ECOLOGISTICS:
LOW CARBON FREIGHT FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES
A project led by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability in collaboration with Despacio, Smart Freight Centre and Zaragoza Logistics Center, is critical in helping develop road maps for efficient and sustainable freight transport.
Globally, urban freight represents up to 25 percent of urban vehicles, took up to 40 percent of motorized road space and contributes to up to 40 percent of urban transport-related CO2 emissions and up to 50 percent of main air pollutants (PM, NOx). The growth of urban freight has been unprecedented in the last decade, and it will continue to grow in the future.
25%
40%
40%
50%
Barriers for Sustainable Urban Freight
Freight transport and emissions are increasing rapidly; until now, cities have not been equipped to handle the associated challenges or even recognize the extent of the issue.
CHALLENGES
Adoption of new technologies
Engagement with stakeholders
Freight operation
Freight trends
Adoption of new technologies
Unavailability of data and methodologies to assess freight sector performance
Limited penetration of technologies
High cost of safer and cleaner freight vehicle fletes
Lack of motivation from the industry and support from the public administration for vehicle technology upgrades.
Engagement with stakeholders
Lack of collaboration between the industry and the public administration
Lack of alignment across different levels and governments
Stakeholders conflicting interests and objectives
Freight operation
Historically fragmented sector
Shift to decentralized and global industrial production
Lack of integrated planning
Inefficiencies such as low vehicle load factors and empty running due to customer and sourcing inefficiencies
Limited and/or unattractive offer of logistics services
Lack of specialized infrastructure
Freight trends
A rise in E-commerce and just-in-time deliveries
Rising prices of real estate in the city center caused urban sprawl
Crowdshipping and last-mile delivery strategies are getting more interest from retailers, as a way to gain customers and increase service levels and profits, and from governments to improve efficiencies (operational, economic, environmental, social)
The EcoLogistics Principles
EcoLogistics promotes the low emission transportation of goods that prioritizes public health and safety and people-centered urban development, that will enable circular and regional economies to limit the growth of freight transport.
PRINCIPLES
Principle 1
Shift to alternative options
Kochi, India. Ernakulam market traders are shifting to 3-wheel electric vehicles
Panaji, india. Supermarkets are shifting towards electric bikes for last-mile delivery.
Bogotá, Colombia. The city implemented the Bici Carga pilot using electric bicycles for last first mile deliveries.
Principle 2
Commit to safer urban delivery vehicles for safer streets
Bogota and AMVA, Colombia. Have developed a Vision Zero initiative, which promotes Road Safety and reduces deaths and severe injuries on the roads. The actions include changes to the designs of streets and intersections and a Road Safety Plan for Motorcyclists, among others. Vision Zero is a global approach to Safe Mobility and these cities have included freight since 2019.
Panaji and Kochi, India. As part of their Low Carbon Action plans, they will address reducing road fatalities in the freight sector. The focus areas include behavior and physical changes to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring.
Principle 3
Integrate land use planning for freight delivery
AMVA, Colombia. Developed the Medellin Territorial Land Use Plan (MTLUP). With strategies in the regional and metropolitan areas for the execution of projects infrastructure for mobility and equipment for support for competitiveness, strengthening the economic base of regional logistics centers.
Kochi, India. The city is planning to revise the comprehensive mobility plan, focusing on urban logistics and its integration with land use. Santa Fe, Argentina. They are improving the current regulations and development of new ones, to manage the activity and include urban freight transport logistics in urban planning.
Principle 4
Support consolidation strategies for urban deliveries
Kochi, India. Plans to develop a multimodal logistics hub near Kalamassery railway station. The multimodal hub includes a consolidation center which should result in improved logistics efficiency.
Santa Fe, Argentina. The city will adapt and build cargo consolidation centers, where heavy vehicles partially store their shipments to leave last mile logistics to lighter and greener vehicles. The first planned center is a parking establishment located west of the city.
Principle 5
Commit to safer urban delivery vehicles for safer streets
AMVA, Colombia. Volqui: A new app for dump truck drivers to choose the service for construction companies. The app indicates vehicle traceability, capacity and load.
