Advanced Green Logistics Strategies and Technologies

Abstract

Green Logistics is no longer just a temporary fashion, but a topic that has been discussed by experts for many years. What is new is, on the one hand, the increased social and political awareness and, on the other hand, the transfer of green core statements to entrepreneurial problems. Not least the economic crisis that began at the end of 2008 reinforced the change in attitude towards a more sustainable economy. As a result of the crisis, the cost situation but also the competitive environment has intensified for companies, which are now also concentrating on areas such as waste disposal logistics, which had previously not been taken into account. Concrete climate protection strategies, for example, to prevent CO2 emissions, are therefore being actively pursued by industrial companies, particularly by companies with high transport volumes. For the transport industry as such, which is strongly affected by rising fuel prices, more efficient transports mean not only a reduction of CO2 emissions, but also cost savings in economic terms. Accordingly, the basic methods and principles of Green Logistics and their relationship to Logistics Social Responsibility and Sustainable Supply Chain Management are outlined in this chapter. The advanced part of the chapter describes detailed instruments for Green Logistics strategies and coordination as well as provides a technical overview regarding latest green transportation developments, including a case study regarding green waste disposal logistics. The final state of the art part of this chapter discusses Green Logistics strategies as integral part of sustainable business models, including a further case study and further reading advice.