Co₂ emissions in healthcare logistics assessing the effects of green logistics initiatives

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Abstract</p><p><em>Purpose:</em> The purpose of the study is to find an ecologically sustainable delivery model for healthcare material logistics in reducing CO₂ emissions and reaching the societal goals ofenvironmental sustainability.</p><p><em>Design/methodology/approach:</em> The analysis is made by applying geographical information systems (GIS)-based route allocation, which is based on, and later referred to, the qualitative data from the interviews and focus group discussions.</p><p><em>Findings:</em> The paper lists the most well/known and recent initiatives in green logistics/supply chain management and assesses their impact in reaching lower CO₂ emissions in healthcare logistics. Comparing back-and-forth and tour-based delivery routes results in 74 per cent fewer driving kilometres and 37 per cent lower CO₂ emissions for the latter scenario.</p><p><em>Research limitations/implications:</em> The saving in driving kilometres follows the earlier comparisons between back-and-forth and tour-based delivery strategies. Savings in CO₂ emissions, however, are less due to the bigger vehicles in delivery tours. As a main implication, these results offer a calculated background for the next research phase, including discussions and interviews to clarify possibilities for environmental sustainability in healthcare logistics.</p><p><em>Practical implications:</em> Hospitals, hospital districts, city organisations and privately-owned healthcare services can use the results in developing their services to reach the set and aspired goals in environmental efficiency.</p><p><em>Social implications:</em> Societies are aiming for lower CO₂ emissions. Especially in the case region, the current healthcare reform offers momentum for renewing the logistics solutions to match the set goals.</p><p><em>Original/value:</em> Healthcare logistics offer a novel perspective on environmental sustainability.</p></div>