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Ann Oper Res (2010) 175: 159175
DOI 10.1007/s10479-009-0651-z
Abdelkader Sbihi Richard W. Eglese
Published online: 31 October 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2009
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce the area of Green Logistics and to describe some of the problems that arise in this subject which can be formulated as combinatorial optimization problems. The paper particularly considers the topics of reverse logistics, waste management and vehicle routing and scheduling.
Keywords Green Logistics Reverse logistics Combinatorial optimization Waste
management Hazardous materials
1 Introduction
Green Logistics is concerned with producing and distributing goods in a sustainable way, taking account of environmental and social factors. Thus the objectives are not only concerned with the economic impact of logistics policies on the organization carrying them out, but also with the wider effects on society, such as the effects of pollution on the environment. Green Logistics activities include measuring the environmental impact of different distribution strategies, reducing the energy usage in logistics activities, reducing waste and managing its treatment. In recent years there has been increasing concern about the environmental effects on the planet of human activity and current logistic practices may not be sustainable in the long term. Many organizations and businesses are starting to measure their
This paper appeared in 4OR, 5(2), 99116 (2007).
A. Sbihi
Department of Information Systems and Decision Making Science, Audencia Nantes-School of Management, 8 route de la Jonelire, 44312 Nantes Cedex 3, Francee-mail: [email protected]
R.W. Eglese ( )
Department of Management Science, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster LA1 4YX, UKe-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Web End [email protected]
Combinatorial optimization and Green Logistics
160 Ann Oper Res (2010) 175: 159175
carbon footprints so that the environmental impact of their activities can be monitored. Governments are considering targets for reduced emissions and other environmental measures. There is therefore increasing interest in Green Logistics from companies and governments.
Traditional logistics models for production and distribution have concentrated on minimizing costs subject to operational constraints. But consideration of the wider objectives and issues connected with Green Logistics leads to new methods of working and new models, some of which pose interesting new applications for operational research models of various types. A survey of all operational research models in this area would require a very long article...