A green logistics strategy for a logistics service provider

Table of Contents

1 CHAPTER: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research aim and objectives

1.2 Scope of dissertation

1.3 Outline of dissertation

2 CHAPTER: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Supply chain management, logistics and freight transport

2.3 Externalities from freight transport

2.4 Corporate strategy alignment

2.5 Carbon management

2.5.1 Defining organisational boundaries

2.5.2 Defining operational boundaries

2.5.3 Carbon measuring and calculation approach and data collection

2.5.4 Choice of conversion factors and calculation of footprint

2.5.5 Carbon reduction measures

2.5.6 Evaluation of measures

2.6 Summary

3 CHAPTER: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Statement of values

3.3 Research philosophy

3.4 Research type

3.5 Research approach

3.6 Research strategy

3.7 Data collection

3.8 Data analysis

3.9 Research quality

3.10 Summary

4 CHAPTER: CASE STUDY

4.1 Introduction and case study description

4.2 SMEs and the German road freight market

4.3 Outline of the company and its activities

4.4 Carbon footprinting

4.4.1 Definition of boundaries

4.4.2 Calculation approach

4.4.3 Conversion factors

4.4.4 Calculation and results

4.5 Carbon reduction measures

4.5.1 Improving vehicle utilisation

4.5.2 Optimising the routing of vehicles

4.5.3 Improving fuel efficiency

4.5.4 Alternative fuels

4.6 Evaluation of carbon reduction measures

4.7 Conclusion

5 CHAPTER: CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 Recommendation to Gustav Strubbe GmbH and similar companies

5.3 Further research

Research Objectives and Key Topics

The primary research objective is to develop a customized, practically applicable, green logistics strategy for the small road haulage company Gustav Strubbe GmbH. The study addresses the central question of how to reduce the carbon footprint of transport operations for a company that must balance environmental sustainability with the economic constraints of a highly competitive market.

• Calculation of the company's current carbon footprint (Scope 1 and 2 emissions).
• Evaluation of potential carbon reduction measures specifically suited for small logistics service providers.
• Assessment of the environmental and economic impact of measures like biodiesel, speed reduction, and vehicle routing.
• Alignment of green initiatives with corporate and logistics strategies.
• Determination of the feasibility of "weak sustainability" in an SME road freight context.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 CHAPTER: INTRODUCTION: Introduces the urgency of climate change in logistics and establishes the research objectives for developing a green strategy at Gustav Strubbe GmbH.

2 CHAPTER: LITERATURE REVIEW: Reviews academic foundations, green logistics frameworks, and carbon management standards like ISO 14064 and CEN EN 16258.

3 CHAPTER: METHODOLOGY: Details the research philosophy (critical realism), the use of action research, and the combined deductive/inductive approach for data collection.

4 CHAPTER: CASE STUDY: Applies theoretical concepts to Gustav Strubbe GmbH, including carbon footprint calculation and evaluation of specific reduction measures.

5 CHAPTER: CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION: Summarizes findings and provides strategic recommendations for Gustav Strubbe GmbH based on the cost-benefit analysis of reviewed measures.

Keywords

Green Logistics, Carbon Footprint, Freight Transport, SME, Decarbonisation, Road Haulage, Supply Chain Management, Emission Calculation, Fuel Efficiency, Abatement Cost Curve, Sustainability, Dual-fuel, Vehicle Utilisation, Corporate Strategy, Alternative Fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this dissertation?

The dissertation focuses on developing a practical green logistics strategy for the small-sized German road haulage company, Gustav Strubbe GmbH, to reduce its carbon footprint.

What are the primary themes discussed?

Key themes include carbon management, supply chain efficiency, regulatory compliance, the role of SMEs in the freight market, and the economic viability of carbon reduction initiatives.

What is the ultimate goal of the research?

The goal is to provide the company with a customized strategy that reduces carbon emissions without compromising the economic survival of the business in a highly competitive sector.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The research uses a descriptive case study approach combined with action research, incorporating quantitative carbon footprinting and qualitative management interviews.

What does the main body of the work cover?

It covers literature review, methodological approach, the specific case study of Gustav Strubbe GmbH, calculation of the current carbon footprint, and a cost-benefit evaluation of various reduction measures.

Which keywords characterize the work?

The most important keywords include Green Logistics, Carbon Footprint, Freight Transport, SME, Decarbonisation, and Emission Calculation.

Why is "weak sustainability" recommended for this company?

Due to severe competition and low profit margins in the road freight sector, the author recommends weak sustainability, which prioritizes economic survival while trading off environmental goals that would significantly increase operating costs.

What role does the European Standard CEN EN 16258 play?

It serves as the technical basis for the carbon footprinting calculation for the company, as it is the most relevant standard for European transport operations.

Is biodiesel a recommended measure for the company?

No, because despite its high carbon abatement potential, it significantly increases operating costs and faces supply/taxation challenges, making it currently unsuitable for the company.

What is the most recommended measure?

Enhanced collaboration with customers is highly recommended as it offers significant carbon abatement potential while simultaneously reducing operating costs.