With growing pressure on the logistics industry to meet environmental and social standards, terms like “ESG,” “CSRD,” and “double materiality” are now part of everyday business conversations. Yet, these concepts remain difficult to grasp for many logistics customers and transport providers.

To bridge the knowledge gap, the Responsible Logistics Podcast offers a practical platform to demystify the complex world of sustainability in transport while surfacing the most pressing topics from across the sector. The episode, recorded in 2024 before the adoption of the EU Omnibus Directive, features Jonathan Boyd, Ph.D., an ESG officer and academic who clarifies the expanding web of regulations and responsibilities surrounding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

Why ESG Matters Now

Dr. Boyd outlines ESG as a framework for how companies manage environmental impacts, treat people, and ensure ethical governance. He emphasizes that ESG is no longer optional – especially in light of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which mandates sustainability reporting across Europe using the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) from early 2026.

“ESG is more than a buzzword. It’s a strategic lens – a way for companies to see both the risks and the opportunities ahead,” said Dr. Boyd. “This shift toward accountability impacts not just major corporations, but entire supply chains – including the carriers, logistics partners, and sourcing decisions customers rely on daily.”

Clarity for Customers and Carriers Like

One key takeaway from the episode is the importance of double materiality – companies must disclose how they affect the world and how sustainability challenges like climate change or labor risks could affect their business. For logistics services customers, understanding this helps assess which partners are truly future-ready.

“Asking the right questions about emissions, governance, and labor practices doesn’t just build transparency – it drives accountability,” Dr. Boyd added.

A Platform for Practical, Transparent Dialogue

The Responsible Logistics Podcast has already explored topics such as:

• The adoption of battery-electric trucks and their operational challenges
• The rise of intermodal freight as a greener alternative to road-only transport
• The role of alternative fuels in achieving emission reduction targets

Each episode simplifies complex terminology and regulations through expert interviews, real-world examples, and business-relevant scenarios. The series focuses on clarity and applicability and is designed to serve those making sustainability-related decisions in supply chains of all sizes.

Listen to the Podcast

All episodes of the Responsible Logistics Podcast are available on YouTube and regularly shared through Girteka Group’s LinkedIn channel. Designed for customers, shippers, and carriers, it’s a go-to resource for understanding the fast-changing logistics landscape. As the demand for responsible, data-driven supply chains grows, the podcast offers accessible and expert-driven guidance for every player in the industry. Upcoming episodes will also feature perspectives from drivers, transport managers, logistics assets producers, NGOs, and think tanks – voices actively shaping the logistics sector’s future direction.