Including sustainability in green logistics
Transport is one of the most polluting sectors of the economy and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy goods vehicles account for 22% of transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared with less than 20% for light commercial vehicles. Faced with this problem, green logistics encourages companies' logistics departments to apply more environmentally friendly methods. But how exactly should they go about it?
WHAT IS GREEN LOGISTICS?
Green logistics, or sustainable logistics, refers to all the practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the logistics network and of deliveries. It therefore covers the transport of goods as well as warehouse management, the optimisation of logistics flows and waste reduction.
The main aim is to limit CO₂ emissions, reduce energy consumption and adopt more environmentally friendly modes of transport. This involves, in particular, developing fleets of electric or hybrid vehicles, optimising delivery rounds using artificial intelligence and setting up eco-responsible warehouses that run on renewable energy.
Beyond transport, green logistics also looks at the management of packaging and materials. Using recyclable packaging and reducing logistics waste minimise the environmental impact of operations.
The economic stakes of green logistics
Adopting green logistics does not simply mean meeting environmental requirements: it is also a strategic lever for companies seeking to stand out and optimise their costs.
With a view to reducing operating costs, route optimisation and fleet electrification, for example, reduce fuel consumption and therefore energy expenditure. In addition, technologies such as real-time inventory management and warehouse automation improve operational efficiency and reduce financial losses.
Finally, green logistics is becoming a competitive advantage. Consumers and business partners are increasingly sensitive to sustainable practices. A company that adopts eco-responsible logistics strengthens its brand image and can attract new customers who are committed to the ecological transition.
The transition to more sustainable logistics requires specific skills in supply chain management, flow optimisation and the integration of new technologies. The Master Supply Chain Strategy at EDC Paris Business School prepares future professionals for these challenges by offering comprehensive, innovation-focused training, with teaching that combines theory and real-life scenarios.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR GREEN LOGISTICS
Optimising the supply chain
Improving supply chain efficiency reduces CO₂ emissions and costs. This includes selecting suppliers committed to environmentally friendly practices, reducing transport distances and integrating technologies for better traceability. For example, using transport management systems (TMS) helps to plan more efficient routes and to pool transport needs.
Setting up circular supply chains and practising “reverse logistics” also make it possible to optimise product returns, which are a source of many highly polluting back-and-forth journeys. This point is essential to take into account because the rise of online shopping generates a very large number of customer returns, particularly for clothing.
Using sustainable packaging
Adopting reusable and recyclable packaging reduces the amount of waste produced. It also helps to promote a responsible brand image. Although this transition may require an initial investment, the long-term benefits, both environmental and economic, are significant.
Environmentally friendly transport and responsible delivery
Transport is often the main contributor to a company's carbon footprint. Adopting environmentally friendly transport methods, such as using electric or hybrid vehicles and optimising routes, is essential. In addition, practices such as pooling deliveries can reduce CO₂ emissions and lower transport costs.
Sustainable warehouse management
Warehouses play a crucial role in green logistics. Sustainable management includes optimising storage space, using environmentally friendly building materials and implementing renewable energy systems. For example, installing smart energy management systems and eco-friendly building materials helps to reduce warehouses' ecological footprint.
Eco-driving training
Training drivers in eco-driving reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This includes practices such as regularly checking tyre pressure, driving smoothly and reducing speed.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Adopting sustainable logistics does not happen overnight and, on the contrary, requires profound changes to the organisation, through a gradual approach. Before putting sustainable practices in place, it is important to identify the main levers for improvement.
An environmental audit will make it possible to assess the carbon footprint of each link in the logistics chain: sustainable transport, storage, packaging and management of logistics flows. This analysis helps to identify the most polluting areas and to prioritise the actions to be taken.
It is also essential to set precise objectives, aligned with the company's commitments and with current regulations. These objectives may include reducing CO₂ emissions, optimising transport routes, adopting low-emission vehicles and improving packaging recycling rates. It is essential to put environmental performance indicators in place in order to track progress and adjust strategies where necessary, relying on more responsible and efficient resource management.
Sustainable logistics cannot be effective without close collaboration with all the partners in the supply chain. It is essential to work with responsible suppliers who share the same commitments to sustainable practices. This may involve selection criteria that incorporate environmental standards, such as ISO 14001 or B Corp certification, or agreements aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the goods transported and optimising logistics flows.
Finally, the success of a sustainable transformation depends to a large extent on the involvement of employees. Training teams in eco-driving, in optimised management of logistics flows and in sustainable warehouse practices maximises the effectiveness of the new strategies put in place. Regular awareness-raising and incentives to adopt responsible behaviour also help to embed these changes over time, thereby ensuring high-performing sustainable logistics that respect the environment.
Green logistics is constantly evolving, driven by technological advances, environmental regulations and growing consumer expectations. Be ready: optimising logistics flows, developing sustainable transport and adopting sustainable practices will become unavoidable standards for companies that care about their impact.