5 ways to reduce environmental impact in the fuel supply chain
We live in a historical period where environmental awareness is central to the development of sustainable growth. In this context, the fuel supply chain plays a key role, as its dynamics directly influence environmental impact.
Examining the challenges and opportunities inherent in the fuel supply network, we can identify strategies capable not only of optimizing delivery times and logistics but also of guiding towards a more sustainable future for transportation.
Why investing in sustainable logistics in supplies is important
The energy supply chain of fuels plays a fundamental role in the context of environmental sustainability, as its impact can have significant consequences on our health and the ecosystem.
Emissions produced during transportation significantly contribute to air pollution and climate change.
This negative impact has received increasing attention and concern, leading to a global push for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting more sustainable practices.
In the following chapters, we will delve into 5 practical ways to reduce environmental impact in supply logistics, particularly:
- Energy efficiency in transportation
- Adoption of sustainable fuels
- Logistics optimization
- Adoption of green technologies and sustainable economic choices
- Education and awareness
1) Energy efficiency in transportation for a sustainable future
Investing to reduce environmental impact in the supply chain is not only an ecological choice but also an excellent way to improve transportation management.
One aspect to consider in this regard is the preventive maintenance that must be consistently carried out on vehicles used for transportation.
Ensuring rigorous fleet maintenance is essential to ensure that vehicles are always in optimal condition, thus reducing fuel consumption and improving safety. For example, worn tires can increase the risk of accidents and significantly influence transportation efficiency.
2) Adopting more environmentally sustainable fuels
The introduction of alternative fuels is a crucial step towards making the fuel supply chain more sustainable.
For example, the adoption of alternative energy sources such as green hydrogen not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality but also decreases dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
The adoption of Bio-LNG is also a significant step towards environmental sustainability. It is a liquefied natural gas obtained from biological sources, primarily produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic biomass, thus reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuels.
This fuel represents a further step towards carbon neutrality, as the life cycle of the biomass used absorbs some of the CO2 emissions produced during combustion, thus contributing to reducing the overall environmental impact of transportation.
The adoption of more sustainable fuels is therefore the foundation of a process towards achieving a more efficient, responsible, and environmentally friendly supply chain.
3) How to optimize logistics for a greener supply chain
Among the most important aspects to consider in managing the fuel transportation chain is the design of optimal routes that can help reduce emissions and consumption.
For example, adopting fast-flowing routes allows both reducing pollutants released into the atmosphere and cutting fuel consumption, thereby improving overall energy efficiency in the supply system.
The implementation of advanced route monitoring and planning systems also allows optimizing vehicle routes, avoiding unnecessary detours, and reducing travel times.
These strategies not only contribute to greater sustainability but can also result in economic benefits through operational savings and more efficient resource management.
4) Adopting technological systems to reduce energy consumption and sustainable economic choices
In this regard, the implementation of regenerative braking systems is a tangible example of how technology can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption.
This innovation allows for energy recovery during braking, reducing fuel consumption by the vehicle. In addition to improving operational efficiency, regenerative braking is also a step towards greater sustainability, reducing the energy waste typical of traditional vehicles.
The integration of electronic document transmission systems also represents a further step towards a “paperless” approach, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with the production of paper documents. This not only simplifies procedures but also promotes more efficient and environmentally friendly services, especially in contexts such as airports, where the quantity of exchanged documents is high.
Simultaneously, another fundamental aspect to reduce energy consumption is the use of renewable energy sources to power transportation vehicles.
The adoption of energies such as wind or solar power can drastically reduce dependence on fossil fuels, making refueling operations more sustainable.
Commitment and development of sustainability policies are also materialized through the adoption of circular economy measures in the field of vehicle fleet maintenance services where the term waste disappears.
With particular regard to the world of tires, the use of retreaded tires allows a certified saving of CO2 emissions compared to the use of new tires. At the same time, this sustainable choice reduces environmental pressure regarding the production of end-of-life tires (ELTs), giving them a second and third life.
Among the environmental benefits are also included the overall reduction in resource use (water and raw materials), the reduction of pressure on soil, and particulate emissions.
5) Investing in training and increasing awareness
In the context of a fuel supply chain focused on sustainability, education plays a crucial role. Knowledge of sustainable practices to be adopted in the workplace and in private life is essential to promote sector improvement.
Actively involving operators, suppliers, and consumers is crucial for implementing significant changes. To achieve these goals, educational programs and awareness campaigns can be encouraged to promote greater environmental awareness and encourage more sustainable choices.
In this sense, Levorato Marcevaggi has established a department specifically dedicated to the development of actions aimed at improving safety and sustainability in transportation through investments in infrastructure, internal training, and fleet modernization.