Sustainability Strategies Addressing Supply-Chain Air Emissions

Abstract

This report provides insight into the effects of policies and regulations designed to reduce supply chain greenhouse gas emissions. The report provides nine suggested practices based on an extensive literature review, industry interviews, and the research team’s experience. Readers also can explore the outcomes of actual greenhouse gas reduction initiatives through a review of domestic and international case studies included in the report. Chapter 1 of this report provides background and describes the research method. Chapter 2 explores how stakeholders can collaborate to help balance supply-chain emissions reduction initiatives with environmental, social, and economic goals. In Chapter 3, the benefits of operational improvements are discussed, including an assessment of the extent to which these improvements are attributable to either private-sector efforts or public policy. Chapter 4 focuses on how newly implemented technologies are being used to achieve both greater supply-chain efficiency and reduced emissions. Many companies improving their supply-chain sustainability are actively promoting their efforts; this concept of the “sustainability brand” is described in Chapter 5. The research also identified several instances of unforeseen and unintended consequences stemming from air emissions regulations; these are discussed in Chapter 6. The research culminates in suggestions that policymakers may want to consider as they address supply-chain emissions (Chapter 7). The case studies are provided in six appendices focused on the international experience, domestic examples, ports and the coastal perspectives, the inland perspective, private sector initiatives, and supply chain sustainability metrics.