Training Course

8. Training in CGG “Measure my Green Readiness” Self-Assessment Tool Download the Tool Manual: 9.1. Individual project: Assignment workshop 9.2. Individual project: Presentation workshop   Congratulations on completing Module D of the CGG Training Course. Don’t forget to share your achievement!      

6. Big data and information sharing applications for urban logistics Module   C. Operation  Topic   6. Big data and information sharing applications for urban logistics  Aim   Analysis of main concepts and considerations related to big data and information sharing.   Presentation of common practice in the implementation of big data collection, management and sharing to enhance urban logistics.  Provision and discussion of examples from the use of (big) data sharing in courier/postal/delivery transport operations.   Learning outcomes   Awareness of the role and potential of big data and information sharing to city logistics and urban freight transportation.  Increased understanding of requirements and challenges for the use of big data and information sharing options to support informed decision making.  Critical analysis of current practice and trends.  Check your knowledge 7.1. Greening courier/postal/delivery services: Transport operations Module   C. Operation  Topic   7.1 Greening courier/postal/delivery services: Transport operations  Aim   Presentation of different methods and approaches to achieve the greening of courier/postal/delivery transport operations.   Analysis of potential impacts on the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of transport operations by different methods.  Learning outcomes   In depth knowledge of an array of alternatives for the greening of different transport operations.   Understanding of practical issues and concerns for the application of green transport operations.  Transport services are trying to become more and more environmentally friendly. The methods used vary depending on their objectives, the size of the companies as well as the requirement of each region. Below will be presented some of the methods used by delivery, courier, and post companies. 7.1.1. Crowdsourced as a method of reducing unnecessary routes. A widespread delivery service is that of food delivery. Some online food delivery companies, try to effectively connect costumers with a broad selection of restaurants by utilizing a crowdsourced fleet of couriers. That is something that every courier service company tries to achieve. The objective is to match each courier with as many orders as possible and yet, keep the delivery service fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly. The main strategy is batching orders allowing couriers to handle multiple pickups and deliveries in a single route. The best way for companies to achieve such objectives is to integrate route planning software like Artificial Intelligence (AI). By using that kind of technology, couriers have access to real-time traffic condition to determine the most efficient routes for couriers to ensure that multiple deliveries can be conducted as quick and as possible in the most effective sequence. Route optimisation software allows businesses to plan multi-stop deliveries calculating the shortest route and the most efficient order. This kind of technology helps companies reduce the time and the resources spent on each delivery. This minimizes a lot the carbon footprint by reducing unnecessary routes and also makes the delivery process more sustainable and cost-effective. As mentioned above, crowdsourcing seems to be a smart solution for courier companies. Crowdsourcing encompasses various transportation methods, and it relates to collaboration between delivery companies and everyday citizens. These methods include personal vehicles, and public transport as well. Sometimes in this kind of delivery management, crowdsourced couriers are natural persons that deliver parcels as a secondary activity as they travel from one place to another. One type of crowdsourcing delivery can be achieved through the use of car instead of motorbikes as there is need. In many cases, the use of the car may seem more harmful to the environment than the use of a motorbike. According to one study, there are exceptions, as the limited capacity of a motorcycle forces the driver to make many more routes than they would in a car, and ultimately consumes more time burning fuel on the way. Another way recommended is leveraging taxis, daily bus lines or railway lines for crowdsourced delivery. In this case courier companies allow couriers to travel with a bus across different zones, when possible, using a single ticket. By choosing to deliver packages this way, delivery businesses cutting down on pollution and traffic by using transport that already exists. This approach shows an effective way to improve how packages get delivered in big cities, proving that we can find smarter, more sustainable ways to solve the challenges of getting packages to their final destination. 7.1.2. Green Vehicles like Electric Vehicles and drones as an environmentally friendly and efficient solution Another method for greening courier/postal/delivery services suggested is transportation via electric vehicles. The transition towards environmentally friendly urban logistics is becoming a priority worldwide. