2Sustain

For the past six years, the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has sponsored a “Crossroads Conference,” designed to make the connection between supply chain management and corporate strategy.

This year, the conference is scheduled for March 25, in Cambridge, MA, and the theme –Building Supply Chains that Deliver Sustainability –is particularly relevant in today’s business environment.  Organizers say Crossroads Conference 2010 will address the crucial link between environmental track record and commercial success, with a focus on delivering sustainable business practices through optimized, environmentally sound supply chain management.

The conference will also include the launch of the Global LEAP—Leaders in Environmental Assessment and Performance— research consortium.

Global LEAP is a ground-breaking project to design supply chains that meet the sustainability goals that are redefining the way companies operate.  For instance, this new initiative will address sustainability issues in relation to the key areas of energy, transportation, packaging/waste materials, natural resources, greenhouse gases and water. Inaugural members of Global LEAP–including Chiquita Brands and Lockheed Martin –have pledged comprehensive support for the new consortium including a financial commitment, in-kind resources, thought leadership and active participation.

“We aim to understand how supply chains are going to change as they incorporate new perspectives on design and performance, specifically moving from traditional metrics of cost and service, into impact on the environment,” says Edgar Blanco, Research Director MIT CTL and Executive Director, MIT SCALE Latin America. “Those measures are not usually included in supply chain analysis but in the future we see a need for their inclusion, and the Global LEAP initiative is trying to give companies the right tools to do so successfully.”

It’s great to see recognition of sustainability as a critical component of supply chains, and I’m looking forward to hearing more from Global LEAP. MIT CTL is looking for members to join the consortium. If you would like to learn more about MIT CTL, check out its website here.