"Supply chain sustainability" is a term we're hearing a lot lately. But it's not always easy to distinguish the truth from the marketing hype.

To bring some transparency to the process, the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), an organization of warehouse-based logistics companies, has developed a program that will help its members quantify and verify their achievements.

Called the Sustainable Logistics Initiative, the program requires participants to track, report, and monitor their progress in three areas:

• Environmental responsibility, including the "green" aspects of sustainability, such as waste disposal, recycling, and consumption of electricity, fuel, and water;
• Social responsibility, including safety and community activity measurements; and
• Profit responsibility, including cost savings through increased efficiencies and improved operational excellence.

By participating in the Sustainable Logistics Initiative, IWLA member companies will be able to provide their clients with proof of sustainable practices. All sustainability-related processes and accomplishments will be verified by a neutral, independent organization, the Sustainable Supply Chain Foundation. SSCF provides consulting services, funding, and research related to sustainability in global and domestic supply chain and transportation-related industries.