Rail freight
Calculate the emissions of rail freight shipments from the route or distance, the cargo weight and the train. SQUAKE supports three methodologies for rail freight.
Choose a methodology
| Methodology | Coverage | Basis | Inputs you need | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIN EN 16258 | Not stated | DIN EN 16258 (March 2013) | origin and destination or distance_in_km, weight_in_tonnes; optional train_type, fuel_type, energy_scope | train_type is the train's weight (500t to 2000t). fuel_type is electricity or diesel. |
| ECTA | Not stated | ECTA guidelines (March 2011), now part of GLEC | origin and destination or distance_in_km, weight_in_tonnes; optional train_type, fuel_type | Adds train_type values container_train_intermodal, blocktrain_rtc and single_wagon_train_rtc. No energy_scope field. |
| GLEC | Not stated | GLEC Framework v3.2 (2025) | origin and destination or distance_in_km, weight_in_tonnes; optional fuel_type, load_characteristic, energy_scope | load_characteristic describes the cargo, such as container, cars or chemicals. Fuels include us_diesel and indian_average. |
All three methodologies support audit records with audit.
How to decide
- Use GLEC when you know what the train carries (
load_characteristic), or the train runs on US diesel or Indian average traction. - Use ECTA when you know the train's operating type: a container, block, or single-wagon train.
- Use DIN EN 16258 when you know the train's gross weight and whether it is electric or diesel.
- ECTA is now part of GLEC and follows the same update and certification policy, according to the November 2023 update.