Abstract:

This is one of the first studies to incorporate technology research, operational best practices, and emissions accounting methodologies in an in-depth assessment of a real-world supply chain. It highlights how analyzing real-world data need not compromise business confidentiality.

Using data from The Home Depot (THD) and the EPA’s SmartWay program, the authors assessed a trade route from China to the United States. They constructed three scenarios: (1) the Conventional scenario models business as usual and excludes green strategies already adopted by THD; (2) the impacts of THD’s existing green strategies are represented in the Green scenario, which also serves as an industry benchmark; and (3) the Green Plus scenario builds upon the Green and is a future, hypothetical supply chain with additional improvements evaluated in the short, medium, and long term.