Environmental Considerations when Selecting Transport Solutions -A contribution to shippers' decision process

Abstract: Shippers can play a key role in addressing the environmental impact of transport by placing environmental demands on the transports they operate, or in the process of purchasing transport services. Several research studies of shippers’ environmental initiatives regarding transport have been carried out during the last few years. Research investigations have mapped out environmental actions implemented by organisations, how organisations take environmental considerations into account when purchasing transport services, how organisations can measure, allocate and evaluate the environmental impact of transport etc. But few studies investigate the process carried out before implementing environmental actions regarding transports, i.e. how to exert an influence on the decision process and thereby increase the environmental considerations. In the present thesis an extended environmental management process model is developed. The model provides guidance to shippers regarding how they can reach company objectives more efficiently and effectively in order to mitigate the environmental impact of transports. The management process model illustrates important initiatives, such as the establishment of environmental policy, goals and plans, as well as important aspects to be considered concerning each initiative. The extended management process model is based on both empirical and theoretical findings. The empirical findings have their point of departure in an investigation of the environmental initiatives concerning transports made at fifteen Swedish manufacturing or retailing companies within the food, forest, and mechanical industries. The literature presents some environmental management process models, but these models are either not adapted to the special circumstances of transports or are lacking in details. They have, however, been used as a basis for the development of the extended management process model presented in this study. Aspects emphasised in the theoretical models and in the literature on environmental work are the importance of proper usage of measurement, information exchange and a clear vocabulary. These aspects are therefore an integrated part of the management process model developed. The study shows that many shortcomings in the practical actions are the result of an insufficient use of measurement, co-operation and information exchange. Furthermore, the actions often lack a strategic foundation.