How to reduce the carbon footprint in logistics

Reducing the carbon footprint in logistics means lowering emissions across the whole supply chain: transport, storage, packaging and distribution. The highest-impact strategies are route optimisation, fleet renewal, efficient warehouses, sustainable packaging and rigorous measurement with standards such as the GLEC Framework and ISO 14083. In this guide we go through them one by one.

Transport is the largest emitting sector in the European Union, according to the European Environment Agency, which makes logistics a priority focus in the fight against climate change.

What is the carbon footprint in logistics?

The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an organisation, product or service. In logistics it covers all the emissions of the value chain: from inbound supply transport to storage, distribution and final delivery.

Within the GHG Protocol framework, much of these emissions are accounted for in Scope 3, specifically in categories 4 and 9 (upstream and downstream transport and distribution).

What is sustainable logistics?

Sustainable logistics is an approach that seeks to minimise the environmental impact of operations without compromising their efficiency. It involves strategies and tools to:

• Reduce GHG emissions: optimising routes, using less polluting vehicles and improving energy efficiency.
• Minimise resource consumption: optimising fuel, water and energy in warehouses and offices, and managing waste responsibly.
• Apply responsible practices: prioritising suppliers with environmental criteria and fostering the circular economy in the logistics sector.

Strategies to reduce the carbon footprint in logistics

1. Route optimisation

Optimising routes reduces the distance travelled and, with it, fuel consumption and emissions. Planning software makes it possible to combine stops, take traffic restrictions into account and choose the most efficient route by distance, time or cost. Benefits:

• Cost reduction: less fuel means direct savings.
• Greater efficiency: better delivery times and better use of load capacity.
• Better service: faster and more reliable deliveries.

2. Fleet renewal with green vehicles

Electric, hybrid or hydrogen vehicles reduce or eliminate the direct emissions of transport. It is one of the most visible levers, although its rollout depends on range and charging infrastructure. We go deeper into this in the guide on how to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks.

3. Sustainable warehouses and packaging

The impact of logistics does not end on the road. It is also reduced with:

• Efficient warehouses: renewable energy, LED lighting, good waste management and lower water consumption.
• Sustainable packaging: recycled, biodegradable or reusable materials, optimising design, weight and volume.
• Collaboration with suppliers: prioritising partners that meet environmental criteria.

4. Green technologies and digitalisation

Clean technologies and digitalisation make it possible to optimise operations and reduce environmental impact:

• Fleet management software: real-time location, route optimisation and consumption control.
• Intelligent transport systems (ITS): manage traffic and reduce congestion.
• Internet of Things (IoT): sensors for inventory, temperature and goods tracking.
• Big data and predictive analytics: identify patterns to optimise routes and forecast demand.

5. Training and awareness

No strategy works without involving the team. Training programmes in efficiency and eco-driving, internal communication of progress and incentives for staff all help to embed a sustainable culture.

How to measure the carbon footprint in logistics

To manage you have to measure, and in logistics the reference standard is ISO 14083, which harmonises the calculation of emissions from transport operations. It is the basis of the GLEC Framework and of the European CountEmissions EU regulation, agreed at the end of 2025 to standardise the calculation of transport emissions in the EU. All of this fits within the general framework of the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064.

At Manglai we measure and manage the carbon footprint of logistics with artificial intelligence, aligned with the GLEC Framework and ISO 14083, to turn your operational data into real reductions.