Logistics Hub: GLEC
Calculate the emissions of goods handled at a logistics site, such as a warehouse or terminal, with the GLEC Framework, based on site type, condition type and weight.
About the methodology
The Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) frames standardised approaches for calculating greenhouse gas emissions in logistics. This includes logistics sites: the hubs where goods are stored, managed and dispatched. These sites consume a lot of energy, so accurate calculation matters. GLEC's methodology takes an integrated approach to logistics emissions accounting and covers all activities within a logistics site, from storage cooling systems to material handling equipment.
As a consistent, globally recognised standard, GLEC lets logistics sites worldwide measure, manage and reduce their carbon footprint on a level playing field. The framework includes both direct and indirect emission sources, which gives a full picture of a logistics site's environmental impact and supports effective mitigation.
Sample requests
Send a quote before the shipment is booked, then repeat the call with audit set to true once the booking is final. The body is otherwise identical.
{
"expand": ["items"],
"items": [{
"audit": false,
"type": "logistics_hub",
"external_reference": "test_1",
"weight_in_tonnes": 8,
"methodology": "GLEC",
"logistics_site_type": "storage_and_transhipment",
"condition_type": "ambient"
}]
}audit_for is optional
Pass the ID of an auditable entity when you calculate on behalf of that entity. Otherwise, leave it out.
Defaults
When a field is missing, SQUAKE fills it in before calculating.
| Field | Default | Applies when |
|---|---|---|
logistics_site_type | warehouse | No logistics_site_type is sent |
condition_type | mixed | No condition_type is sent |
Request fields
typestringrequiredlogistics_hub. As of GLEC v3.2, logistics_hub is the preferred value; logistics_site is still accepted for backward compatibility.
methodologystringrequiredGLEC
weight_in_tonnesnumberWeight of the goods in tonnes.
logistics_site_typeenumtranshipment_site, storage_and_transhipment, warehouse, maritime_container_terminal or liquid_bulk_terminal. Default value is warehouse.
condition_typeenumambient, mixed or temperature_controlled. temperature_controlled is only relevant for the maritime_container_terminal site type. Defaults to mixed.
external_referencestringYour identifier for the item, up to 128 characters, so you can match results to requests. SQUAKE doesn't guarantee the order of items.
auditbooleanSet to true to create immutable audit records for finalised calculations. Must be enabled for your account.
POST /v2/calculations in the API referenceSample response
{
"carbon_quantity": 16800,
"carbon_unit": "gram",
"items": [{
"carbon_quantity": 16800,
"carbon_unit": "gram",
"external_reference": "test_1",
"type": "logistics_hub",
"methodology": "GLEC",
"algorithm_specifics": {
"algorithm_type": "glec",
"data": {
"co2e_in_g": 16800,
"co2e_per_tonne_in_g": 2100,
"reporting_year": 2024,
"transportation_mode": "logistics_site"
}
}
}]
}Smart Freight Centre helped us fine-tune our calculations of all freight and logistics operations in accordance with the GLEC Framework.
Bibliography
- Smart Freight Centre (2025). Global Logistics Emissions Council Framework V3.2.
- Smart Freight Centre. Towards efficient and zero emissions. https://www.smartfreightcentre.org/en/