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and drones are becoming a key player in making delivery, courier and postal logistic more efficient and environmental friendly. Interest in EVs has existed since the 1970s, when the problems of air quality, global warming, and oil dependence began to emerge. They offer a significant advantage by reducing local pollution of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The integration of EVs into the existing fleets of delivery vehicles promises not only to alleviate the environmental burden but also to meet the growing demand for efficient urban freight transportation. This makes them a compelling choice for urban logistic and for e-commerce deliveries, where there is a dramatic increase in volume in recent years and especially after Covid-19. The primary goal of existing courier companies should focus on enriching their current fleet with electric vehicles. This process needs to be carried out with careful planning so that the cost of electric vehicles can be quickly recouped, allowing for their multiplication. Undoubtedly, the purchase cost of such vehicles, as well as their charging procedure, is significant. Therefore, it is essential that the planning is such that companies can fully utilize these vehicles, employing them on routes that can support their charging need, ultimately allowing companies to profit and continuously strengthen their fleet. It’s important to note that this method should also be applied to cold chain logistics, as it is a type of transportation service that significantly contributes to environmental pollution due to its substantial gas emissions. As for drones, they surely are a promising solution of reducing road traffic and deal with last-mile delivery challenges. Using

4.1. New Mobility Services: Solutions and business models for urban transportation Module   B. Management  Topic   4.1 New Mobility Services: Solutions and business models for urban transportation  Aim   Presentation of innovative approaches for the green transition of urban transport and NewMobility Services (NMS).   Analysis of emerging governance schemes and business models for the implementation of NMS for urban freight transport and last-mile deliveries.  Learning outcomes   Updated knowledge on current business approaches in urban mobility and transportation.  In-depth understanding of the role and potential of NMS for green and efficient courier/postal/delivery services.  Check your knowledge 4.2. Learning by example #1. Exchange of good practice Module   B. Management  Topic   4.2 Learning by example#1. Exchange of good practice on New Mobility Services  Aim   Based on the content of 4.1, provision of examples from the implementation of NMS-based business models in urban freight transport and city logistics and from the integration of freight and passenger transport in cities.   Discussion on the effectiveness and adaptability of examples  Learning outcomes   Critical analysis of current practice and projects of developing NMS for courier/postal/delivery services.  4.2.1. Introduction In developing countries, urban freight distribution relies heavily on road vehicles, leading to frequent traffic congestion, inadequate parking, and insufficient loading and unloading areas, all of which impede efficiency. Advocated globally as a sustainable strategy, urban freight distribution via environmentally friendly modes holds significant potential to alleviate congestion and pollution resulting from current freight distribution practices (Singh & Gupta, 2020). The Transport Decarbonization Alliance outlines 15 distinct challenges for achieving zero emission urban freight and proposes two or more solutions for addressing each challenge. While some solutions focus on technological advancements such as the acquisition, utilization, and charging of battery-electric vehicles, the majority target remedies for structural barriers and behavioral practices. Similarly, Maxner, Dalla Chiara, and Goodchild (2022) categorize different decarbonization strategies for urban freight into three groups: vehicle technology, operational strategies, and city government interventions. Additionally, the World Economic Forum offers a comprehensive overview of 24 prioritized interventions aimed at facilitating the transition of the last mile delivery ecosystem. These interventions include aspects such as vehicle modification, secure delivery methods, customer movement, consolidation efforts, final leg adjustments, and enhancements to the delivery environment. Together, these publications showcase the diverse range of approaches for promoting sustainability transitions in urban freight and provide numerous examples of both technological innovations and shifts in behavior (Ystmark Bjerkan & Babri, 2024). Technological shifts primarily entail replacing one technology with another. In the realm of urban freight, this might involve substituting fossil-fuel vans and lorries with electric vehicles, vehicles powered by alternative fuels, Euro6 vehicles, or cargo-bikes. Previous research has extensively explored new technologies and vehicles for urban freight. Electric bicycles are proposed as a substitute for vehicles where feasible in terms of speed and capacity limitations (Bosona, 2020). While the utilization of drones for goods delivery has been investigated primarily in rural areas, there is potential for drone-based delivery in urban settings as well. Research in operations management, supply chain management, and industrial engineering has predominantly explored methods for optimizing operational practices. These methods include maximizing load factor, optimizing routes, and adjusting lot sizes (Pan et al., 2021). Additionally, studies have demonstrated that off-hour delivery can effectively decrease emissions from urban freight transport (Holguín-Veras et al., 2018). 