Expert Panel Outline

Supply Chains: Green and More Efficient?
 
Wednesday, 26 May - 11.30-13.00 - Hall 2
Panel Summary and Conclusions
 
Slides
 
This session focused on innovative approaches to making freight transport more efficient and reducing its environmental impacts. Areas to explore included streamlining freight services by creating “green corridors” and creating more integrated and intermodal services through business partnerships between shippers, ports and freight forwarders. It also considered the role of information and communications technology in optimising supply chains. Issues for discussion included:
 
  • How can freight transport systems be improved to support growth without compromising environmental objectives?
  • What in particular will be the impact of trade with high-growth, emerging markets?
  • What is the potential for “green” freight corridors?
  • What is the role for government in fostering innovation in freight transport?
  • Which innovative business models are likely to have a global impact on freight services?
  • How can environmental performance be given a more central place in freight business decision-making?
 
Chair
 
  • Zoltan Kazatsay, Deputy Director General, Directorate General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission
 
Panellists
 
  • Sean DOHERTY, Associate Director, Head of Logistics and Transport Industry, World Economic Forum
  • Petra KIWITT, Executive Vice President, DHL Solutions & Innovation
  • Enno OSINGA, Senior Vice President Cargo, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
  • Declan SUPPLE, Partner, Global Supply Chain Management, Accenture
 
Background
 
Globalisation has concentrated freight traffic on routes serving major ports, airports and border crossing points, focusing congestion and environmental impacts on corridors serving these key nodes. This, together with global concerns about climate change and the ensuing political debates and agreements, demands that the transport sector provide freight services that are greener and more efficient. While there is a focus on technological improvements such as alternative fuels and fuel economy, solutions must also be explored in improving the logistics of freight transport and the organisation of supply chains.

Political leaders and the general public seek “green” approaches to economic development, including for transport, with an increasing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A “green supply chain” approach may offer a way to accommodate the objectives of developing trade whilst reducing the environmental footprint of freight transport. The session aims to identify what constitutes such an approach to developing freight corridors and supply chains more generally. Speakers will compare their experiences of efforts to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of freight transport in different modes and sectors of the economy. The panel will also examine the potential role of government and political leadership in delivering better outcomes and discuss innovation in business to reduce environmental impacts across supply chains.
 
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