Developing environmental supply chain performance measures

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review extant literature and present a proposed research agenda to examine whether environmental, i.e. green performance measures, can be integrated within an existing supply chain performance framework, explore what a meaningful industry‐recognised environmental measure should look like, and understand the direct benefits of incorporating environmental measures within a supply chain performance framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an extensive literature review in four key areas: performance management, supply chain performance management, environmental management and benchmarking.FindingsThe literature suggests there is an opportunity to explore the relationship between the environment and logistics and that environmental supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) should enable organisations to more effectively benchmark their supply chain environmental performance. A framework incorporating these notions and a research agenda for empirical study are also presented.Practical implicationsThe paper provides direction for practitioners on measuring the environmental impact of their supply chains in the context of their overall business performance. The proposed research agenda integrates an environmental measure into an extant supply chain performance framework to provide practitioners with a more holistic view of their supply chain performance in relation to competitors.Originality/valueThere has been limited research conducted in this area. This paper provides insights into developing a green SCPM framework.