4.2.2. The use of light electric freight vehicles (LEFVs) (Díaz-Ramírez et al., 2023) The integration of light electric freight vehicles (LEFVs) represents a fundamental step towards achieving a more sustainable urban distribution network, yet it confronts numerous unresolved challenges. These include: i) Determining the optimal mix of vehicle technologies (such as fuel and electric power) to align with both current and future city mobility infrastructure (including lanes, charging stations, and electricity availability). ii) Establishing strategic locations for urban distribution centers to efficiently support operations within the designated region. iii) Enhancing the performance of LEFVs to lower operational costs and to mitigate air pollutant emissions, traffic congestion, and noise levels in urban areas. iv) Developing effective communication strategies based on previous implementation experiences. Electric-assisted freight bicycles and tricycles, referred to hereafter as light electric freight vehicles (LEFVs), are anticipated to exhibit superior performance in last-mile distribution. This is evidenced by reduced parking times and costs, lower ownership expenses, enhanced delivery reliability, fewer severe collisions, and decreased air pollutant emissions. However, their utilization also entails certain limitations, particularly concerning the size of the delivery zone, route length, demand density, topographical challenges, and regulatory constraints. In line with the European example, governments across Latin America are also allocating resources to enhance bicycle-friendly urban infrastructure, including the expansion of bike lanes. This investment aims to promote eco-friendly transportation methods, particularly in densely populated areas. Maximizing the advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) in logistics hinges upon recognizing the nuances of various contexts (EUFAL, 2022). Thus, the European Electric Urban Freight and Logistics (EUFAL) initiative was initiated in 2020. It serves as a knowledge-sharing platform, equipping companies seeking to integrate electric vehicles into their fleets with valuable tools tailored to different phases of the process (Díaz-Ramírez et al., 2023). Light electric freight vehicles (LEFVs) are increasingly viewed as a sustainable delivery solution, particularly in response to tightening emission regulations within urban areas, ensuring ongoing access. This significance is underscored by the prospective establishment of zero-emission zones by 2030 in selected European cities, along with more concrete steps anticipated by 2025 in Dutch urban centers. Additionally, in densely populated and challenging-to-access inner city and neighborhood areas, smaller vehicles offer advantages in terms of easier and swifter access. Furthermore, when coupled with efforts to minimize lead times and optimize vehicle load factors, operational and economic considerations also come into play. Beyond these practical aspects, softer factors contribute to the growing commercial interest in LEFVs, including commitments to corporate social responsibility, as well as opportunities for company differentiation and specialization (Kin et al., 2024). A light electric freight vehicle (LEFV) encompasses a range of transportation options including bicycles, mopeds, or compact vehicles equipped with electric support or drive mechanisms, designed for the transportation of goods and people at

1. European Union’s policy and legislative framework on green city logistics Module   A. Governance  Topic   1. European Union’s policy and legislative framework on green city logistics  Aim   Presentation and analysis of common values, objectives and priorities in the green shift of urban transport  Review of the current green transport policy framework  Guidance through existing legislation and standards for green operations  Discussion of challenges and the way to move forward  Learning outcomes   Understanding of basic concepts regarding the green transition in the transport sector with focus on urban logistics and last-mile freight transport.   Knowledge of the EU policy and legislative framework to implement the green shift of urban logistics and last-mile freight transport.  Critical analysis of the green shift policy objectives and implementation frameworks for the green shift.  