Environmental Impact of Logistics

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
L/617/5591
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
27 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

Know about 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
    Impact of transporting goods by road, rail, air and sea

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Give examples of the impact on the environment of

    • storing goods
    • transporting goods
2

Know about reducing the environmental impact of logistics. 

  • Importance of reducing the impact
    Less reliance on landfill; reduce the need for new raw materials; to meet government targets; improve health; less damage to animal life; resources are limited.
  • Reducing the impact of;
    - Storing goods
    Stock rotation; 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

    Give reasons why it is important to reduce the environmental impact of logistics. 

  • 2.2

    Give examples of ways to reduce the environmental impact of

    • storing goods
    • transporting goods
3

Know about managing waste.  

  • Waste
    The by-product of an activity which can no longer be used or is unwanted.
  • Legislation
    Environmental Protection Act; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health; Hazardous Waste Regulations; Packaging Waste Regulations
  • Categories
    Liquid; organic; recyclable; hazardous; solid.
  • Environmental benefits
    Less methane and carbon monoxide; reduce amount of waste which is burnt; improved air and water quality; less damage to flora and fauna; reuse waste (e.g. turn organic waste into compost); reduce reliance on natural resources.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    State legislation relating to the management of waste.

  • 3.2

    Outline the main categories of waste.

  • 3.3

    Describe the environmental benefits of managing waste.

4

Know about recycling. 

  • Recycling
    Reprocessing, into new products, materials which would otherwise be discarded.

  • Legislation
    Environmental Protection Act; Control of Substances Hazardous to Health; Hazardous Waste Regulations; Packaging Waste Regulations

  • Types of waste for recycling
    Paper; cardboard; batteries; wood; plastic; glass; textiles; metals; water.

  • Environmental benefits
    Reduce the need for extracting, refining and processing raw materials; saves energy; reduces greenhouse emissions; reduces conventional waste disposal; reduce pollution.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    State legislation relating to recycling.

  • 4.2

    Outline types of waste which can be recycled

  • 4.3

    Describe the environmental benefits of recycling.