In 2023, in collaboration with the Logistics Cluster Environment (WREC) project, the Center for Humanitarian Logistics and Regional Development (CHORD) carried out a comprehensive study aimed at addressing the environmental sustainability of humanitarian supply chains. This interdisciplinary research utilized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and system dynamics modeling to analyze the environmental impacts of humanitarian disaster response, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Through three case studies involving the delivery of tarpaulins to Mozambique and Pakistan and Super Cereal Plus to Chad, the study evaluated the short- and long-term environmental effects of these humanitarian efforts, in addition to the financial cost and response time associated with each disaster response. It proposed actionable solutions for reducing environmental impacts, emphasizing green procurement, renewable energy usage, and waste management improvements.
The quantitative report published below highlights the role of planning to reduce costs and lead times, and the urgent need to address the impact of materials and inputs during item production and the implications for end-of-life. This endeavor supports informed, evidence-based decision-making within the humanitarian sector, contributing towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to disaster response.
