Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) has published a manual that introduces environmentally-responsible logistics management systems in order to encourage corporate initiatives in the area of logistics. Logistics is one area among business activities that have a significant impact on the environment.

The manual includes a checklist, methods to calculate quantitative data, and a summary sheet. The checklist contains 135 items in logistics processes, that were compiled and sorted in consideration of the need to reduce the burden on environment. By using this checklist companies can assess their current situation or evaluate the implementation of initiatives.

The manual uses concrete examples to describe methods to calculate two kinds of quantitative data and ways to convey this information: data that can be measured directly, such as quantities of cardboard boxes consumed and disposed; and environmental performance indicators such as CO2 emissions, that can be either measured directly or estimated.

The summary sheet is in a format that allows companies to indicate their checklist results and provide quantitative data on environmentally-responsible logistics initiatives. It is also hoped that the standard format will enable companies to publicize their efforts in environmental reports or on their Web sites and allow comparison among companies.



Posted: 2002/11/29 06:28:42 AM
Japanese version

TAG Global warming , Government , Material reduction , Non-manufacturing industry , System/Law , Transportation