approach combines technical precision with operational agility, enabling sustainability and operations teams to obtain verifiable results in hours, not weeks.

It is a strong choice for companies that need to calculate product and transport footprints without relying on external consultancies.

Among its main advantages are:

• Guided workflow for product and logistics footprinting.
• Verified databases.
• Automatic reporting compliant with CSRD and SBTi.
• Scenario comparison for transport modes and materials.
• Interactive dashboards to communicate results without the risk of greenwashing.

You can see how to communicate results in our article: How to communicate your decarbonisation strategy and avoid greenwashing.

Ultimately, Manglai is ideal for companies seeking a PCF and transport footprint aligned with the GLEC Framework without needing large technical teams or external consultancies.

This proposition is backed by real traction: Manglai has active clients in 70 countries, more than 30,000 users and 25 million tonnes of CO2e managed, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

2. SAP Sustainability Footprint Management

This tool allows you to integrate material, energy and transport data within a single digital architecture. Its main strength lies in the direct integration with SAP ERP, but its implementation complexity and costs make it less accessible for medium-sized companies.

Best for: corporations already operating within the SAP ecosystem.
Strengths: integration, scalability, corporate-level support.
Keep in mind: steep learning curve and high licence costs.

3. Sphera LCA for Experts (formerly GaBi)

Sphera, heir to GaBi, offers one of the most robust systems on the market for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and product footprinting. Its scientific approach enables the application of the GLEC Framework to material and product transport.

Best for: organisations with technical sustainability departments.
Advantages: methodological rigour, extensive libraries, ISO validation.
Keep in mind: requires technical expertise and configuration time.

4. One Click LCA

It includes templates adapted to PEF and ISO 14083, enabling the calculation of transport impacts for construction materials, in line with the GLEC Framework.

Best for: construction and manufacturing companies.
Advantages: sector-specific libraries, automated workflows for EPDs.
Keep in mind: primarily focused on construction and buildings.

5. Ecochain

Ecochain provides an agile view of emissions across the full life cycle, allowing you to assess materials, processes and transport within a single workflow.

Best for: industrial SMEs looking to measure the impact of their products and logistics operations.
Advantages: usability, analysis per plant or product line.
Keep in mind: coverage depends on sector and country.

6. CarbonCloud

CarbonCloud uses sector-specific models compatible with the GLEC Framework to calculate emissions from transport and storage of food products. Its strength lies in comparability across ingredients and supply chains.

Best for: food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies.
Advantages: accurate food-sector models, intuitive interface.
Keep in mind: niche focus, limited to food.

7. Carbonfact

Carbonfact calculates product and transport footprints per garment, with compatibility with GLEC and PEF standards. It is ideal for fashion-sector companies seeking climate traceability.

Advantages: visual reporting, textile supply chain data, product-level sheets.
Keep in mind: focused on the fashion industry.

8. openLCA

An open-source software for LCA and carbon footprinting, compatible with GLEC and Ecoinvent databases. It is flexible but requires manual configuration and technical expertise.

Best for: technical teams with limited budgets.
Advantages: free, transparent, extensible.
Keep in mind: less user-friendly interface and limited support.

How to start calculating emissions under the GLEC Framework

Applying the GLEC Framework for the first time may seem complex, but with a structured methodology and the right tools, the process becomes clear and manageable. This standard provides a step-by-step guide to quantify freight transport emissions, ensuring comparable results across transport modes and supply chain actors.

These steps will help you structure the process from day one:

1. Define the purpose of the calculation: regulatory compliance, internal audit or reduction strategy.
2. Select the scope and logistics routes: determine which transport modes you will include (truck, ship, plane, train).
3. Gather reliable data: distances, weights, fuel types, load factors and energy consumption.
4. Apply recognised emission factors: GLEC-based tools like Manglai already include the official Smart Freight Centre datasets.
5. Calculate and analyse results: identify the most carbon-intensive routes or products.
6. Communicate and validate: generate verifiable reports compatible with CSRD, CDP or external audits.

If you want to understand how the GLEC Framework fits into the full environmental analysis of your products, we recommend reading our article: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): how to evaluate the environmental impact of a product.

Logistics precision for real decarbonisation

The GLEC Framework has consolidated itself as the global reference standard for measuring and reporting logistics emissions. Adopting it enhances the credibility of your reports and drives the effective reduction of the environmental impact of your operations.

Among all available options, Manglai stands out as a very balanced software: it combines methodological rigour, operational fluidity and a good user experience, making it suitable for both SMEs and large corporations seeking to integrate the GLEC Framework into their climate strategies.

If you want to move toward a carbon-neutral supply chain, discover the Manglai GLEC solution and how to calculate product and transport emissions with full traceability and reliability.

FAQs about choosing the best software for calculating emissions under the GLEC Framework

What is the difference between the GLEC Framework and the GHG Protocol?

While the GHG Protocol defines the general principles for corporate emissions accounting, the GLEC Framework applies those principles specifically to freight transport, offering standardised methodologies for each transport mode.

Is it mandatory to follow the GLEC Framework?

No, it is not mandatory, but it is the most recognised standard for reporting logistics emissions under CSRD, CDP or the SBTi.

What data do I need to start calculating emissions under the GLEC Framework?

Kilometres travelled, transported weight, fuel or energy type, and transport mode. The more real data you have, the greater the accuracy.

Can I combine the GLEC Framework with product carbon footprinting?

Yes. In fact, the current trend is to integrate the GLEC Framework within the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) to reflect the logistics impact across the entire product life cycle.

What advantage does software offer over spreadsheets for calculating emissions under the GLEC Framework?

GLEC-compatible software automates calculations, updates emission factors and generates verification-ready reports. It also reduces human error and saves weeks of work.

Why choose Manglai?

Because it combines the GLEC Framework methodology, strong usability and corporate reporting in a single platform, enabling a seamless transition from measurement to communication without complications or hidden costs.