What is sustainable logistics?
Sustainable logistics is the transportation of goods and materials in a way that is environmentally friendly, efficient and cost-effective. It includes everything from the way goods are produced and transported to the way they are delivered and disposed of. Logistics and transportation sectors will be at the vanguard of the transition to a low-carbon economy, as most other industries depend on their services. The sector’s fuel consumption and overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions make it one of the largest contributors to climate change.
An increase in online sales is driving up the demand for logistics services, as well as generating new business models. Customers have also grown more conscious of sustainability, leading to increasingly complex requirements. As a result, companies are now looking for innovative solutions that simultaneously reduce their ecological footprint and improve competitiveness. However, emissions controls and resource efficiency mean that logistics requires new technologies, minimum infrastructures, interconnected digital systems and locally tailored solutions. Local demand-based logistics services may be required along with last-mile transport options to keep transportation costs under control.
Implementing sustainable logistics solutions can create additional value by reducing time and money while improving process efficiency. Sustainable Logistics and Transportation are important both from an environmental standpoint as well as from a cost reduction standpoint.