Environmental Impact of Logistics

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
Y/617/5674
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Aim

The aim of this unit is to develop a learner’s awareness of the impact which logistic operations have on the environment and how these impacts can be reduced. This unit also considers how waste management and recycling can have positive impacts on the environment.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the environmental impact of logistics.

  • Environmental impact
    Carbon footprint; air and noise pollution; fossil fuel burning; global warming; greenhouse gases; acid rain; smog; creation of waste; poor water quality;
  • Impact on the environment of;
    - Storing goods
    Impact of land purchase; loss of heat through structures; distance from storage to customer excessive; use of materials handling equipment (e.g. forklift); excessive heating; poor energy management; poor power saving regime.
    - Transporting goods by;
    ~    Road – air pollution; noise pollution; climate change; loss of natural environment.
    ~ Rail – less air pollution than roads; less impact on the natural environment than road movements; removes vehicles from roads; lower greenhouse gas emissions than cars.
    ~ Air – more CO2 produced than other modes; air pollution; noise pollution near airports; higher carbon footprint than cars; increased health problems for those living/working near airports.
    ~ Sea – oil pollution; air pollution; noise is a threat to marine life; dumping waste at sea a threat to marine life.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain different types of environmental impacts caused by logistics operations.

  • 1.2

    Explain different ways in which storing goods has an impact on the environment.

  • 1.3

    Compare the environmental impact of transporting goods by

    • road
    • rail
    • sea
    • air
2

Understand ways to reduce the environmental impact of logistics.

Reducing the impact of;

  • Storing goods
    Stock rotation reduces waste; recycling and reuse; minimise stock holdings; save energy; build environmentally friendly facilities; use energy efficient equipment; have one warehousing and distribution centre; improve operational efficiencies.
  • Transporting goods
    Use cleaner fuels; use up-to-date, low emission vehicles; fully laden vehicles; effective route planning; locate distribution close to customers; move freight by rail or water; reduce fuel consumption.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain how the environmental impact of storing and transporting goods can be reduced.

3

Understand waste management.

  • Purpose
    To protect health; minimise the use of natural resources; prevent pollution; reuse/recycle wherever possible; dispose of waste safely and correctly.
  • Legislation
    Environmental Protection Act; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health; Hazardous Waste Regulations; Packaging Waste Regulations
  • Systems
    Waste disposal; waste water treatment; solid waste; hazardous waste; incinerator.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Explain the purpose of waste management.

  • 3.2

    Outline the key features of legislation relating to waste management.

  • 3.3

    Describe different waste disposal systems.

4

Understand the importance of recycling.

  • Legislation
    Environmental Protection Act; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health; Hazardous Waste Regulations; Packaging Waste Regulations
  • Advantages
    Benefits the environment; reduces waste cost; meet legal obligations; save energy.
  • Disadvantages
    Space and machinery required for recycling; recycling costs money; time and effort required to prevent contamination; not all staff will buy into the concept.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Outline the key features of legislation relating to recycling.

  • 4.2

    Explain the advantages and disadvantages to a logistics business of recycling.