Logistic Sector as a Support Segment for Sustainable Supply Chains - Technology Management for Sustainable Production and Logistics - page 84

What influences the strategies of logistics operators and, thus, CSR are mainly
relations with customers. These are the customers who determine new directions
of development for the sector through new needs and expectations. They affect
strategic decisions, e.g. those concerning the choice of the field of logistics activ-
ity to be developed: faster road transport or more ecological railway transport.
Relations with one key client often determine further development of an enterprise
and its strategic plans. For instance, a contract for logistics service of a selected
client may force the logistics operator to use railway transport.
An example is the Unilever company, one of the world's biggest manufactur-
ers of consumer products. Unilever has set a target to reduce carbon emissions in
the distribution of their products. The company outsources transport and uses the
services of logistics operators. Environmental considerations are an integral part
of all distribution offers and their competence in reducing carbon emissions and
striving for innovation in this area are an important asset. Moreover, Unilever
requires all its logistics service providers to have an effective carbon manage-
ment program. For example, Unilever UK introduced a 10-point checklist for
greener transport of food in transport contracts in the UK. All logistics service
providers must meet the requirements included in the checklist (Delivering
tomorrow 2010 ).
The greatest challenge for the logistics industry is excessive CO 2 emission. The
research of the Panel on Climate Change shows that transport (including freight
and personal transport) is equal to 13.1 % of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emis-
sions. According to the World Economic Forum, the logistics industry generates
around 2,800 megatons of GHG emissions per year, which accounts for around
5.5 % of global GHG emissions. Road freight is responsible for approximately
60 % of total emissions from the logistics and transport sector, with over 1,500
megatons of CO2-equivalent emissions. Air freight is still the most carbon-inten-
sive transportation mode in emissions per ton kilometer, even if new generation
aircraft are expected to burn up to 20 % less fuel. The most carbon-efficient trans-
portation modes are rail and ocean. In turn, logistics buildings produce about 300
megatons of CO 2 , of which about 80 % is due to lighting (Delivering Tomorrow
2010 ) (Fig. 2 ).
The logistics industry is continuously growing, so its energy consumption and
GHG emissions will be increasing. That is why it needs to improve its energy
efficiency and develop alternatives to fossil fuels, otherwise it will find itself ever
more vulnerable to the uncertainty of oil supplies, as well as the increasing prices
of fossil fuels (Delivering Tomorrow 2010 ).
Logistics companies have been acting for years so as to contribute to natu-
ral environment protection. Part of these activities is their own initiative, some
are required by their customers, and yet others originate in legal regulations and
willingness to save. Due to rising costs of fuel, companies try to fill vehicles opti-
mally, purchase a modern fleet, conduct eco-driving training courses. In addition,
according to CSR rules, logistics operators take care of good relations with their
stakeholders, particularly with their suppliers, clients, employees and the local
community.