The global supply chain is the lifeline of modern commerce—transporting goods across continents, powering economies, and connecting people. However, this intricate system comes at a cost. Logistics and transportation are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and urban congestion. As climate change intensifies and consumer awareness grows, companies are being compelled to rethink how goods are moved, stored, and delivered. Enter green logistics—a transformative approach to building a more sustainable, responsible, and efficient supply chain.
Green logistics focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of supply chain activities while maintaining operational efficiency. It incorporates eco-friendly transportation modes, energy-efficient warehousing, reduced packaging, and the integration of smart technologies. Educational institutions like Telkom University are at the forefront of this change, where sustainability principles are taught not just in theory but are embedded in practical learning, entrepreneurship programs, and hands-on projects in laboratories that experiment with green innovations.
What Is Green Logistics?
Green logistics, sometimes referred to as sustainable logistics, is a strategic approach to managing the supply chain with minimal ecological impact. This includes reducing carbon emissions, optimizing routes to save fuel, using recyclable materials for packaging, and integrating digital technologies to monitor and reduce energy use.
The traditional supply chain is largely linear and resource-intensive. Trucks, planes, and ships run on fossil fuels, warehouses consume vast amounts of energy, and excessive packaging adds to landfill waste. Green logistics challenges this model by introducing circular principles, energy optimization, and digital transformation.
Instead of focusing solely on cost and speed, green logistics redefines success to include sustainability metrics such as carbon intensity, energy consumption, and lifecycle impact. This is a game changer—not just for the environment but also for operational resilience and brand reputation.
The Urgency for Sustainable Supply Chains
As global e-commerce grows and customer expectations increase, the environmental footprint of logistics has become more significant. According to the International Transport Forum, freight transport could account for 30% of global emissions by 2050 if no action is taken. Add to this the growing problem of last-mile delivery in urban areas, and it’s clear that supply chains need a sustainability overhaul.
Green logistics is not only a solution but an opportunity. Companies adopting sustainable supply chain strategies are seeing long-term benefits including cost savings through fuel efficiency, increased regulatory compliance, and stronger customer loyalty.
Governments and global organizations are also pressuring businesses to take sustainability seriously. Regulations on emissions, waste disposal, and packaging are becoming stricter, while carbon pricing schemes and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) requirements are reshaping investment and procurement decisions.
Innovation Through Green Technologies
The transformation toward green logistics is powered by innovation. Technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain are enhancing visibility, traceability, and efficiency in logistics systems.
For instance:
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IoT sensors track real-time emissions and energy usage in transportation and warehousing.
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AI algorithms optimize delivery routes and predict demand patterns to reduce fuel consumption.
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Blockchain ensures transparent, sustainable sourcing and enables carbon tracking across the supply chain.
In Telkom University, students and researchers are exploring these technologies within the university’s laboratories. These labs function as mini innovation hubs where students from engineering, information systems, and logistics management collaborate on projects aimed at sustainable logistics solutions.
Projects range from designing energy-efficient warehouse layouts to prototyping smart packaging that reduces waste and improves traceability. The academic environment empowers students to move from concept to execution, often resulting in ideas that evolve into sustainable business ventures.
Telkom University’s Role in Sustainable Logistics Education
As sustainability becomes central to every industry, universities must prepare students not only to understand the problems but to develop real-world solutions. Telkom University exemplifies this through its commitment to integrating sustainability into logistics and supply chain education.
Courses on green logistics, sustainable business strategy, and supply chain digitization are coupled with case studies and collaborative assignments. Students are encouraged to analyze logistics systems and identify areas for environmental improvement—be it through reducing emissions, minimizing idle times in transportation, or shifting toward renewable energy in warehouses.
In addition, students participate in simulation models and design experiments in campus laboratories that mirror real-world logistics scenarios. These hands-on experiences prepare them to make informed, ethical, and innovative decisions in their future careers.
Entrepreneurship: Driving Change from the Ground Up
Another exciting development is the rise of green entrepreneurship within logistics. Many startups today are emerging with sustainability as their core mission—offering solutions like electric vehicle (EV) delivery fleets, reusable packaging systems, and AI-driven freight optimization tools.
At Telkom University, entrepreneurship is encouraged through dedicated incubators and accelerator programs. Here, students are mentored to turn their green logistics concepts into viable business models. Some students are working on mobile applications that help small businesses find eco-friendly couriers, while others are developing biodegradable packaging alternatives for last-mile deliveries.
The university fosters an entrepreneurial mindset by connecting students with industry mentors, offering seed funding, and providing networking opportunities. These platforms help scale sustainable ideas and introduce new business models into the logistics ecosystem.
Global Trends and Industry Adoption
Globally, leading companies are already investing heavily in green logistics. DHL, for instance, has committed to zero emissions by 2050 and has introduced electric delivery vans and green packaging solutions. Amazon has pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2040, with a $2 billion investment in sustainable technologies and carbon removal.
Meanwhile, many cities around the world are creating low-emission zones to regulate urban freight transport and reduce congestion and pollution. In Asia, several countries are developing green logistics corridors and investing in rail and waterway transport to reduce road-based freight emissions.
These trends highlight the growing importance of aligning logistics with sustainability. As more companies commit to net-zero goals, green logistics will evolve from a niche concept to an industry standard.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite its promise, the path to green logistics is not without hurdles. High implementation costs, lack of infrastructure for electric mobility, and resistance to change remain significant barriers. In developing economies, outdated systems and limited access to technology can slow progress.
However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation, education, and collaboration. Governments can offer incentives and policy support, while universities and industries can work together to upskill the workforce and drive technological development.
Telkom University plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability-focused entrepreneurship, and technology-driven experimentation in laboratories, the university is helping shape a future-ready generation of logistics professionals.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for Sustainable Supply Chains
Green logistics is not just about making small improvements—it’s about reimagining the supply chain to prioritize environmental responsibility alongside efficiency and profitability. It represents a holistic shift in how goods are moved, stored, and delivered across the world.
The role of academic institutions like Telkom University is vital in this transformation. By fostering innovation through laboratories, nurturing green-minded entrepreneurship, and integrating sustainability into education, the university is cultivating leaders who will champion eco-friendly practices in logistics.
As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, the demand for sustainable supply chains will only grow. Green logistics is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s a business imperative, and the sooner industries adapt, the more sustainable our global future will become.
