< PreviousFEATURE | CSR 50MARCH 2020 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EASTwww.logisticsmiddleeast.com “CSR is fostering research and in- novation: promoting sustainable tech- nologies and behaviours. It’s even more important, now that new digital tech- nologies help us monitor and analyse our activity. New electric trucks models are announced for the coming years, electric vans are getting more and more common for last mile deliveries,” ac- cording to premium logistics company Flash. “The Logistics industry needs to become a forerunner in CSR. We would all benefit from a general commitment towards CSR. Instead of competing on prices, adding CSR goals in your strat- egy allows you to improve you financial efficiency while differentiating yourself from your competitors.” Ship of the Future initiative combines public and private interests and en- compasses maritime companies of all kinds, creating a cutting edge of mari- time technology and green industry. CSR projects such as improving the carbon footprint do not only meet the parameters of helping the environment, but also the objective of competitive- ness. By reducing a company’s carbon footprint efficiency is improved, by reducing waste, efficiency is improved. Meeting expectations CSR programmes can also dramatically improve your relationships with your clients. In some cases, having proof that you have a strong CSR programme is a prerequisite for doing business. Many big companies now expect their suppliers to show their commitment to improving the society we live in. Hav- ing good ratings isn’t just only about improving your image, it’s also another way to gain new clients. A logistics/supply chain company’s relationship will also benefit from a strong CSR programme. The imple- mentation of a responsible purchas- ing policy will help to better manage environmental and social risks in a company’s purchasing decisions. Corporate Social Responsibility has a big role to play in the transport and logistic industry, and is no longer some- thing that can be left as an afterthought. HOW AMAZON IS SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF THE AUSTRALIA BUSHFIRE CRISIS Amazon contributes AU$1million to national efforts to pro- vide relief to communities impacted by this natural disaster. • Support spanned three areas of focus: Donating needed items to organisations on the front lines, with BlazeAid. In addition to products donated directly by Amazon, customers are able to donate items requested by BlazeAid, through the nonprofit’s charity wish list. The donated products, including water, food, safety clothing, building materials, and more, have been specifically re- quested by BlazeAid as essential to aid their volunteers in the recovery efforts. • Amazon Web Services (AWS) is providing in-kind technical support for many of the government agencies dealing with the response and recovery efforts including Geoscience and Digital Earth Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, and state agencies such as Land Gate (WA), the Rural Fire Service (NSW), Fires Near Me app, SAFECOM (SA), and the South Australian Department Planning, Transport, and Infrastructure. • Providing cash donations to relief agencies including the Australian Red Cross, the Salvation Army Australia, WIRES, and Rural and Country Fire Services. - Source: AmazonNext >