Group O Blog

Green Supply Chain Practices Factors to Lower Carbon Footprint

Green supply chain practices are incredibly important, as they are a critical component for companies to lower their carbon footprint and create long-lasting, positive change for the planet. Achieving a green supply chain can seem like an overwhelming and stressful process – but with the right guidance and coordination, it can be a smooth transition

In this article, we will discuss our top four factors to prioritize when executing and achieving a green supply chain.

Strong Leadership

When implementing green practices into a supply chain, strong leadership is essential. Leaders create cohesion within a team by providing direction and motivation to reach a shared goal. When it comes to eco-friendly and green initiatives – it’s even more crucial that leadership develops effective initiatives and rallies the rest of the staff to get it implemented.

Strong leadership creates an exceptional company culture. The culture of a company determines the functionality of a team and has the ability to encourage collaboration, produce a powerful workflow, and provide employees with a positive environment. 

Achieving a green supply chain is no small task, but with dedicated management and executives, implementing sustainable practices can be done efficiently.

Efficient Technology

There’s no discounting the boom in green technology in recent years – many of which directly correlate with modernizing supply chains. Newer technologies (like alternative energy sources) can replace old methods and be utilized throughout a supply chain to boost sustainability. 

For example, instead of using biofuels to power manufacturing equipment – green supply chains opt to use renewable energy sources like solar power or wind power. Renewable energy sources are environmentally-friendly because they are natural resources guaranteed to replenish. Additionally, they don’t release carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Cost and Investment 

Green supply chain initiatives are an investment, but are proven to be beneficial in the long run – for the environment and for a companies’ savings. Not only will sustainable practices save a company money on monthly energy costs, but new government subsidies and tax breaks have been set in place for companies utilizing sustainable practices – like clean and renewable energy sources. 

On top of that, consumers and investors want to support companies that share the same values and are actively doing their part to help the environment.

Professional Expertise 

The involvement of professional expertise when creating a green supply chain streamlines the process and ensures successful implementation. For companies wanting to implement such practices, typically a supply chain solutions company (like us) is hired – otherwise individual roles can be developed and brought on internally. Either way, it’s important that there is a level of professional guidance to allow for a smooth transition and to provide ongoing support and expertise.

Going Green? Get Help from Group O

In all, there is a lot of opportunity for businesses to bring a shade of green to their supply chain processes – ranging from implementing efficient technologies and managing staff to setting expectations and breaking down cost. It can seem daunting – but the bottom line is that you’ll need a team of experts ready and willing to guide you through that process, internally or externally.

At Group O, we have helped businesses modernize their supply chains with green technologies and processes. For more information on how Group O can help your company, visit our website or give us a call at 866-476-8761.