Published in March 2023, ISO 14083:2023 defines the methods for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions for organisations operating in road, sea, air and rail transport.
This standard makes energy use and emissions in the supply chain transparent, comparable and verifiable. Under the EU’s Green Logistics Strategy and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the accuracy of transport-related emissions data is now of strategic importance.
The ISO 14083 standard is an international framework used by logistics companies to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint). It covers road, air, sea, and rail transport, ensures transparency and comparability, and provides guidance on calculating transport emissions using standardised methods and on achieving reduction targets. Logistics companies can use this standard to quantitatively determine the environmental impact of their operations and provide reliable data to their customers and stakeholders.
The Formation of the Logistics Carbon Footprint
The logistics carbon footprint is formed because of the interaction of several factors:
- Transport Vehicles: Different modes of transport, such as road, air, sea, and rail, can emit varying levels of emissions. Transport vehicles that use fossil fuels increase greenhouse gas emissions.
- Distance and Route: Long-distance transport and complex routes increase energy consumption and emissions.
- Storage and Processing: Energy use in the storage, processing, and distribution of products also affects emissions.
- Packaging: The production and use of packaging materials also create environmental impacts.
Importance for Logistics Companies
- EU Green Logistics Strategy and CBAM: Ensures compliance with European Union regulations and provides a competitive advantage.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Helps develop reduction strategies by identifying emission sources.
- Customer Expectations: Responds to increasing customer demands for sustainability.
- Legal Compliance: Meets sectoral and international legal requirements.
Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Logistics
The logistics sector can develop various strategies to reduce its carbon footprint:
- Transport Efficiency: Fuel consumption can be reduced through more efficient transport methods and optimised transport routes.
- Alternative Fuels: Using alternative fuels such as natural gas or electricity instead of diesel can reduce emissions.
- Equipment and Technology Innovations: Using lower-emission transport vehicles and adopting technologies that facilitate transport management can be effective.
- Improving Storage and Distribution Processes: Energy consumption can be reduced through more efficient storage methods and optimised distribution processes.
- Sustainable Packaging: It is important to use packaging materials with less environmental impact.
How is it implemented?
- Scope Determination: Decides which transport activities will be included.
- Data Collection: Data such as fuel consumption, distance, and load weight is collected.
- Emission Factors: The collected data is multiplied by the relevant emission factors.
- Calculation and Reporting: Total emissions are calculated and reported in accordance with the standard method.
- Verification: Data verification by an independent organisation (optional but recommended).
ISO 14083 is a fundamental tool that enables logistics companies to take transparent and effective steps in their sustainability journey by measuring their carbon footprint using a scientific and standardised method.
The global logistics sector: Where is it headed?
Logistics is no longer just about ‘transport and storage’; it is a strategic field that generates competitive advantage, data management and sustainability performance.
Emerging global trends (2025–2026)
- Digitalisation and automation: Robotics in warehouses, fleet optimisation, IoT sensors, and real-time visibility (track & trace) are rapidly increasing.
- Efficiency with artificial intelligence: The use of AI in areas such as route/capacity optimisation, maintenance prediction, and demand forecasting is a critical lever in reducing both costs and emissions.
- Sustainability pressure: Customers (especially large manufacturers/retailers) are demanding that supply chain emissions be made visible and comparable.
- Resilience and risk management: Geopolitical risks, supply continuity, and decisions such as multi-sourcing/nearshoring are influencing logistics strategy.