The green deal for sustainable logistics

The green deal for sustainable logistics

Did you know that logistics transportation is responsible for a big part of pollution in cities?

Did you know that logistics transportation is responsible for a big part of pollution in cities?

Aug 12, 2024 -

Aug 12, 2024

Reading time: 3 minutes

Small green delivery truck with yellow and brown packages stacked beside it. They are set against a blurred natural background with greenery, symbolizing eco-friendly and sustainable logistics practices.
Small green delivery truck with yellow and brown packages stacked beside it. They are set against a blurred natural background with greenery, symbolizing eco-friendly and sustainable logistics practices.
Small green delivery truck with yellow and brown packages stacked beside it. They are set against a blurred natural background with greenery, symbolizing eco-friendly and sustainable logistics practices.

At least 25% of CO2 emissions in cities caused by transportation comes from logistics, even rising to 30-50% for other emissions like nitrogen oxides and particulates. That is why finding sustainable solutions for logistics operations is so vital. The green deal for sustainable logistics did just that: it was an initiative focused on reducing the environmental impact of logistics.


Goals of the green deal

The green deal for sustainable logistics had several key goals:

  1. Minimizing unnecessary vehicle mileage. By optimizing delivery routes and avoiding detours, companies can reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.

  2. Promoting sustainable transportation modes and times. Organizations can cut emissions further by using electric vehicles, cargo bikes, or scheduling deliveries during off-peak hours.

  3. Ensuring cleaner transportation. Promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles helps make the kilometers driven as environmentally friendly as possible.

  4. Improving collaboration among stakeholders. By working together, sharing resources, and adopting sustainable practices, organizations can collectively create greener and more efficient logistics operations.


Key achievements

Over its four-year duration, the green deal achieved several important milestones:

  • Stakeholder Engagement: The initiative successfully engaged 49 participants, including businesses, cities, and organizations, who collectively worked towards more sustainable logistics practices.

  • Impactful Actions: A total of 79 actions were initiated, addressing various aspects of sustainable logistics. Although only 20% of these actions were completed, the majority are ongoing and have been considered impactful by participants.

  • Policy Influence: The green deal played a crucial role in formulating policy recommendations and raising awareness of the need for a clear legal framework for zero-emission urban logistics in Flanders.

  • Knowledge Sharing: The initiative fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing through 15 events and the creation of a comprehensive "Inspiratiegids" that offers insights, tips, and strategies for sustainable logistics. It also distributed 10 newsletters aimed at sharing best practices and fostering collaboration.

  • Challenges Addressed: By identifying and addressing key challenges, such as the lack of charging infrastructure and suitable vehicles, the green deal laid the groundwork for future progress in emission-free urban logistics.


Dropon's involvement

Dropon subscribed to the green deal for several reasons:

  1. Environmental responsibility: Dropon recognizes the importance of reducing the environmental impact of logistics operations. By subscribing to the green deal, Dropon demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and aligned with the broader industry movement towards more eco-friendly practices.

  2. Optimal route planning: Dropon’s route optimization software aligns perfectly with the goals of the green deal. By optimizing delivery routes, Dropon helps companies minimize vehicle mileage, reduce fuel consumption, and decrease emissions. This contributes to the overall sustainability of logistics operations.

  3. Collaboration and innovation: Dropon understands the power of collaboration and the need to drive innovation in the logistics industry. By subscribing to the green deal, Dropon joined a network of like-minded organizations, working together to develop sustainable solutions and advance the future of logistics.


Conclusion

As the green deal for sustainable logistics has concluded, its legacy remains in the ongoing efforts to make urban goods transportation more eco-friendly. Dropon, along with other stakeholders, continues to support the vision of sustainable logistics. The future will depend on continued collaboration and innovation to address the ongoing challenges in urban logistics, ensuring that the progress made during the green deal serves as a foundation for further advancements in creating greener, more sustainable cities.