iLEAP in Practice: Real-World Applications, Stakeholder Benefits, and What’s Next

Smart Freight Centre (SFC) is working toward a zero emissions logistics industry. A key initiative supporting this ambition is iLEAP—Integrating Logistics Emissions and Product Carbon Footprints—developed in partnership with the SINE Foundation. This effort addresses a critical need in the sector: reliable and standardized emissions data that can be exchanged across systems, companies, and countries.

As the logistics sector aspires for greater transparency and decarbonization, the need for trustworthy, interoperable emissions data is clearer than ever. iLEAP is a project developed to close critical gaps in emissions tracking by enabling seamless data exchange between logistics actors.

Before exploring further, it's helpful to clarify several key terms used throughout the project and its technical specifications:
  • TCE (Transport Chain Element): commonly referred to as a transport leg.
  • TOC (Transport Operation Category): defined as a cluster of operations sharing similar characteristics in emissions accounting.
  • HOC (Hub Operation Category): a cluster of similar operations at logistics hubs or terminals.
These terms are grounded in the GLEC Framework and ISO 14083 methodology.

In this article, we explore the real-world implementation of iLEAP, the benefits for different stakeholders, and what’s coming next, as shared by Violetta Matzoros, Technical Manager, Digitalization at Smart Freight Centre (SFC), and Raimundo Henriques, Developer and iLEAP Project Lead at SINE Foundation.

From Concept to Practice: iLEAP in Action

iLEAP builds on established methodologies. Specifically on ISO 14083 and the GLEC Framework, providing the technical structure that enables data to be exchanged in a standardized manner between systems.

Raimundo outlined three core data transactions enabled by iLEAP:
- A shipper pulls transport chain element (TCE) emissions data from an LSP or carrier.
- An LSP pulls TOC (Transport Operation Category) or HOC (Hub Operation Category) data from a carrier.
- An LSP pulls transport activity data from a carrier.

He illustrated this with an example: a shipment from Rotterdam to Berlin, where the shipper contracts an LSP, and the LSP works with two carriers. One carrier shares emissions data at the TOC level, while the other provides transport activity data. The LSP uses this information to calculate emissions and provide the data to the shipper at the TCEs and shipment level. In this example, a tool provider can act as a data intermediary and assume any of the above roles as data provider or consumer. 

A real-life use case includes LyondellBasell who pulls TCE level emission data from LKW Walter, as their carrier. The emissions data is shared in a way that aligns with ISO 14083 and the GLEC Framework, making it ready to use and share with other stakeholders.

Benefits for Stakeholders

Raimundo emphasized that iLEAP enables access to emissions data—preferably measured rather than modeled—delivered in a standardized format. This reduces manual effort and costs, enabling companies to focus on decision-making rather than data cleaning.
Violetta elaborated on benefits for different stakeholder groups:

- LSPs and Carriers:
As data providers can highlight sustainability changes like the use of low-emission fuels or electric fleets. With better data, they can improve asset allocation and reduce network emissions.

- Shippers:
As data consumers, they gain more frequent visibility over their emissions, supporting stronger decarbonization strategies.

- Tool Providers:
Benefit from standardized, structured data that is easier to integrate and use. The protocol aims to eliminate the variety of ad-hoc reports that clients may request, thus reducing reporting costs. 

Violetta also noted that for companies not yet exchanging primary data, iLEAP still brings benefits through seamless connectivity and helps support a gradual transition from default or modeled data towards primary.

Enabling More Frequent Data Exchange

While emissions data has traditionally been exchanged annually, iLEAP enables more frequent, automatic data sharing. Violetta explained that while “real-time” in logistics is not beneficial for emissions exchange as it is not representing the trip or TOC logic, shifting from annual to biannual or quarterly data sharing already represents a commendable improvement. This shift can empower more frequent insights and actions aligned with business needs.

What’s Next for iLEAP

Violetta shared SFC’s broader digital strategy: integrating digital solutions into all areas of multimodal transport to accelerate decarbonization and enhance transparency. iLEAP plays a central role in this transformation.

Key future directions include:
- Promoting the rollout of the GLEC Framework using digital tools.
- Embedding interoperability across SFC’s modal initiatives and communities (e.g. Clean Air Transport, Clean Cargo, Fashion & Beauty Working Group etc).
- Supporting industry members in aligning their systems with emissions calculation protocols.

Raimundo outlined the next concrete steps:
- A full Version 1 of the iLEAP technical specifications was published end of May 2025.
- Several companies are already planning or beginning production-level use of iLEAP with interim results to be published by end of 2025.
- The project team is supporting the roll-out by engaging with Tool Providers and Shippers to leverage strong network effects.

He noted, also, growing interest from tool providers, especially as their clients begin requesting iLEAP-aligned solutions.

Looking further ahead, Violetta added that the team is also exploring methodological additions for market-based measures and a Business-to-Government data transaction, all driven by community feedback. This would support more business-specific use cases and encourage wider adoption.

Finally, the iLEAP team is working closely with the Open Logistics Foundation, Sea Cargo Charter, and public authorities to help scale the community and broaden its global reach.
Looking Ahead
Raimundo highlighted iLEAP’s potential to accelerate decarbonization by enabling the exchange of trustworthy, high-quality emissions data in ways not previously possible. Violetta added that the team will work with project participants to unlock new business cases and drive impact through adoption of the iLEAP protocol.

For more information or to get involved in iLEAP, contact:
- violetta.matzoros@smartfreightcentre.org or 
- team@ileap.global

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