Carbon Footprint Assessment of the Distribution Process and Methods for Greenhouse Gas Reduction: The Case of Beverage Production Business

Abstract

          Climate change has led the transportation sector to be recognized as a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to quantify greenhouse gas emissions arising from the distribution processes of a case-study company and to identify appropriate measures for reducing emissions associated with distribution activities. Greenhouse gas emissions were assessed in accordance with the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework, an internationally recognized carbon footprint assessment tool specifically designed for transportation and logistics supply chains. Data were collected through on-site observation of actual operations, semi-structured interviews, and documentary review. The collected data were subsequently analyzed to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and to compare emission outcomes under different emission-reduction policy scenarios. The results indicate that the case-study company generated a total of 105,693.65 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂e) from its distribution processes. Direct-to-store distribution accounted for 86,974.52 kgCO₂e, while direct transportation via a distribution center resulted in emissions of 18,719.13 kgCO₂e. The most effective and operationally feasible emission-reduction strategy for the beverage manufacturing company was found to be the improvement of transportation efficiency through load factor optimization combined with the adoption of electric vehicles. This policy achieved a total emission reduction of 19,017.93 kgCO₂e, representing a 21.94 percent decrease compared with greenhouse gas emissions prior to process improvement.