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From GHG to GLEC 3.0: the key transition for sustainable logistics

Updated on
October 6, 2025

Making the leap from GHG to GLEC 3.0 has become a real necessity for logistics companies.

The GHG Protocol was for years the reference in emissions measurement, but its generalist and imprecise approach no longer responds to market demands or today’s regulatory requirements.

What matters now is clear, reliable, and detailed information. Rough estimates are no longer enough.

If we do not have precise data, we risk breaching regulations such as CSRD or the EU Taxonomy, losing client trust, and being excluded from contracts where GLEC reports are required.

The difference is evident: while GHG barely reaches 40% accuracy, with GLEC 3.0 we achieve 95%, which gives us a real picture of our emissions.

In addition, it opens the door to recognized certifications, improves reputation, and places us in a better position against the competition.

In a sector where 73% of European carriers will demand GLEC reports by 2025, this change is no longer optional. It is the path to regulatory compliance, greater efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Next, we will see what this change implies, what the real benefits are, and why it will make the difference in logistics in the coming years.

Current logistics problems with GHG

Carbon emissions and regulations

One of the biggest challenges for logistics companies lies in carbon emissions, particularly in calculating their Carbon Footprint.

Regulations such as CSRD or the EU Taxonomy demand increasingly detailed and reliable reports. The problem is that with the GHG Protocol, accuracy is low and we risk non-compliance, with all that it implies.

When we work with rough estimates, the real picture of our operations becomes distorted.

And without that information, it is impossible to plan reduction strategies or respond confidently to market demands.

Transparency and traceability

Another critical point is the lack of clarity in reports.

Data generated under GHG is often hard to interpret, which directly affects the trust of clients and partners.

Today the demand is clear: we need transparent and traceable reports, that reflect in real time what is happening in each shipment, each route, and each vehicle.

If we do not offer that visibility, we lose credibility.

Competition and reputation

Not adapting to new standards has a huge cost in terms of competitiveness.

73% of European carriers will require GLEC reports by 2025, and not having them means being automatically excluded from bids and contracts.

This not only impacts short-term business but also erodes the company’s reputation. In a sector with extreme competitive pressure, falling behind is not an option.

Operating costs

Working with imprecise data not only affects compliance and reputation, it also raises operational costs.

Without reliable information, it is impossible to detect inefficiencies in routes, loads, or fuel consumption.

The result is higher costs than we should have and less ability to optimize the business.

In the end, the lack of precision in data translates into money lost.

These problems show why relying only on GHG is no longer enough.

Logistics needs more precise and transparent methods aligned with the market, and that is where GLEC 3.0 comes in as a true game changer.

What is GLEC 3.0 and why does it change the rules?

When we talk about logistics, GLEC 3.0 is today’s reference for measuring and managing emissions.

Unlike the GHG Protocol, which falls short in accuracy, GLEC 3.0 is designed specifically for our sector and achieves 95% precision versus 40% with GHG.

This means we can align with international standards and comply with regulations such as ISO 14083 without recalculating or working with unreliable estimates.

The key lies in total emissions transparency.

With GLEC 3.0, we are not talking about generic reports, but about real-time dashboards that allow us to track each shipment, each route, and each fuel used.

This gives us the capacity to make fast, data-driven decisions, which is essential to gain efficiency and respond to client and regulator demands.

Another differential point is access to certifications and strategic tenders. By being aligned with recognized programs such as Lean & Green, EcoVadis or CDP, we have more opportunities to enter new contracts and public tenders that already demand this type of reporting as a basic requirement.

Here the difference is clear: without GLEC, the door is closed.

And the best part is that the benefits are visible quickly. With GLEC 3.0 we can optimize routes and loads, which translates into 8 to 15% operational savings in the first year.

The investment recovery is almost immediate: we are talking about an ROI of 420% in just 12 months.

In short, GLEC 3.0 is not just a technical standard.

It is a strategic lever that allows us to comply with regulations, cut costs, and be more competitive in an increasingly demanding market.

Key differences between GHG and GLEC 3.0

1. Generalist approach vs. logistics-specific

The GHG Protocol was created as a global framework for any sector, but that breadth makes it too generalist.

