Supply chain management - how can we reduce our energy/climate footprint?

In this work we display the importance of supply chain management through the use of Environmentally Extended Input-Output Analysis (EEIOA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Results show that for most sectors a majority of the energy/environmental loads are located in the upstream supply chain, both nationally and abroad. Using the tools outlined could therefore help to address important areas to focus the work and guide policies for future energy and emissions reductions. Actions can be at an international policy level, using taxes or other measures to counteract pollution havens, or they could include specific requirements of the products purchased, environmental labeling, or requirements relating to certifications of businesses were products and services are purchased from. The focus of this paper is the public sector, more specifically; the municipalities, where - despite the importance of upstream emissions is identified with a fraction of 90-95 percent - still most focus is on the 5-10 % of the footprint relating to use of heating oil and fuel for transportation. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Centre for Renewable Energy.