Lead the change: Green logistics for a sustainable future
As the logistics sector faces mounting environmental and regulatory pressures, there’s a growing need for professionals who can deliver real-world change. Green and sustainable logistics isn’t just a technical challenge – it’s a chance to rethink how we move goods in a way that works for both business and the planet.
As part of our online MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics, the Green and Sustainable Logistics course prepares you to lead this shift. Whether you’re new to logistics, changing direction or looking to future-proof your leadership, you’ll gain the tools to reduce emissions, adopt circular practices like reverse logistics and design supply chains that are resilient, efficient and built for a low-carbon world.
These global challenges are not just a threat to humanity - they're also a threat to the current business models that logistical activities adopt.
What is green and sustainable logistics?
Green and sustainable logistics is about more than reducing emissions or ticking regulatory boxes. It’s about rethinking the way we move goods to address global challenges like climate change, fossil fuel depletion and resource scarcity.
Dr Adam Gripton, Course Leader for Green and Sustainable Logistics, defines it as:
“Addressing global problems, such as climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels… transitioning from a business model that currently only prioritises economic profits to one which will be sustainable in the face of these global challenges.”
These issues don’t just threaten the planet - they threaten the long-term viability of logistics business models. As Adam puts it:
“These global challenges are not just a threat to humanity - they're also a threat to the current business models that logistical activities adopt.”
Green and sustainable logistics is about building supply chains that are resilient, efficient and future-focused - where environmental responsibility supports, rather than compromises, commercial performance.
Why is it important?
You don’t need to choose between sustainability and profitability. The course explores how environmentally conscious practices often align with business performance:
“You might find that, as a manager of a logistics fleet, some of these green and sustainable practices will also represent an investment in your business by reducing costs and increasing your profits”, explains Adam.
From reducing energy consumption in warehouses to adopting more efficient urban delivery systems, sustainability is not just a response to legislation - it’s a smart business strategy.
Another critical driver is regulation. Governments worldwide are rolling out legislation aimed at achieving net-zero targets. Professionals who understand this landscape and prepare for it now will be ahead of the curve.
The course equips you to understand and respond to these evolving demands by turning compliance into opportunity.
A practical framework for change
This is not just a theoretical course. It’s designed to help you apply sustainable practices in your workplace from day one. Adam explains:
“What this course will provide you with is a framework to the various ways in which you can transition your business by changing various aspects of it, whether that be your warehousing, adopting more reverse logistics, doing better sustainable practices within urban areas, for example, that will help you make that change and hopefully be able to both comply better with future legislation regarding green practices and potentially reduce your costs and increase your profits.”
Whether it's optimising reverse logistics, implementing sustainable warehousing or navigating the complexities of urban freight, the course empowers you with actionable strategies and case-driven insight.
Designed for working professionals
Delivered fully online, this MSc programme is built for professionals who need flexibility without compromising on depth. You can apply what you learn in real time, shaping your organisation’s approach to green logistics while you study.
Alongside core modules in supply chain strategy, freight transport and warehouse management and humanitarian logistics, you can also choose to explore specialist subjects such as business analytics, performance management and systems thinking.
You’ll also have access to over 500 industry certificates through Coursera Career Academy to supplement your learning in a way that suits your chosen career path.
Join a global learning community
The programme attracts professionals from across industries and continents. You’ll engage with peers bringing diverse perspectives from a great range of organisations including Aston Martin, BAE Systems, Themoteknix and ExxonMobil, creating a collaborative international learning environment.
Skills that matter - now and in the future
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern. Investors, customers and regulators are demanding change. As a result, green skills are now essential for logistics leaders across sectors.
This course prepares you for roles such as:
- Supply Planner
- Sustainability Specialist
- Procurement/Sourcing Manager
- Logistics/Supply Chain Manager
- Green Logistics Analyst
Your knowledge will also be relevant in wider supply chain contexts including procurement, risk management and innovation strategy.
A degree that makes a difference
Careers in logistics increasingly mean more than moving goods - they mean shaping the future. The Green and Sustainable Logistics course helps you align your career ambitions with real-world impact, giving you the tools to lead responsibly and effectively.
“The path between the current business model and that of the future may not be very clear,” says Adam. “This course is here to help you navigate that journey.”
Take the next step
The logistics industry is at a turning point. As global challenges reshape the way goods are moved, stored and delivered, the need for professionals who can balance performance with responsibility has never been greater. Green and Sustainable Logistics is not just a course – it’s a chance to be part of that shift.
Whether you're aiming to drive efficiency, meet regulatory demands or lead meaningful change in your organisation, this course gives you the foundation to act with clarity and purpose.
Explore our MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics today.
Any questions? Email our Enrolment Advisors at HWOnlineApps@hw.ac.uk