A new reality is being observed in both the business and public sectors: the need to develop sustainable logistics plans. One of its objectives is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in addition to minimizing other socio-environmental impacts, such as local air pollution and traffic jams in large cities.
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Decree No. 7,746 of June 5, 2012
Former President of the Republic, Dilma Rousseff, implemented a series of measures to promote the inclusion of sustainable practices in the public sector. Among them, there is Decree No. 7,746, of June 5, 2012:
“Article 1 of this Decree regulates Article 3 of Law No. 8,666 of June 21, 1993, to establish criteria, practices and general guidelines for the promotion of sustainable national development through contracts entered into by the direct, autarchic and foundational federal public administration and by dependent state-owned companies, and establishes the Interministerial Commission for Sustainability in Public Administration – CISAP”, according to document from the Civil House.
The Decree also highlights sustainability guidelines. These include:
- less impact on natural resources such as flora, fauna, air, soil and water;
- preference for locally sourced materials, technologies and raw materials;
- greater efficiency in the use of natural resources such as water and energy;
- greater job creation, preferably with local labor;
- longer useful life and lower maintenance costs for the asset and the work;
- use of innovations that reduce pressure on natural resources;
- environmentally regular origin of natural resources used in goods, services and works.
Finally, the Decree in its Article 16 states that: “the direct, autarchic and foundational federal public administration and dependent state-owned companies must prepare and implement Sustainable Logistics Management Plans, within the period stipulated by the Secretariat of Logistics and Information Technology, providing, at least:
- updating the inventory of the agency's goods and materials and identifying similar items with a lower environmental impact for replacement;
- sustainability practices and rationalization of the use of materials and services;
- responsibilities, implementation methodology and evaluation of the plan;
- dissemination, awareness and training actions.
Sustainable Logistics Plan in the private sector
One of the biggest challenges facing the business sector today is GHG emission reductions and the minimization of its social impacts, linked to the financial sustainability of the business.
In this sense, it is important for organizations to be aware of the implementation of the Sustainable Logistics Plan, which can be done, for example, through employee training to understand the impacts and benefits resulting from the adoption of this plan.
According to Luan Santos, coordinator of the Thematic Chambers of Logistics and Transport (CTLog) and Social Impact (CTSocial) of CEBDS, companies can no longer simply worry about delivering a package to location X and time Y, as agreed with the customer. It is important that the entire process be reassessed and planned so that the social and environmental impacts generated by this logistics operation are minimized.
According to Santos, there is no standardization of the Sustainable Logistics Plan in terms of measurement. Each company must develop its plan according to the reality of the business and its particularities, for example, taking into account the dynamics of its logistics network. Although there is no such standard methodology, some results can be made tangible, such as the reduction of operational costs and the streamlining of processes.
Other results are more intangible and refer to the company's reputation in the market and its differentiation from its competitors. This aspect has a positive impact on companies that present cutting-edge initiatives, given the growth of competition in different markets, in addition to the strong pressure for companies to collaborate in the sustainable development of countries. As an example, we can mention investments in biofuels in the transportation sector in Brazil, as an alternative to the use of fossil fuels.
Thus, as society itself increases its awareness of the social and environmental impacts caused by companies, the appreciation for brands that develop a Sustainable Logistics Plan becomes greater, therefore, it is shown as a business opportunity.
It is worth noting that some plans have already been developed and put into practice and can be used and adapted by new organizations seeking to improve the sustainable logistics pillar. Among them are the plans of the Central Bank and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
How can CEBDS catalyze?
Through the Thematic Chamber of Logistics and Transport (CTLog), the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) encourages the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices, facilitating partnerships and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving passenger and cargo transport in Brazil.
Furthermore, CTLog promotes and encourages the participation of business sector in the discussion around the need for urban planning as an unconditional medium- to long-term solution for improving logistics and transport infrastructure. It also represents the companies' vision on issues related to logistics infrastructure and urban mobility, in debates and formulation of public policies with governments and other interest groups.