Panaji, India. The Panaji Action plan includes several actions to improve freight vehicle load, resulting in efficiency improvements. The city is validating the concept of load pooling through digital technology.
Principle 6
Promote multi-stakeholder decision making structures
Bogota, Colombia. The EnCargaTe strategy enabled the setting up of a stakeholder engagement forum which has assisted in implementing the EcoLogistics project.
Kochi and Shimla, India. NITI Aayog and RMI work on fast-tracking freight in India by clearing the stakeholder roadmaps at national levels for the future of freight in Indian cities.
Principle 7
Create frameworks for climate-friendly business models
Rosario, Argentina. To agree on specific long-, medium- and short-term actions, the city engaged with multiple stakeholders, including a strong group of policymakers, officials, academics, manufacturers, freight operators and unions. As a result, the city implemented and incorporated 20 cargo bikes into the current public bike system, distributed in 8 stations in the city center, with integration of fleet management and data collection software.
Principle 8
Embrace the future of sustainable logistics
Argentina, Colombia and India. Bogota, Medellin, Manizales, in Colombia, Rosario, Santa Fe, in Argentina, and Shimla, Kochi, Panaji, in India frame the future actions for Sustainable Logistics in their Low Carbon Action Plans for Urban Freight.
Urban Freight Operations
In global supply chains where goods and services can move thousands of kilometers from the suppliers to customers, the urban supply chain is often the shortest of all transport stages. However, its impact on the costs of goods is disproportionately large and the externalities created cannot be overlooked.
Types of Freight
Vehicles
The types of vehicles used to move goods is closely related to the layout of urban supply chains. Understanding the profiles of freight vehicles can help formulate policies and maximize freight traffic flows.
TYPES OF GOODS
Parcel and express
Waste logistics
Temperature controlled
Facility logistics
General cargo and retail
Construction logisticsDumpers or Tankers
Heavy bulk freight, liquid or solid, in dumpers or tankers
Heavy Trucks or Tractor-Trailers
Manufactured goods or pallets traveling long distances to and from distribution centers or factories.
Medium or Light Trucks (Non-perishable Goods)
Non-perishables moving from distribution centers or wholesale markets to points of sale in the urban core.
Light or Medium Trucks (Perishable Goods)
Perishable goods may be transported in similar vehicles or in light or medium duty refrigerated or climate-controlled ones.
Light Trucks and Scooters
Transportation within the urban core using light trucks and scooters.
Walking and Cycling
Final mile using non-motorized modes like walking and cycling.
Autonomous Solutions
Vehicles used for a special purpose in a remote area work as last-mile solutions: transport medicines, emergency products, and regular couriers.
Urban Freight Stakeholders
Freight activity can be difficult to understand because it is fragmented and involves many actors. The success of urban freight strategies and solutions requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders–policymakers, public agencies, private companies, communities, trade groups, individuals and academia.
The challenge is that very often, the interests and needs of these diverse stakeholder groups are paradoxical. A city's goal of providing unobstructed and open city space for all, counteracts freight operators desire for efficient deliveries and the hopes of the city community for low-cost delivery with the lowest externalities. Therefore, city governments must convene and identify solutions that meet the logistics operators' needs and coincide with the city's sustainability goals. (Low Carbon Action Plan for Urban freight)
Political Support & Advocacy
Facilitate Collaboration & Partnership
Research & Capacity Building
Innovative/Generated Solutions
Support Innovation
Communication
PRIVATE COMPANIES
Political Support & Advocacy
Research & Capacity Building
Support Innovation
CITIZENS CONSUMERS
Political Support & Advocacy
Facilitate Collaboration & Partnership
Plan Regulation & Enforcement
Research & Capacity Building
Support Innovation
Communication
PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
Facilitate Collaboration & Partnership
Research & Capacity Building
Innovative/Generated Solutions
Support Innovation
ACADEMIA
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Demonstration projects showcase the potential of implementing feasible strategies identified by a project city with active multi-stakeholder participation. Such projects will introduce innovative concepts, raise awareness, demonstrate commitment from both the public and private sectors and build trust.
