Preview our accredited technology

Our calculator uses our measurement engine which is accredited by the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) to be in conformance with the GLEC Framework, meaning our carbon emissions measurement technology meets industry-leading standards for accuracy and reliability.

To receive this accreditation, a company must meet rigorous criteria and adhere to the GLEC Framework's guidelines. We consider various factors that contribute to emissions, such as fuel consumption, distance travelled, transport mode and specific activity data. By following these standardised methods, we ensure that our calculations are accurate, consistent and comparable across different companies and industries.

Yes. To qualify for the GLEC accreditation, our technology undergoes periodic quality assurance and validation reviews. We continuously update our measurement algorithms based on the latest research and industry best practices.

Pledge has one of the most comprehensive accreditation coverages on the market. Here’s a breakdown of the specific methodologies used for each mode of transport:

Sea: We employ the Clean Cargo Working Group methodology and the IMO methodology for sea freight. Default, carrier program (CleanCargo) and primary input data are supported. You can provide the IMO vessel number to enhance precision.

Air: We adopt a modelled approach based on the ICAO methodology when sufficient data is available. We support both default and modelled input data types. To enhance precision, you can enter the flight number.

Road: We utilise emissions factors from the GLEC Framework along with the GHG Protocol methodology. We support all major input data types — default, modelled, carrier program (SmartWay) and primary. To enhance accuracy, you can specify the class or size of the vehicle.

Rail: We utilise emissions factors from the GLEC Framework along with the GHG Protocol methodology. We support the default input data type.

Inland waterways: We employ emissions factors from the GLEC Framework along with the GHG Protocol methodology. We support the default input data type. To enhance accuracy, you can specify the type and size of barge.

Logistics sites: We employ emissions factors from the GLEC Framework along with the GHG Protocol methodology. We support the default input data type. To enhance accuracy, you can specify the type of site.

Our calculator offers global coverage of all major modes of transport: Road, rail, air, sea, inland waterways and logistics hubs.

The Pledge platform harnesses powerful GIS capabilities, leveraging Google Geolocation API, Amazon Location Service and curated datasets like UN/LOCODE, IATA and UIC. It employs proprietary weighted network routing using diverse data sources such as OpenStreetMap, AIS data and ADS-B data for efficient multi-modal transportation.

Sea: Our maritime routing network incorporates the Oak Ridge National Labs CTA Transportation Network Group, Global Shipping Lane Network and World 2000 data, supplemented with lines derived from AIS data. It provides configurable routing avoidance options for canals, passages, straits, ice zones and piracy zones, as well as user-specified port calls, with upcoming updates planned to introduce automatic actual voyage-specific port calls based on recent AIS data.

Road: We currently utilise Google Maps API with the "driving" profile for worldwide locations, while AWS Location Service with the "truck" profile is employed specifically for Asian regions; upcoming developments include integrating OpenStreetMap via MapBox API to analyse routes based on urban, rural, highway, RoRo/RoPax ferry and administrative zones, with the option to configure preferences for avoiding ferry routes.

Inland waterways: Our waterways routing network, based on OpenStreetMaps (OSM) data extracts, includes approximately 500k edges and in Europe, barges are routed based on the smallest CEMT class that the barge category can navigate. Outside of Europe, waterways are treated as CEMT class V by default.

Air: We use Great Circle Distance as the default measurement for airport distances, but also incorporate a comprehensive air routing network consisting of 3,367 airports, 43,160 routes, and supplemented by no-fly-zone polygons, weighted by statistical frequency of flights from ADS-B data, with planned enhancements for automatic routes and stopovers based on flight numbers.

Sea: We use vessel-specific emissions factors for approximately 1.8k containerships based on primary data, carrier-specific factors for CleanCargo members, and trade lane-specific factors derived from CleanCargo carrier averages. We also offer vessel-specific emissions factors for around 4k bulk, cargo and RoRo/RoPax vessels based on primary data, along with vessel type and size specific factors from the GLEC Framework and GHG protocol methodology for other scenarios.

Road: Emissions for vans and trucks outside North America are calculated using fuel consumption data and a model-based approach (HBEFA) considering class, load factor, empty running, region, road characteristics and more for European countries. In North America, specific factors are used based on carrier codes, while other scenarios rely on category-specific factors from frameworks like EPA and NTM.

Inland waterways: We use barge type and size specific factors from the GLEC framework including 13 CEMT waterway classes and 16 barge types and sizes.

Air: We use a bottom-up model-based approach (ICAO methodology) that combines aircraft type, carrier, region and distances from routing, along with fuel emission factors from the GLEC Framework. We have access to emissions data from 9k IATA codes, 175 airline codes and 389 aircraft models.

At Pledge, we’ve created our feature called Clarity™ which is integrated into both our free-to-use calculator and our carbon emissions measurement platform.

Clarity™ offers a breakdown of the methodology used to calculate the emissions of each leg of the shipment. It highlights when assumptions have been used in a calculation and why they were used and is designed to ensure transparency and traceability of carbon emissions calculations throughout the supply chain.

Our calculator complies with the European standards for calculating carbon emissions. Our calculator is SFC accredited in compliance with the GLEC Framework for global coverage of air, sea, road, rail, inland waterways and logistics hubs.

As the ISO:14083 standard was developed in line with the GLEC Framework, our calculator is also ISO:14083 aligned.

Once you have calculated your freight emissions, you can use your results to set targets and explore reduction strategies such as rerouting freight to be less emissions-intensive or choosing to partner with carriers that prioritise sustainability.

There will always be unavoidable emissions. At Pledge, we have a carbon offsets marketplace where you can choose from a range of verified offset and carbon removal projects from around the globe to offset your unavoidable emissions.

Our calculator offers you a glimpse into our full carbon emissions measurement platform. You can sign up here for a 14 day free trial to get access — No credit card required.

Our freight emissions calculator is completely free to use. Just click on the “get started” button and input your shipment details.

For the Pledge carbon emissions measurement platform, we offer a 14-day free trial with no need to input card or bank details. Just sign up and start. After the 14-day trial, you can choose which pricing plan is best suited for you.