Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 18
Green Logistics:
Global Practices and their
Implementation in Emerging Markets
Marcus Thiell
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Juan Pablo Soto Zuluaga
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Juan Pablo Madiedo Montañez
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Bart van Hoof
Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
ABSTRACT
Global warming, climatic disasters like Hurricane Katrina, and the depletion of the ozone layer illustrate
the negative impact of economic growth on ecological systems and the societies that function within
them. As a result, customers and many governments around the world are developing a more conscious
and respectful attitude toward the environment, propelling environmental concerns to the forefront of
many companies' competitive strategies.
Consequently, the implementation of green practices into logistics systems is gaining worldwide im-
portance. Green logistics practices within companies, once considered proactive measures (Wu &
Dunn 1995), now influence entire value chains, and their presence has become a requirement for doing
business. What are the current global practices of choice, and what challenges do companies face in
applying them in emerging market economies?
This chapter presents a global overview of green logistics practices at various management levels and
the inherent challenges of their implementation in emerging markets. It begins by clarifying the termi-
nology and describing its scope and characteristics, and it continues with an analysis of the impact of
green logistics on the creation of economic and social value.