All cities
Rosario, Argentina
"BiciPack" Bicycles for Sustainable Logistics
Bogota, Colombia
Proofing alternatives for fleet replacement and consolidation for last mile freight in Bogota
Kochi, India
Introduction of electric loaders in the prominent market centers and develop charging infrastructure
Shimla, India
Ongoing Freight Packing & Loading Zones
Panaji, India
Promotion of Collaborative last mile delivery (load pooling) through electric freight vehicles
"BiciPack" Bicycles for Sustainable Logistics
Rosario, Argentina
After the engagement with the mobility office, public operators, and small businesses, ICLEI, with the municipality, pushed innovation in Rosario, working with startups to deploy 20 cargobikes with geo-fencing technology and the associated infrastructure into the public bike hire scheme. (read more)
Proofing alternatives for fleet replacement and consolidation for last mile freight in Bogota
Bogota, Colombia
The project aims to showcase the fleet replacement for last-mile logistics by agreeing with the city and different freight operators. EcoLogistics supports the inclusion of cargo bikes, electric vans, and electric tricycles to the operation in one of the areas identified by the city with low air quality. (read more)
Introduction of electric loaders in the prominent market centers and develop charging infrastructure
Kochi, India
Introduction of electric three-wheel freight vehicles in a prominent market center and the development of relevant charging infrastructure in Kochi. (read more)
Ongoing freight packing & loading zones
Shimla, India
By selecting 17 of Shimla's highly dense traffic zones, the city authority, with help from ICLEI EcoLogistics, will manage and transform the curb into an order zone for freight parking, and loading and unloading. The city will introduce new signalization and implement time frames for operations. During this work, the city drivers will receive instructions on eco-driving. (read more)
Promotion of collaborative last mile delivery (load pooling) through electric freight vehicles
Panaji, India
Promotion of collaborative last mile delivery (load pooling) using electric freight vehicles while keeping an equal level of services on current operations. (read more)
IKI EcoLogistics is a project implemented by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. The ICLEI World Secretariat is responsible for project management and coordination. ICLEI South America Secretariat and ICLEI South Asia Secretariat are the implementing partners. Despacio, the Smart Freight Centre and the Zaragoza Logistics Center are technical partners for this project.
The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
Read more: www.international-climate-initiative.com
Any person who believes they may be harmed by an IKI project or who wish to report corruption or the misuse of funds, can lodge a complaint to the IKI Independent Complaint Mechanism at IKI-complaints@z-u-g.org. The IKI complaint mechanism has a panel of independent experts who will investigate the complaint. In the course of the investigation, we will consult with the complainant so as to avoid unnecessary risks for the complainant. More information can be found at: https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/about-iki/values-responsibility/independent-complaint-mechanism/
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ECOLOGISTICS:
LOW CARBON FREIGHT FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES
A project led by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability in collaboration with Despacio, Smart Freight Centre and Zaragoza Logistics Center, is critical in helping develop road maps for efficient and sustainable freight transport.
Globally, urban freight represents up to 25 percent of urban vehicles, takes up to 40 percent of motorized road space and contributes to up to 40 percent of urban transport-related CO2 emissions and up to 50 percent of main air pollutants (PM, NOx). The growth of urban freight has been unprecedented in the last decade, and it will continue to grow in the future.
Barriers for Sustainable Urban Freight
Freight transport and emissions are increasing rapidly; until now, cities have not been equipped to handle the associated challenges or even recognize the extent of the issue.
CHALLENGES
Adoption of new technologies Engagement with stakeholders Freight operation Freight trendsAdoption of new technologies
Unavailability of data and methodologies to assess freight sector performance
Limited penetration of technologies
High cost of safer and cleaner freight vehicle fletes
Lack of motivation from the industry and support from the public administration for vehicle technology upgrades.
Engagement with stakeholders
Lack of collaboration between the industry and the public administration
Lack of alignment across different levels and governments
Stakeholders conflicting interests and objectives
Freight operation
Historically fragmented sector
Shift to decentralized and global industrial production
Lack of integrated planning
Inefficiencies such as low vehicle load factors and empty running due to customer and sourcing inefficiencies
Limited and/or unattractive offer of logistics services
Lack of specialized infrastructure
Freight trends
A rise in E-commerce and just-in-time deliveries
Rising prices of real estate in the city center caused urban sprawl
Crowdshipping and last-mile delivery strategies are getting more interest from retailers, as a way to gain customers and increase service levels and profits, and from governments to improve efficiencies (operational, economic, environmental, social)
The EcoLogistics Principles
EcoLogistics promotes the low emission transportation of goods that prioritizes public health and safety and people-centered urban development, that will enable circular and regional economies to limit the growth of freight transport.
