Using a transport portfolio framework to reduce carbon footprint

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a transport portfolio framework (TPF) and explore its use as a decision support tool for shippers wanting to improve their transport system in terms of reducing their carbon footprint.

Design/methodology/approach

The TPF has been designed on the basis relevant theoretical frameworks in logistics and thereafter tested and further developed by the use of empirical data from a case study. Quantitative methods are used to find patterns in the shipment statistics for import flows obtained from a food retailer and carriers.

Findings

The TPF highlights different avenues for decreasing the carbon footprint, by identifying the product flow characteristics that might affect modal split and load factor, and it is believed that these can help shippers’ intent on analysing the largest potential for improvement. This potential is estimated based on how the key variables, modal split and load factor, can be improved.

Practical implications

Shippers can use the TPF as a decision support tool in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint by: structuring complexity, managing data and finding effective solutions.

Social implications

Reducing emissions is an increasingly important priority for shippers and the TPF helps them to direct their efforts towards approaches that have a substantial impact.

Originality/value

The TPF provides an opportunity to match different approaches for improving the environmental performance with the potential for reducing carbon footprint in shippers’ transportation networks, by taking into account the complexity of logistics network.

Citation

Liljestrand, K., Christopher, M. and Andersson, D. (2015), "Using a transport portfolio framework to reduce carbon footprint", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 296-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-06-2013-0073