Exploring logistics-related environmental sustainability in large retailers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore and illustrate ways in which the world's largest retailers describe their logistics-related environmental considerations, their environmental indicators applied to measure the effects of these considerations, and their environmental consciousness in their CSR reports. Design/methodology/approach Classification models are developed via a literature review on logistics-related environmental considerations, indicators and consciousness. A content analysis approach is then applied to examine CSR reports from twelve of the world's largest retailers. Findings Few retailers show environmental considerations in all logistics activities, and purchasing is especially well described. Even if many retailers claim to use the GRI framework, no one uses is completely. Judging consciousness from CSR reports raised a number of questions. Research limitations/implications A contribution to theory is the development of two classification models. The first provides a description structure for environmental considerations related to logistics activities. The second expands the GRI indicator framework by incorporating a structure for logistics activities. Practical implications The classification models developed can be an important mean for managers and also consumers to judge the environmental sustainability of retailers by their CSR reports. Social implications The study makes a social contribution with its input on sustainability and especially environmental issues. Originality/value Few studies have focused upon environmentally sustainable logistics in retailers, and even fewer address how to measure environmental sustainability in this context.

Lean, Green and Clean? Sustainability Reporting in the Logistics Sector

“…What is interesting, however, are the two apparent gaps in the literature: On the one hand, only 13% of world's largest Logistic Service Providers (LSPs) produce a formal CSR report and release at least some CSR associated aspects [5]. On the other hand, research on sustainability reporting in the logistics sector seems to concentrate mainly on environmental indicators, and furthermore from a single country or organization perspective [2,[6][7][8]. Put succinctly, both the practice of sustainability reporting lags behind in the logistics sector, and the academic attention to the phenomenon seems to be underdeveloped, especially regarding the social sustainability indicators, and, particularly, from a global perspective.…”

Toward Supply Chain Sustainability: Governance and Implementation of Joint Sustainability Development

“…First, some researchers have conceptually argued that sustainability initiatives entail close collaboration between relevant SC members, rather than being entirely achieved by one focal company's leadership [10,11]. This perspective recognizes sustainability as a SC matter and underlines the collaboration between SC members as a key factor for successful implementation of a sustainability initiative [12,13]. The second perspective suggests the "fit" between SC position and sustainability initiative as another possible explanation.…”

Systematic Approach to Sustainability of Novel Internet-Based System for Food Logistics

“…Especially retailers are crucial in supply chains, as they are intermediaries between consumers and producers and therefore in a key position in implanting sustainability along supply chains [20,21]. Retailers alone may not have a large environ-mental impact, but since they act as intermediaries, they are able to secure sustainable behavior in their sup-ply chains [7,5]. For example, retailers can use their position to open or restrict market access for suppliers, but also to influence consumer behavior, and consequently, the retailer's role is important in the process of achieving sustainable consumption and understanding what it means to consume sustainably [22,23].…”

“…Another stream of research consists of emerging studies that respond to calls to consider the roles of logistics and retail in sustainability. For example, Björklund et al [5] have recognized that logistics plays a major role in pursuing sustainability. It has also been stated that sustainability could be implemented throughout the logistics operations of a company [18].…”

“…Whereas internet-based grocery shopping is tightly associated with logistics, in recent years some emerging studies have responded to calls to consider the role of logistics in sustainability. For example, Björklund et al [5] have recognized that logistics has a major role in pursuing sustainability. In addition, the effect of the retail industry on sustainability has also been a target of special interest.…”