PRINCIPLES
Principle 1
Shift to alternative options
Kochi, India. Ernakulam market traders are shifting to 3-wheel electric vehicles
Panaji, india. Supermarkets are shifting towards electric bikes for last-mile delivery.
Bogotá, Colombia. The city implemented the Bici Carga pilot using electric bicycles for last first mile deliveries.
Principle 2
Commit to safer urban delivery vehicles for safer streets
Bogota and AMVA, Colombia. Have developed a Vision Zero initiative, which promotes Road Safety and reduces deaths and severe injuries on the roads. The actions include changes to the designs of streets and intersections and a Road Safety Plan for Motorcyclists, among others. Vision Zero is a global approach to Safe Mobility and these cities have included freight since 2019.
Panaji and Kochi, India. As part of their Low Carbon Action plans, they will address reducing road fatalities in the freight sector. The focus areas include behavior and physical changes to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring.
Principle 3
Integrate land use planning for freight delivery
AMVA, Colombia. Developed the Medellin Territorial Land Use Plan (MTLUP). With strategies in the regional and metropolitan areas for the execution of projects infrastructure for mobility and equipment for support for competitiveness, strengthening the economic base of regional logistics centers.
Kochi, India. The city is planning to revise the comprehensive mobility plan, focusing on urban logistics and its integration with land use. Santa Fe, Argentina. They are improving the current regulations and development of new ones, to manage the activity and include urban freight transport logistics in urban planning.
Principle 4
Support consolidation strategies for urban deliveries
Kochi, India. Plans to develop a multimodal logistics hub near Kalamassery railway station. The multimodal hub includes a consolidation center which should result in improved logistics efficiency.
Santa Fe, Argentina. The city will adapt and build cargo consolidation centers, where heavy vehicles partially store their shipments to leave last mile logistics to lighter and greener vehicles. The first planned center is a parking establishment located west of the city.
Principle 5
Commit to safer urban delivery vehicles for safer streets
AMVA, Colombia. Volqui: A new app for dump truck drivers to choose the service for construction companies. The app indicates vehicle traceability, capacity and load.
Panaji, India. The Panaji Action plan includes several actions to improve freight vehicle load, resulting in efficiency improvements. The city is validating the concept of load pooling through digital technology.
Principle 6
Promote multi-stakeholder decision making structures
Bogota, Colombia. The EnCargaTe strategy enabled the setting up of a stakeholder engagement forum which has assisted in implementing the EcoLogistics project.
Kochi and Shimla, India. NITI Aayog and RMI work on fast-tracking freight in India by clearing the stakeholder roadmaps at national levels for the future of freight in Indian cities.
Principle 7
Create frameworks for climate-friendly business models
Rosario, Argentina. To agree on specific long-, medium- and short-term actions, the city engaged with multiple stakeholders, including a strong group of policymakers, officials, academics, manufacturers, freight operators and unions. As a result, the city implemented and incorporated 20 cargo bikes into the current public bike system, distributed in 8 stations in the city center, with integration of fleet management and data collection software.
Principle 8
Embrace the future of sustainable logistics
Argentina, Colombia and India. Bogota, Medellin, Manizales, in Colombia, Rosario, Santa Fe, in Argentina, and Shimla, Kochi, Panaji, in India frame the future actions for Sustainable Logistics in their Low Carbon Action Plans for Urban Freight.
Urban Freight Operations
In global supply chains where goods and services can move thousands of kilometers from the suppliers to customers, the urban supply chain is often the shortest of all transport stages. However, its impact on the costs of goods is disproportionately large and the externalities created cannot be overlooked.
Types of Freight Vehicles
The types of vehicles used to move goods is closely related to the layout of urban supply chains. Understanding the profiles of freight vehicles can help formulate policies and maximize freight traffic flows.