In contrast, GLEC 3.0 is designed for logistics, taking into account crucial aspects such as multimodal transport, fuel consumption, and the impact of each type of vehicle.

2. Data accuracy

With GHG we barely reach 40% accuracy, which leaves a wide margin for error.

With GLEC 3.0 we achieve 95% accuracy, which allows us to have a real picture of our operations and comply easily with stricter regulations.

3. Reporting time

With GHG, many companies dedicate up to 40 hours per month to manual calculations and data collection.

With GLEC 3.0 we reduce that effort to just 2 hours per month, thanks to its integration with transport management systems.

This frees up resources to focus on strategic decisions.

4. Certification and access to international standards

GLEC 3.0 is fully compatible with ISO 14083 and other global standards.

This opens the door to recognized certifications and makes it easier to access tenders where validated methodologies are already required.

In conclusion, moving from GHG to GLEC 3.0 is not a simple methodological change.

It is a leap toward a more precise, faster, and competitive way of working, bringing logistics to the level the market demands today.

Benefits of adopting GLEC 3.0 in logistics

1. Guaranteed regulatory compliance

With 95% accuracy in reports and compatibility with ISO 14083, we ensure our calculations are aligned with the most demanding regulations.

This prevents non-compliance risks and strengthens security in our operations.

2. Access to new ESG markets and tenders

More and more contracts and public tenders require reporting under standards such as GLEC 3.0. If we do not have them, we are automatically excluded.

By migrating, we not only comply with this requirement, but also increase our chances of winning tenders and securing strategic deals.

3. Improved corporate reputation

The transparency and reliability of data are decisive today.

With traceable and validated reports under GLEC 3.0, we position ourselves as a serious and competitive partner, giving us an advantage over companies that still rely on less precise methods.

4. Operational cost savings

Implementing GLEC 3.0 allows us to optimize routes and loads, as well as manage consumption in real time.

This translates into 8 to 15% operational cost reductions in the first year, which directly impacts profitability.

5. Accelerated return on investment

Economic benefit comes quickly. With cost reductions and access to new opportunities, ROI can reach up to 420% in just 12 months.

This makes the transition to GLEC 3.0 a strategic decision that pays for itself.

6. Strategic lever for business

Beyond measurement, GLEC 3.0 becomes a real competitive advantage. It allows us to comply with regulations, open new markets, reinforce trust, and improve internal efficiency.

In an increasingly demanding sector, it is the difference between falling behind or leading.

Challenges of the transition to GLEC 3.0

Making the move to GLEC 3.0 is a strategic decision that prepares us for the future of logistics.

Still, like any major change, there are initial challenges we must face in a practical and realistic way.

1. Initial investment and technological adaptation

Migrating from traditional systems to a more precise and automated model requires resources and planning.

This initial effort may seem high, but it is quickly offset by operational savings and access to new business opportunities.

2. Training and internal coordination

It is not enough to install a solution. We need the whole team to understand how GLEC 3.0 works, what data to provide, and how to use the information for decision-making.

Strong internal coordination makes the transition much smoother.

3. Integration with existing TMS and ERP

Logistics already depends on implemented systems, and the challenge is making sure GLEC 3.0 connects easily with them.

The positive part is that this standard is designed for integration, reducing reporting time from 40 hours to just 2 per month.

4. Resistance to change within the organization

In any transformation, there are always those who prefer to keep the familiar. Overcoming this cultural resistance means showing clearly the tangible benefits: fewer costs, greater precision, and access to contracts that would be impossible with GHG.

In short, the challenges exist, but they are temporary and manageable.

Once adjustments are made, we have a much more robust system that not only improves emissions management but also strengthens our market competitiveness.

Our vision as logistics decarbonization experts

When we talk about logistics decarbonization, the first thing we know is that measuring for the sake of measuring is not enough.

The market is changing, and those who do not adopt more precise methodologies like GLEC 3.0 will fall behind.

Our vision is simple: sustainability is not an ornament, it is a strategic business lever that defines who remains competitive and who does not.

How to start your roadmap towards GLEC 3.0

1. Assess your current situation with GHG Protocol

The first step is understanding where we are. Most logistics companies start with GHG Protocol, but we know it offers limited accuracy.

Assessing this data helps us identify gaps and set priorities.

