IBM launches carbon calculator

Tool measures environmental impact of supply chains

IT departments can now monitor the impact of their organisations' supply chains on the environment with a carbon analysis tool from IBM.

The Carbon Tradeoff Modeler will work out the carbon footprint of each area of a business’s supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, claimed IBM. It also said the tool will allow management to weigh up and strike a balance between cost and carbon objectives.

"To achieve a carbon efficient supply chain, companies need to assess the CO2 emissions impact of their end-to-end operations," said Sanjeev Nagrath, director of supply chain management at IBM in a statement.

According to IBM, the carbon and cost calculator will measure the difference in impact of varying package sizes and lot sizes in product transportation, as well as evaluating how consolidated orders could reduce carbon dioxide emissions.