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Logistics and the Environment
Why Green is the New Black Logistics and supply chain professionals are renowned for their ability to overcome adversity and successfully adapt to changes to their environment. Unfortunately, our fragile planet is not quite so resilient. After years of debate, it is now clear the everyday activities of humans are artificially warming the Earth. Unless every nation takes steps now to curb global warming, the health of the planet is at risk. This is no longer a far-fetched notion championed by extremists. Global warming is a new fact of life. But there is a glimmer of hope. When it comes to socio-economic fashion, green is gradually becoming the new black. Most companies now wear their fresh, green attitude with pride and invest resources into developing solutions. But solutions to global warming must not only be immediate and innovative, but permanent as well. Treating the problem like the corporate flavour of the month is not an option. To realize this necessary inevitability, the way we do business and even the way we live our lives must change forever. Logistics and supply chain professionals utilize and direct an abundance of natural resources in their daily work. Keeping goods moving in, out and around Canada puts a significant drain on our natural resources and a reciprocal strain on the environment through the use of fossil fuels and the creation of waste. It’s simply the nature of the business. Solutions to global warming and global commerce as it pertains to logistics must find a way to co-exist. As good corporate citizens and stakeholders in the health of the planet, logisticians must proactively address the problem. Along with this responsibility comes an opportunity to promote environmentally sound and sustainable business practices across the entire industry. It is within the framework of this endeavour that logistics professionals must be especially committed. The Summit on Logistics and the Environment - Turning Green into Gold, will show you why adopting a greener business philosophy can still be a pathway to profitability. Global Warming and Logistics The damaging effects of global warming have already started to impact the transportation, logistics and supply chain industry. How we move, package and warehouse goods plays a large role in the creation of greenhouse gases that influence global warming. What are now simply smart “green” business practices employed by select companies will eventually become the industry standard. The pioneering initiatives of these forward thinking organizations will become the blueprint for supply chain and logistics. There is simply no way around it. Eco-logistics is the future of the industry. Companies both large and small have already started championing more environmentally sustainable initiatives, proving that minimizing the ecological impact from their presence and reducing waste and energy usage can be realized without affecting profitability. As part of its sustainability program, Wal-Mart Canada - in cooperation with their network of supply chain companies - is endeavouring to reduce the environmental footprint of its product shipping process and vast logistics network. The companies that are currently initiating their own smart environmental practices continue to prove why they are at the forefront of their respective industries. They clearly show they understand the difference between just knowing the greener path…and walking it. Acclimatizing Your Business to Change Acclimatization is the name of this year’s half-day logistics and environment summit for Reposition 2007. As the name suggests, it revolves around how the supply chain and logistics industry is “acclimatizing” itself to the realities of doing business in the shadow of global warming. Acclimatization, hosted by the CITT, will include presentations and discussions about the impact global warming is currently having on the logistics and supply chain sector, and how the industry as a whole is adapting their way of business to help alleviate changes in climate. A three-stage presentation will feature leaders from the logistics and business community currently leading by example, and committed to taking viable solutions to the problem well beyond the talking stage. The list of speakers includes:
Moderating this panel will be Lou Smyrlis, Editorial Director, Business Information Group’s Transportation Group of Properties. With 14 years experience writing about transportation and logistics, Mr. Smyrlis has a sophisticated understanding of the industry. An award winning writer and accomplished speaker, Mr. Smyrlis will ensure this summit is a catalyst for critical dialogue. Climate change is not only affecting us now, but will continue to play a role in the lives of the generations to follow. The transportation, supply chain and logistics sectors must embrace change. For if businesses are not only to prosper - but more importantly simply to exist for future generations – those committed to change must lead by example. Logistics and the Environment and the other learning sessions of Reposition 2007 will deal with important issues you are currently facing and also provide you with viable solutions you can readily integrate into your supply chain and logistics department. Such value-added benefits can only be found with the CITT, and at Reposition 2007.
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