EcoLogistics Principles - ICLEI Sustainable Mobility

Global freight demand is estimated to triple between 2015 and 2050. The ability to move goods efficiently has become the lifeblood of economic development, particularly in cities which generate over 80 percent of global GDP and an estimated 75 percent of global emissions.

As cities continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, increasing freight movements present unique urban challenges including congestion, air pollution, traffic accidents and a host of other negative impacts on the mobility system. To mitigate the adverse impacts and meet the Paris climate goals, it is imperative for cities to apply sustainable principles for moving goods.

EcoLogistics promotes clean, sustainable, efficient and safe urban freight through collaborative efforts in stakeholder engagement, technologies, policies and land use planning and inspires local governments to transform their urban freight system.

Here are the 8 foundational principles local governments can follow to help lead the transition to sustainable urban freight:

THE PRINCIPLES

(Español & Chinese)

1. Shift to alternative delivery options

Last mile deliveries account for one quarter of logistics supply chain emissions and are often inefficient. These deliveries can be shifted to sustainable delivery options using non-motorized vehicles, and the use of electric vans should be promoted to improve efficiency and performance of the urban freight system. Low-emission alternatives to road transport, such as waterways and urban rail can also reduce emissions.

2. Commit to safer urban delivery vehicles for safer streets

Delivery vehicles, in particular heavy trucks, are disproportionately responsible for traffic injuries and fatalities. A comprehensive program for safer vehicles, speeds, streets and behaviors can reduce the likelihood of road crashes. Governments can enforce a safe system for vehicles and fleet operations, raise driving standards and ensure compliance, provide targeted training and reduce speed limits to protect vulnerable road users where infrastructure must be shared.

3. Integrate land use planning for freight delivery

Land use is generally planned and implemented at the local level, using the comprehensive plan, zoning code and permitting system. City policymakers should introduce policies and rules for the movement of goods into urban planning. Land use planning policies should take into account the management of curb space for freight vehicles, waiting and loading/unloading bays and shared use for deliveries.

4. Support consolidation strategies for urban deliveries

Consolidation allows for improved load utilization and can reduce delivery vehicle numbers and kilometers. Small urban consolidation centers, in combination with electric vehicles and cargo bikes, can enhance urban delivery cost- and energy-efficiency. Governments can identify suitable funding models and provide adequate infrastructure for appropriate consolidation and distribution activities.

5. Optimize the efficiency of delivery operations

With ever-improving data collection technologies, urban freight service providers can use services such as route optimization, telematics for vehicles, driver monitoring and training to improve delivery operations. Governments can use collected data to understand the freight movement in their cities and make informed decisions.

6. Promote multi-stakeholder decision making structures

Sustainable urban freight is difficult to achieve without the active engagement and support of stakeholders in both public and private sectors. Urban freight roundtables and forums should be established for efficient and targeted discussions and negotiations.

7. Create frameworks for climate-friendly business models

New business models and technological innovations may radically change the way the freight industry operates. Policymakers should introduce regulatory and pricing incentives and procurement policies to support the use of low emission vehicles and create frameworks that enable freight operators to move toward climate-friendly business models.

8. Embrace the future of sustainable logistics

Advances in technology make just-in-time deliveries for many commercial establishments and consumers possible. Local governments should use communications channels and campaigns to raise awareness of the impact of delivery options and encourage consumer behavior change. Policy-makers can also set up training programs for logistics jobs to raise the profile of the freight sector.

Printable poster

The EcoLogistics Principles poster is now available in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese and Korean! Stay tuned for more translations!

Slide deck

This slide deck is designed to support an introduction to EcoLogistics Principles. Feel free to use and modify these slides to your purpose.

RELEASE, 7 October, 2020: Launch of EcoLogistics Principles

Testimonials

Slide 1

Principle 1: Shift to alternative delivery options

Gino Van Begin, Secretary General, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

"Freight transport and logistics have never been more vital for cities than in these unprecedented times. The EcoLogistics Principles will chart the way to promote clean, sustainable, efficient, and safe urban freight, helping cities to cut emissions and achieve a sustainable future."

Slide 1

Principle 2: Commit to safer urban delivery vehicles for safer streets

Chinghui, Liao Ph.D., Local Coordinator for ICLEI EcoLogistics Community

"In order to achieve EcoLogistics goals, it is imperative that policy leaders prioritize small and low emission vehicles in their planning to increase safety on their streets."

Slide 1

Principle 3: Integrate land use planning for freight delivery

Sunny Kodukula, Senior Researcher, Energy, Transport and Climate Policy Wuppertal Institute

"Street space must be optimized to accommodate for urban freight delivery and urban consolidation centers can be developed in cities where deliveries can be shifted to low carbon vehicles such as cargo bicycles and light electric vehicles."

Slide 1

Principle 4: Support consolidation strategies for urban deliveries

Alan Lewis, Technical Development Director, Smart Freight Centre

"Freight consolidation is a highly efficient solution because it uses several mechanisms to reduce freight transport emissions in one go: it can reduce delivery vehicle numbers and kilometers, enable greater control over the choice of vehicle and fuel type, and provide greater quality in last mile deliveries."

Slide 1

Principle 5: Optimize the efficiency of delivery operations

Ashish Rao Ghorpade, Deputy Director, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia

"Despite its critical importance, many Indian cities still ignore the issue of urban freight. Instead, cities should be using data technologies to improve efficiency, cost optimization and services. In time, the data generated can be used to inform better decision-making and improve freight movement and facilities for all actors."

Slide 1

Principle 6: Promote multi-stakeholder decision making structures

Patricia Calderón Peña, Executive Director, Despacio

"We are facing a “new normal,” in which urban freight has a crucial role to play in achieving sustainability goals and reducing GHG emissions. This requires active engagement and support of both the public and private sectors. The EcoLogistics Principles are building collaborative and long-term alliances designed to support real sustainable freight solutions."

Slide 1

Principle 7: Create frameworks for climate-friendly business models

Dr. Beatriz Royo, Associate Professor at the MIT-Zaragoza Program

"Regulation is crucial to create liveable and sustainable cities. Public support through procurement and pricing incentives is essential to foster wide adoption of new eco-friendly urban delivery business models and a combination of adequate regulations and financial support for sustainable urban delivery is a key to transformation."

Slide 1

Principle 8: Embrace the future of sustainable logistics

Nikola Medimorec, Data and Research Analysis, SLOCAT Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport

"The decarbonization of freight transport will be a difficult challenge that we will need to focus on in order to achieve sustainable, low carbon mobility. Thus, I welcome the EcoLogistics Principles providing us with guided action to tackle freight transport."