Implementing Environmental Certification of Logistical Solutions

Abstract

The transport and shipping industry have historically been highly focused on economic aspects. Logistics services are seldom considered a value-adding service but rather a required cost. The result is that the aspect of price is often the highest priority when deciding on a specific transport or logistical solution. What can be done to increase the importance of environmental performance and what is the best way for communicating this information? What tools are available for the transport and shipping industry to take the step toward a more sustainable future? This study contributes to the research area connected to certification of environmental performance in the transport industry. The aim is to take a closer look at the need and the advantages, if any, to certify certain freight transport solutions and its’ environmental performance. The report is of interest for stakeholders in the shipping and transport industry as well as certifying organisations. Empirical data in the form of interviews have been performed in a qualitative, semi-structured manner. As shown in the present study there is a high potential for environmental certifications and ecolabels to provide important information and verification. Transports are inherently complicated equations, and that means that the criteria need to counter this complexity. More importantly, and evidently, the guidelines on the assessment process have to counter this complexity in order for future ecolabels to have a significant impact.