Why Is the Transport and Logistics Sector Lacking Environmental Performance? Lessons from the Sectors of Production of Building Materials and Wholesaling

Sustainability has increasingly become a central business focus in times when most societies realize the harmful influence of industries on both the environment and human health. Not only policy makers demand pro-active performance from companies but also various members within supply chains expect their business partners to reduce their negative impacts on the environment and the society. Exposed to increasing competitive pressure firms are often forced to adapt their business behaviour to economic considerations. The transport and logistics sector in particular is characterized by high competition and price sensitivity. Transport is the fastest growing sector in terms of the consumption of energy and the production of greenhouse gases in the European Union. Following a multiple case study approach, the paper compares the Austrian transport and logistics sector with the sectors of production of building material and wholesaling. It aims at providing some insight as to why there are differences in the environmental performances between the sectors. This is done by identifying the specific characteristics of the transport and logistics sector concerning environmental protection and explaining the respective influencing factors. The data of each case study was analysed anonymously for each company and sector, followed by a cross-sector analysis. The findings showed that there is general awareness for sustainability across all sectors; however, the respective behaviours differ considerably. Finally, we propose implications for improving the environmental behaviour of transport and logistics companies and suggest topics for further research.