Transport contributes a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-28, most of which comes from road transport. 3/4 of the total transport GHG emissions stems from road transport, followed by aviation (13.9%) and maritime transport (13.3%).
The ASI (Avoid-Shift-Improve) approach offers a strategy for optimizing the transport system with a focus on sustainability. It summarizes the three strategies for reducing GHG emissions from transport in general and from road transport in particular.
The three main strategies constitute the three pillars of ASI:
- Avoid/reduce transport: Aims to improve the overall efficiency of the transport system as a whole by implementing strategies that reduce the number of shipments or trip length.?
Practical solution: Horizontal collaboration and bundling in a Physical Internet (PI) network
- Shift transport: Aims to improve individual shipment efficiency by promoting a modal shift from the most energy-consuming transport mode towards low-carbon transport modes.
Practical solution: Multimodal system which combines different modes of transportation (e.g., rail, road, sea), can be significantly more sustainable than relying solely on trucking. Rail and sea transport are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions over long distances.?
- Improve transport: Aims to improve the energy efficiency of transport modes and related vehicle technology.?
Practical solution: Using fuel alternatives such as liquified natural gas (LNG) for ocean freight and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
Other green practices for building a sustainable supply chain:
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicles: Transitioning to vehicles with better fuel economy cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicle adoption is increasing significantly amongst industry leaders such as
亚马逊
, which has partnered with automaker Rivian to produce electric Prime vans for last-mile delivery;
通用汽车
, which unveiled its BrightDrop electric vehicle spinoff business in early 2021; and
联邦快递
, which pledged to replace 100% of its fleet with battery-powered vehicles by 2040. BNSF Railway Company and Wabtec announced a pilot program for battery-powered locomotives, and rig manufacturers Freightliner,
Volvo Trucks
,
MAN Truck & Bus SE
, and
Scania Group
started to roll out electric semi-trucks.
- Route optimization is the most effective way for the trucking industry to reduce emissions. This technology is a more recent innovation, but it’s already experiencing widespread adoption.
- Integrating Renewable Energy Sources into logistics operations is another critical step. Solar panels on warehouses and distribution centers can power operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs), charged using renewable energy, can drastically cut emissions. Companies can also explore renewable energy credits to offset their carbon footprint.
- Smart Logistics Solutions, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, telematics, and advanced analytics, enable real-time tracking and route optimization. These technologies help to decrease fuel consumption, avoid traffic congestion, and improve load management, thus enhancing overall efficiency.
- Optimized Supply Chain Management is essential for sustainability. By consolidating shipments, companies can reduce the number of trips required, leading to lower emissions. Just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems, though beneficial for reducing warehousing costs, should be balanced with the need to minimize express shipping, which often results in higher emissions.
- Investing in Carbon Offsetting and Sustainability Initiatives: While reducing emissions is the primary goal, some emissions are inevitable. Investing in carbon offset programs helps mitigate the environmental impact. Companies support reforestation, renewable energy development, and community-based environmental initiatives. Pursuing sustainability certifications and adhering to environmental standards showcases a commitment to sustainable practices.
- Education and Training: A well-informed workforce is crucial for implementing sustainable solutions. Providing training on eco-driving techniques, efficient route planning, and the importance of sustainability ensures that employees are aligned with the company’s green objectives. Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and innovation further enhances sustainability efforts.
- Monitoring and Reporting on Key Sustainability Metrics such as fuel consumption, emissions, and energy use, allows companies to track progress and identify areas for improvement. A robust environmental management system (EMS) can facilitate continuous monitoring and reporting.
Sustainable freight transport is achievable through implementing advanced technologies, efficient management, and collaborative efforts. By adopting these strategies and practices, logistics companies can reduce environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a greener future.
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