Author: Panagiotis Kanellopoulos / ACS
Urban logistics is evolving rapidly, with sustainability driving the shift towards greener, more efficient delivery systems. The GREEN-LOG project, a Horizon Europe initiative, is leading the way by reimagining last-mile logistics through innovative, real-world solutions. The Athens Living Lab provides a dynamic testing ground where logistics providers, city authorities, and technology partners come together to tackle pressing urban logistics challenges.
In Athens, ACS Postal Services has partnered with FedEx and DAEM (City of Athens IT Company) to explore solutions that improve delivery efficiency while minimising environmental impacts. A major focus of the collaborative efforts has been the deployment of a shared micro-consolidation center (MCC) and the integration of smart lockers for last-mile delivery. These innovations reduce vehicle trips, alleviate urban congestion, and offer customers greater flexibility in receiving their packages.
One of our pilot’s standout features is the use of a white-label electric vehicle, shared between ACS and FedEx. This shared resource represents a significant step forward in promoting zero-emission delivery modes while fostering collaboration between logistics service providers. By utilising the MCC as a local hub, we streamline parcel distribution to lockers and delivery addresses across this congestions area of Athens, reducing the carbon footprint of our operations.
Figure 1. Shared logistics routing in Athens urban area
ACS’s role in the project is not only about technological implementation but also about data-driven decision-making. By working closely with research partners such as the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), we analyse GPS and routing data to optimise delivery routes, quantify emissions reductions, and enhance urban delivery reliability. This data-driven approach ensures that the solutions we develop are scalable and adaptable to other European cities.
Beyond logistics, GREEN-LOG emphasises societal impact. ACS alongside other partners in the Athens Living Lab actively engages with the local community and stakeholders to ensure these innovations are widely accepted and aligned with citizens’ needs. The aim is to demonstrate that sustainable logistics can coexist with operational excellence.
Through GREEN-LOG, the consortium is paving the way for a greener, more efficient, and inclusive future for urban logistics — showing how collaborative innovation can make sustainable urban mobility a reality.
Photo credits: ACS