Supply chains are highly dependent upon energy that is generated by fossil fuels, but only recently
researchers focused on how demand levels of energy in supply chains depend on supply chain strategies and
structures (e.g. time-based strategies, global sourcing arrangements etc.) as “generative mechanisms” that
influence this demand. Compatibility of global and green supply chain management appears especially critical
and trade-offs between economic performance (costs, service levels, sales), energy efficiency, environmental
performance are often discussed. This paper presents a quantitative, longitudinal analysis of energy
performance indicators and inbound logistics strategy of a company which, in the last few years, reached a
“bigger”, global sourcing area achieving “better” productivity and sales performances and at the same time
using “less” primary energy for transport. Reducing frequency of deliveries and making up for “slower”
deliveries from farthest suppliers with higher inventories appears a means to improve both economic and
energy efficiency performances in supply chains under present economic conditions.
