From Practices to Performance: A Triple Bottom Line Framework for Sustainable Warehouse

Elisabete Correia

Abstract


Purpose: This study aims to propose a comprehensive framework to support sustainability in warehousing operations by identifying key improvement areas and practices, enabling self-assessment and continuous improvement from a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) perspective.

 

Design/methodology/approach: A narrative literature review was conducted and complemented with thematic analysis to identify and compare existing sustainable warehousing models and frameworks. Based on a comparative synthesis of the literature, a conceptual framework was developed to integrate the main sustainability areas relevant to warehouse operations.

 

Findings: The literature reveals growing interest in sustainable warehousing, but research remains limited and fragmented, with few comprehensive frameworks integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The proposed framework consolidates a comprehensive set of key areas and systematically brings together diverse sustainable practices and concrete actions, mapping their expected impacts across environmental, social, and economic performance. Additionally, it highlights two frequently overlooked areas: collaboration with supply chain partners and community engagement, extending sustainability efforts beyond warehouse boundaries.

 

Research limitations/implications: This is a conceptual study based on a narrative review, and the framework has not yet been empirically validated. Future research should apply and test the framework in different contexts, including Portuguese companies, to assess its effects on TBL performance.

 

Originality/value: This study contributes by offering an integrated and practical framework to guide sustainable warehousing initiatives, supporting decision-makers in identifying priority areas and implementing improvement actions aligned with TBL principles.


Keywords


Warehousing, Sustainability, Framework, Triple Bottom Line, Logistics.

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References


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Portuguese Journal of Finance, Management and Accounting

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