GREENLANDSCAPE [ INSIGHT ]
by Robert Kirk Senior Principal Product Manager, Dun & Bradstreet kirkr@dnb.com | 630-717-2037
How to Build a Sustainable Supply Chain Climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality are pressing issues, making sustainable supply chains increasingly important. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, conserve natural resources and promote social equity while cutting costs through improved efficiency and reduced waste. Collaborate with suppliers, customers, NGOs, and government agencies. By engaging with customers and understanding their sustainability preferences, businesses can tailor their products and services to meet their needs.
Measure carbon footprint to assess the environmental impact of supply chains as it involves calculating the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of products. Measure water usage. Quantifying the amount of water consumed throughout the supply chain, including in manufacturing processes, agriculture, and product use, is another metric. Measure waste reduction or quantify the amount of waste generated and disposed of throughout the supply chain. By measuring waste reduction, businesses can identify areas for improvement, such as implementing recycling programs, reducing packaging waste, and optimizing production processes to minimize waste generation. As awareness of environmental and social issues grows, businesses recognize the importance of integrating sustainability into their operations, driven by consumer demand for sustainable products, investor pressure for responsible business practices, and regulatory requirements for environmental and social compliance. n
manufacturing processes, implementing renewable energy sources, and utilizing advanced waste management systems. Blockchain technology provides transparency and traceability, allowing businesses the ability to track and verify every step of the supply chain. This helps ensure ethical sourcing, prevent counterfeiting, and reduce waste by enabling more ef cient inventory management. Internet of Things (IoT) devices can also be used to monitor and optimize various aspects of the supply chain such as energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation in real time, enabling businesses to identify areas for improvement and make data- driven decisions. Adopt renewable energy sources. By using solar panels or other renewable energy sources, businesses can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint. This not only helps mitigate climate change but also provides long-term cost savings by reducing energy expenses.
While there are challenges in implementing sustainable supply chains, there are also strategies and technologies available to overcome them. Collaborate with suppliers. By working closely with suppliers, businesses can ensure that sustainability criteria are integrated into supplier selection processes and contractual agreements through conducting audits, providing training and capacity-building support, and incentivizing suppliers to improve their sustainability performance. Integrating sustainability into procurement processes is also essential; consider sustainability criteria when selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and evaluating supplier performance. Implement sustainability standards. By adopting various internationally recognized standards and certi cations, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and gain credibility with customers and stakeholders. Invest in sustainable technologies such as adopting energy-ef cient
50 Inbound Logistics • July 2024
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