Carbon footprint assessment and sustainable logistics management: An integrated analysis of inbound, transportation, and outbound logistics activities

Abstract

Logistics and transportation activities generate greenhouse gas emissions through fuel consumption, electricity use, product handling, packaging, and waste management. This study aimed to assess carbon footprint indicators across inbound logistics, operations, and outbound logistics, quantify greenhouse gas emissions, identify carbon hotspots, and propose approaches for improving logistics environmental performance. A mixed-method approach was employed. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and observations to identify factors affecting emissions, while quantitative data covered transportation activity, product weight, distance, fuel, electricity, and waste. Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent using emission factors based on ISO 14067 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Carbon intensity was calculated per kilogram of product, trip, and kilometer. Total emissions were 547.65 kgCO2e per day, equivalent to 199,892.25 kgCO2e annually. Outbound Logistics Scope 3 was the largest contributor, accounting for 356.16 kgCO2e per day (65.04%) of total emissions. Packaging waste was the largest individual Scope 3 source at 140.00 kgCO2e per day, while transportation generated 72.63 kgCO2e per day. Engine idling accounted for approximately 17% of transportation fuel consumption. The findings support an integrated carbon management approach emphasizing packaging and waste reduction, reduced vehicle idling, route optimization, energy efficiency, and carbon monitoring to improve logistics environmental performance and prioritize emission-reduction actions.