A triple bottom line analysis of Hong Kong's logistics sector

Abstract

Logistics play a crucial role in the development of the world economy as globalization continues. Because international trade is a driver of the gross domestic product (GDP), it impacts the economies of cities and countries. However, all transport modes consume energy and produce air pollutants including greenhouse gases (GHGs) either directly or indirectly. This paper uses a triple bottom line approach to examine the environmental, economic, and social performance of Hong Kong's logistics sector. The data, including annual cargo movements between Hong Kong and other places by different transport modes (container ships, aircraft, heavy trucks, and freight trains), the respective values added, and the number of workers employed in this sector, were collected from the Hong Kong government. Results showed that the total cargo weight had increased by 40% between 2000 and 2014. During the same period of time, the logistics sector contributed an average of 4.2% to Hong Kong's total GDP, provided an average of 5.6% of total employment, but produced an average of 37.4% of Hong Kong's total GHG emission.