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Transport emissions can only be reliably compared if the basis for calculation is correct. Emission factors convert energy consumption into CO₂ emission values. If these factors are calculated according to different rules, the same transport services may be assessed differently.

The International Workshop Agreement (IWA) 52, “Harmonized Methodology for the Calculation of Emission Factors used in Transport GHG Calculations,” currently under development, is intended to further clarify the application of ISO 14083:2023. The goal is a more uniform methodology for emission factors in freight transport—and thus better comparability of transport emissions data.

Why Harmonized Emission Factors Are Needed

Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about one-quarter of all human-caused, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, they are difficult to reduce. Reliable data is therefore needed to assess progress and guide policy measures.

ISO 14083:2023 serves as a key international reference standard for this purpose. It describes how greenhouse gas emissions from transport chains can be quantified and reported. However, there remains methodological leeway regarding the emission factors themselves. Annex J of ISO 14083 contains overarching rules but does not address all practical details. IWA 52 addresses precisely this issue: The agreement aims to clarify terms, concepts, and methodological foundations for emission factors in transportation.

Specifically Supplementing ISO 14083

IWA 52 is not intended to replace ISO 14083 or create a competing framework. The plan is to take an initial supplementary step aimed at making the calculation results more robust when applying ISO 14083.

An IWA offers the opportunity to reach fundamental agreements with stakeholders both within and outside ISO committees through an accelerated process and to later use these as the basis for a proposed ISO standard. Thus, upon its completion, IWA 52 will serve as the basis for a standard proposal.

Bringing Together Research and International Standardization

The project is supported by the European HORIZON project CLEVER. CLEVER stands for “Creating Legitimate Emission Factors for Verified Emission Reductions” and builds on existing life-cycle approaches, emission factor databases, and legal reporting requirements.

The proposal for IWA 52 was submitted in April 2026 by the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) and DIN to the Secretariat of the ISO Technical Management Board. In August 2026, the workshop was approved by ISO members. DIN is serving as the secretariat for the development of IWA 52; the SFC is the proposer of the IWA. Numerous relevant ISO committees and international organizations were identified as early as the proposal phase.

H2: Kick-off in Barcelona and online

The kick-off meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, and Wednesday, December 16, 2026, in Barcelona and online.

Key Dates

• Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CET
• Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CET
• Location: Best Hotel Front Maritim, Passeig de García Faria, 69, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
• Participation: in person or online
• Registration: by Monday, December 7, 2026

During the kick-off meeting, participants will discuss, among other things, the project plan, objectives, scope, structure of the planned document, and a first draft of IWA 52. In addition, project teams will be formed and the dates for the next workshops will be scheduled. Approval for publication is scheduled for May 2027; publication by ISO is to follow.

Who can participate in the IWA 52 kick-off meeting?

The kick-off is aimed at professionals working with greenhouse gas emissions in freight transport—such as those in transportation, logistics, energy and fuel supply, emissions calculation, research, regulation, standardization, and data provision. Participation is possible in person in Barcelona or online.

Share your professional perspective early on: Register by Monday, December 7, 2026, for the IWA 52 kick-off in Barcelona or online via the registration form.

Register now