An Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Logistics Activities: A Case Study of a Logistics Centre

Constantin-Adrian Popescu, Ana Maria Ifrim, Catalin Ionut Silvestru (), Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu and Catalin Petcu
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Constantin-Adrian Popescu: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 060042 Bucuresti, Romania
Ana Maria Ifrim: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 060042 Bucuresti, Romania
Catalin Ionut Silvestru: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 060042 Bucuresti, Romania
Tiberiu Gabriel Dobrescu: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 060042 Bucuresti, Romania
Catalin Petcu: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 060042 Bucuresti, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: Lately, the logistics sector has seen accelerated development, which has led to general economic growth, but, at the same time, it has caused considerable environmental damage due to the excessive consumption and emissions that are currently affecting society at large. Since logistics activities are considered some of the most polluting economic activities, this present article aims to present the advantages of implementing the green logistics concept. To this purpose, the activity of a logistics centre in Romania was analysed, with a focus on the greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced as a consequence of this economic activity, and its carbon footprint was calculated according to the GHG Protocol. Although this global standard is based on an integrated approach to how GHG emissions are calculated, there is limited evidence about its degree of implementation by companies. The results of the analysis revealed that the consumption of energy and fuel by the logistics sector has a significant impact on the environment. This impact is maintained, albeit at a smaller scale, even if the technology is replaced and the equipment used by companies to carry out their activities is increasingly performant.

Keywords: green logistics; greenhouse gases; emissions; sustainable supply chain development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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