Environmental Management in Proactive Commercial Firms. Lessons for Central Logistics Activities in the Department of Defense

摘要

Central logistics activities in the Department of Defense (DoD) face environmental performance challenges very similar to those faced by industrial activities in the private sector. The regulatory environment is becoming more demanding as regulations grow in complexity, and in addition, persistent demands to reduce the size of the DoD 'infrastructure' (however that is defined) have focused attention on any costs associated with that infrastructure, including the costs of meeting environmental goals. Like many of its innovative commercial counterparts, the DoD has sought to take a proactive approach to environmental concerns. Rather than simply reacting to regulators' demands at the 'end of the pipe', DoD policymakers have sought policies that are more positive and constructive. These policies try to motivate personnel to adjust environmentally relevant processes in ways that enhance the DoD's ability to pursue its core military mission while maintaining its standing as an environmentally responsible public agency that sets a good example for others in government and the private sector. But like many of their commercial counterparts, high-level decisionmakers in the DoD have found it difficult to implement proactive policies in ways that affect decisions made throughout the organization. The Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security asked RAND to study how commercial firms recognized as having the best environmental management practices in the country have implemented those practices. Lessons from these firms should help the DoD improve its own implementation of a proactive approach to environmental management. This report addresses commercial implementation of environmental management practices that are relevant to the DoD's central logistics activities.