2. Define a migration plan to GLEC 3.0

It is not about starting from scratch, but about migrating in an organized way.

The key here is to set a clear plan that defines phases, objectives, and timing. This way we reduce risks and gain efficiency in the transition.

3. Integrate TMS systems and automate processes

For the transition to work, we need GLEC 3.0 to connect with the systems we already use, such as TMS or ERP.

Integration eliminates manual work and reduces reporting time from 40 hours to just 2 per month.

4. Implement dashboards and real-time reporting

The value of GLEC 3.0 lies in immediate traceability. With real-time dashboards we can see consumption, routes, and emissions of each shipment.

This gives us tools to make decisions based on data, not intuition.

5. Obtain certifications and access tenders

With GLEC 3.0 reports we can align with ISO 14083 and access recognized certifications.

This is not just a seal, it is what opens the door to new tenders and contracts where this standard is already a requirement.

In short, the roadmap towards GLEC 3.0 is not just a technical adjustment.

It is the way to transform logistics into a more precise, competitive model, ready for today’s and tomorrow’s market demands.

In addition, logistics companies must increasingly align their reporting with sustainable finance frameworks, as financial institutions and investors demand transparency to assess long-term environmental risks and opportunities.

Dcycle: the platform that accelerates your transition to GLEC 3.0

At Dcycle, we are clear that companies do not need more consultants or auditors to fill endless reports.

What is really needed is a practical and automated solution that simplifies the process and allows the leap to GLEC 3.0 without unnecessary friction.

Our platform is designed to collect all your ESG data in a single place.

It does not matter if we are talking about EINF, SBTis, CSRD, Taxonomy, or ISOs, we organize and distribute it for each use case so that you comply with any regulation or requirement in front of you.

The value lies in automation. With Dcycle, we move from manual processes that consume up to 40 hours per month to instant reports in just 2 hours.

This means your team can stop wasting time on spreadsheets and focus on making strategic decisions with reliable data.

In addition, the direct integration with TMS and ERP systems ensures that every piece of data on consumption, route, or load is reflected in real time.

This not only improves reporting accuracy (95%), but also gives you the traceability that clients and tenders are demanding as an indispensable requirement.

And most importantly: with Dcycle, the transition to GLEC 3.0 becomes a business advantage.

We are talking about access to tenders, operational cost reductions, fast ROI, and the peace of mind of working under recognized standards such as ISO 14083.

In short, we are the platform that allows you to accelerate logistics decarbonization, without complications, with real data and with a clear focus: that sustainability becomes a strategic lever for the growth of your company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I migrate from GHG to GLEC 3.0 now?

Because the market and regulations are already demanding it.

With GHG we only achieve 40% accuracy, which creates risks of non-compliance and loss of competitiveness.

With GLEC 3.0 we reach 95%, which allows us to comply with regulations such as CSRD or ISO 14083 and respond to clients who demand real traceability in their supply chains.

What certifications can GLEC 3.0 achieve?

By being aligned with ISO 14083 and other international standards, GLEC 3.0 opens the door to recognized certifications such as Lean & Green, EcoVadis, or CDP.

This is key because many tenders and contracts already require these certifications as a minimum condition to participate.

What return on investment can I expect by implementing GLEC 3.0?

The results are fast and measurable. Companies that migrate report operational savings of 8 to 15% in the first year thanks to route and load optimization.

In addition, ROI reaches up to 420% in just 12 months, combining cost reductions and access to new business opportunities.

How does this transition affect my logistics operations?

The transition to GLEC 3.0 not only improves emissions calculation, it also makes daily operations more efficient.

We move from spending 40 hours per month on manual reporting to just 2 hours, thanks to automation and integration with TMS and ERP systems.

This means more time for analysis and less for repetitive tasks.

How does Dcycle help accelerate GLEC 3.0 implementation?

At Dcycle we are not auditors or consultants, we are a solution for companies.

We gather all your ESG information into a single system and distribute it across different use cases: EINF, SBTIs, CSRD, Taxonomy, ISOs and more.

In addition, we automate the transition towards GLEC 3.0, reduce reporting times, and give you the real-time traceability you need to compete in an increasingly demanding market.

Take control of your ESG data today.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.