With increasing concern about sustainability in logistics era, it seems that related authorities want to encourage relevant movements. One of the mechanisms is through giving excellence awards and the latest of such awards is SCL Green Supply Chain Award in Canada.

Supply Chain and Logistics Association Canada (SCL) has decided to organize the event from this year and Lawrence Cannon, Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, recognized two companies who have won the first annual SCL Green Supply Chain Award on Tuesday.

According to Canada Digital, J.D. Smith and Sons Ltd. and UPM-Kymmene are the recipients of the 2007 award, which acknowledges companies that have set and exceeded high standards for environmental friendliness in the handling and shipment of their products to customers.

J.D. Smith and Sons Ltd. has made significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through a number of initiatives, including in-cab heaters that reduce vehicle idling levels, electric light retrofits in three facilities that have lowered electricity consumption, energy-smart roof replacement, and a building automation system that has reduced natural gas consumption.

UPM-Kymmene is working closely with its shipping agents to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The logistics division of UPM contributes to these goals through expert coordination in the efficient movement of paper products from its mills to customers.

The SCL Green Supply Chain Award acknowledges that recipients operate in an ethical manner and actively seek ways to improve environmental performance through:

• identifying goals to reduce the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from freight facility operations;
• developing an action plan detailing how each of these goals will be achieved; and
• reporting progress towards achieving these goals.