TYPES OF GOODS
Dumpers or Tankers
Heavy bulk freight, liquid or solid, in dumpers or tankers.
Heavy Trucks or Tractor-Trailers
Manufactured goods or pallets traveling long distances to and from distribution centers or factories.
Medium or Light Trucks (Non-perishable Goods)
Non-perishables moving from distribution centers or wholesale markets to points of sale in the urban core.
Light or Medium Trucks (Perishable Goods)
Perishable goods may be transported in similar vehicles or in light or medium duty refrigerated or climate-controlled ones.
Light Trucks and Scooters
Transportation within the urban core using light trucks and scooters.
Walking and Cycling
Final mile using non-motorized modes like walking and cycling.
Autonomous Solutions
Vehicles used for a special purpose in a remote area work as last-mile solutions: transport medicines, emergency products, and regular couriers.
Urban Freight Stakeholders
Freight activity can be difficult to understand because it is fragmented and involves many actors. The success of urban freight strategies and solutions requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders–policymakers, public agencies, private companies, communities, trade groups, individuals and academia. (Low Carbon Action Plan for Urban freight)
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Demonstration projects showcase the potential of implementing feasible strategies identified by a project city with active multi-stakeholder participation. Such projects will introduce innovative concepts, raise awareness, demonstrate commitment from both the public and private sectors and build trust.
All cities
Rosario, Argentina
"Bicicargo" Bicycles for Sustainable Logistics
Bogota, Colombia
Proofing alternatives for fleet replacement and consolidation for last mile freight in Bogota
Kochi, India
Introduction of electric loaders in the prominent market centers and develop charging infrastructure
Shimla, India
Ongoing Freight Packing & Loading Zones
Panaji, India
Promotion of Collaborative last mile delivery (load pooling) through electric freight vehicles
"Bicicargo" Bicycles for Sustainable Logistics
Rosario, Argentina
After the engagement with the mobility office, public operators, and small businesses, ICLEI, with the municipality, pushed innovation in Rosario, working with startups to deploy 20 cargobikes with geo-fencing technology and the associated infrastructure into the public bike hire scheme.(read more)
Proofing alternatives for fleet replacement and consolidation for last mile freight in Bogota
Bogota, Colombia
The project aims to showcase the fleet replacement for last-mile logistics by agreeing with the city and different freight operators. EcoLogistics supports the inclusion of cargo bikes, electric vans, and electric tricycles to the operation in one of the areas identified by the city with low air quality. (read more)
Introduction of electric loaders in the prominent market centers and develop charging infrastructure
Kochi, India
Introduction of electric three-wheel freight vehicles in a prominent market center and the development of relevant charging infrastructure in Kochi. (read more)
Ongoing freight packing & loading zones
Shimla, India
By selecting 17 of Shimla's highly dense traffic zones, the city authority, with help from ICLEI EcoLogistics, will manage and transform the curb into an order zone for freight parking, and loading and unloading. The city will introduce new signalization and implement time frames for operations. During this work, the city drivers will receive instructions on eco-driving. (read more)
Promotion of collaborative last mile delivery (load pooling) through electric freight vehicles
Panaji, India
Promotion of collaborative last mile delivery (load pooling) using electric freight vehicles while keeping an equal level of services on current operations. (read more)
IKI EcoLogistics is a project implemented by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. The ICLEI World Secretariat is responsible for project management and coordination. ICLEI South America Secretariat and ICLEI South Asia Secretariat are the implementing partners. Despacio, the Smart Freight Centre and the Zaragoza Logistics Center are technical partners for this project.
The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
Read more: www.international-climate-initiative.com
Any person who believes they may be harmed by an IKI project or who wish to report corruption or the misuse of funds, can lodge a complaint to the IKI Independent Complaint Mechanism at IKI-complaints@z-u-g.org. The IKI complaint mechanism has a panel of independent experts who will investigate the complaint. In the course of the investigation, we will consult with the complainant so as to avoid unnecessary risks for the complainant. More information can be found at: https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/about-iki/values-responsibility/independent-complaint-mechanism/