A water footprint management framework for supply chains under green market behaviour. (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aivazidou, Eirini; Tsolakis, Naoum; Vlachos, Dimitrios; Iakovou, Eleftherios
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 197(2018)Part 1
• Page Start: 592
• Page End: 606
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Water footprint management -- Supply chain sustainability -- Green market behaviour -- System dynamics -- Methodological framework; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Freshwater sustainability has been emerging as a critical corporate social responsibility issue for leading businesses worldwide. An increasing number of companies disclose and evaluate their water footprint, embracing an end-to-end supply chain perspective. In this work, we first propose a strategic system dynamics model for capturing the long-term impact of various water management policies on consumptive water footprint and supply chain profitability under diverse scenarios of consumers' demand patterns depending on blue water-related efficiency (i.e. green market behaviours). We apply the proposed simulation model on a specific wine supply chain and demonstrate that, under specific green market behaviour conditions, technological interventions in agriculture (e.g. drip irrigation) are more environmentally and economically sustainable compared to industrial water recycling and reuse, while the combined application of both policies is even more effective. Additionally, the impact of water-efficient policies on supply chain financial performance is even more potent under increased consumers' environmental sensitivity. Based on the managerial insights obtained from our analysis, as well as current corporate drivers and goals, we finally propose a supporting methodological framework for the ex-ante evaluation of eco-efficient supply chain water management policies, considering the impact of the green market behaviour on water-related and economic sustainability. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A system dynamics model for assessing water management policies is developed. The impact of alternative green market behaviours is investigated. A supporting methodological framework for supply chain planners is proposed. The green corporate image is considered for the ex-ante evaluation of the policies.