In a series of dynamic and collaborative workshops, the EU-funded GREEN-LOG project has made significant strides in its path to redefine last-mile logistics across Europe. The workshops took place in all five Living Labs – Ispra, Barcelona, Athens, Flanders, and Oxfordshire -, each bringing together stakeholders, experts, and local communities to co-create innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of their respective territories.
Next-generation last-mile delivery integrating delivery robots
The journey began in Ispra, Italy, where stakeholders convened on 29 September 2023 organised by e-NOVIA and hosted at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) premises in collaboration with Living Lab partners and stakeholders, to discuss and co-create efficient last-mile delivery solutions for the Ispra Living Lab.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is an EC infrastructure in Ispra where GREEN-LOG solutions will be demonstrated. Autonomous and multimodal delivery able to support daily activities by increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and decreasing human involvement, especially in most of the standardised and repetitive operations will be achieved through the integration of the fleet management system (Yape droids and Measy cargo bikes) with the booking system implemented in the delivery platform.
The workshop addressed challenges such as food hygiene standards, decarbonising logistics, and user motivations, producing key outcomes focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting eco-friendly solutions, and exploring user-friendly ordering platforms.
Multimodal last-mile deliveries
Continuing the momentum, the workshop in Barcelona, Spain was organised by VANaPEDAL, Eurecat, AIMSUN, ATM along with other Barcelona Living Lab partners, on 16 November, 2023, gathering participants to explore multi-modal solutions for sustainable logistics.
The suburban area of Barcelona has not taken the opportunity to implement greener delivery methods as intensely as the urban zone. The Barcelona Living Lab will assess and develop appropriate last-mile delivery models such as primarily cargo-bike hubs, but also lockers, linked to rail stations in a variety of urban contexts (covering Barcelona’s city centre and towns along the metropolitan rail network).
Discussions centered on integrating cargo-bike hubs with rail lines and exploring robotic delivery options. Stakeholders emphasised the need for collaboration and shared data to validate innovative models of last-mile delivery.
Next generation last-mile delivery integrating cargo-bikes and AVs
Next on the agenda was the workshop in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, held on 1 December, 2023. The workshop was organised by Oxfordshire County Council, FEED, Pedal & Post, University of Wolverhampton, and other local stakeholders.
GREEN-LOG intends to bring together active players in Oxford’s freight operations to address the challenges in scaling up zero emission last-mile deliveries in Oxford. Some of the concepts are the design of movable consolidation points, demonstration of new customised cargo-bike designs, and development of digital marketplace.
The stakeholders came together to discuss innovative models for scaling up cargo-bike logistics services in the region. Discussions focused on addressing challenges such as increasing parcel deliveries, constrained depot capacity, and sustainability goals, presenting potential use cases to enhance last-mile delivery efficiency and convenience.
Multi-stakeholder collaborations for shared MCCs and optimised cargo-bike use
In Athens, Greece, the workshop convened on 16 February, 2024, and was organised by ACS (the Athens Living Lab leader) and the University of Aegean, bringing stakeholders together to strategise sustainable parcel distribution for the city.
Athens is a densely populated area and faces challenges that have severe impact on urban logistics. The aim is to establish a network of logistics service providers, local stakeholders, businesses etc. to implement micro-consolidation centres (MCCs) in public places jointly used by the courier companies. Also, the use of electric vehicles will be introduced and extended.
Attendees highlighted concerns such as unreliable delivery services and inconvenient delivery locations, emphasising the need to refine the GREEN-LOG project to address these pain points and align with European objectives.
Last-mile Urban Logistics-as-a-Service
The journey ended in Flanders, Belgium, on 6 and 9 February, 2024, where stakeholders from Ghent, Mechelen, and Leuven convened to discuss the implementation of a Logistics as a Service (LaaS) platform.
The region of Flanders has announced the ambition to introduce zones for zero emission urban freight in cities. The goal is to develop a functional Logistics as-a-Service platform where urban logistics data is used to link demand (e.g., urban freight shipments, on-demand requirements, storage requirements) and supply (e.g. the provision of sustainable logistics services, warehouse space, need for certain type of vehicles) to improve the sustainability of first- and last-mile city logistics.
The workshop highlighted the potential of LaaS in managing urban logistics complexities and improving accessibility, profitability, and efficiency
These workshops underscored the importance of collaboration and co-creation in developing sustainable last-mile solutions tailored to the specific needs of each region. As the GREEN-LOG project continues to evolve, it holds the promise of delivering efficient, user-centric, and environmentally friendly services to communities across Europe.
Photo Credits: GREEN-LOG