1.1. Introduction The document presented is a component of the COURIERS GO GREEN training course development. It belongs to Module A, which is “Governance” and focuses on Topic 1 – “European Union’s policy and legislative framework on green city logistics”. The goal of Topic 1 is to introduce the basic concepts of environmentally responsible and climate-resilient urban logistics and freight transportation. It will also cover the strategic priorities, policies, and regulations of the European Union concerning sustainable urban mobility and transportation on a global level. The class will also discuss potential challenges and limitations, which will be addressed through group discussion and exchange of experiences. More specifically, Topic 1 aims to present and analyse the shared values, objectives, and priorities in the green shift of urban transport. It will also review the current green transport policy framework and provide guidance through existing legislation and standards for green operations. Finally, the class will discuss the challenges associated with this shift and identify potential solutions to overcome them. The desired learning outcomes of this part of the training course are to understand the basic concepts regarding the green transition in the transport sector, focusing on urban logistics and last-mile freight transport. Furthermore, to know the EU policy and legislative framework for implementing the green shift of urban logistics and last-mile freight transport and to critically analyse the green shift policy objectives and implementation frameworks. 1.2. The Green shift of urban logistics and freight transportation: Common values, objectives and priorities The shift towards environmentally friendly urban logistics and freight transportation is crucial to the overall goal of achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2050. Achieving this shift requires changes in behaviour, technological advances, and infrastructure development to promote sustainable mobility and reduce the negative impact of transportation on the environment. The European Commission (EC) recognises the importance of citizens and consumers in driving this transformation forward. It stresses the need for local investments and increased engagement of consumers in sustainable practices. Additionally, the EC emphasises the significance of smart urban planning, the development of a sustainable bio-economy, and the creation of carbon sinks to support the transition. Moreover, the EU’s commitment to global cooperation and leadership in climate action is highlighted, stressing the need for international collaboration to achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets consistent with the Paris Agreement. The green shift in urban logistics and freight transportation aligns with the broader goals of transitioning towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy, emphasising sustainable mobility, technological innovation, social fairness, and international cooperation. (European Commission, 2018) 1.3. Current green transport policy framework The EU has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by at least 90% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The EU is implementing various policies and initiatives to promote the use of low-carbon transport modes, such as doubling rail freight traffic, revising CO2 emission performance standards for heavy-duty vehicles, enhancing multimodal connections, shifting to electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and developing new distribution models and infrastructure. The EU’s strategies for the green transition are outlined in the European Green Deal, the smart and sustainable mobility strategy, and the new urban mobility framework. Additionally, member states are setting national targets to reduce emissions from transport, with different degrees of ambition and achievement. The document also highlights the significance of implementing a “green” policy for transport and logistics to achieve efficient and sustainable operations in courier, postal, and delivery services. (Couriers Go Green, 2023) In the following pages, we summarise relevant literature from 2018 to 2021. 1.3.1. European Commission, A Clean Planet for all – A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy, COM (2018) 773 final The document “A Clean Planet for All: A European Strategic Long-term Vision for a Prosperous, modern, competitive and Climate Neutral Economy” by the European Commission highlights the urgent need for decisive climate action, emphasising the severe impact of global warming on Europe and the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is cited, indicating that human-induced global warming has already reached 1°C above preindustrial levels and is increasing at approximately 0.2°C per decade. The document stresses the need to transform towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2050, outlining the significant risks and potentially irreversible impacts of unconstrained climate change. It emphasises the importance of a comprehensive and socially fair transition to achieve this goal, addressing the effects on various sectors of the economy, infrastructure, food production, public health, biodiversity, and political stability. Furthermore, the document underscores the need for a strategic long-term vision involving the active participation of European decision-makers, citizens, and the private sector to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Additionally, the document emphasises the EU’s commitment to lead global climate action, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s objectives to limit global temperature increase to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. It highlights the EU’s role in driving sustainable economic growth, promoting innovation, and demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy. The EU’s progress towards its 2020 energy and climate targets is acknowledged while stressing the need