Three key drivers to unlock sustainable deliveries in cities

How might sustainable delivery look like if people moved less (far)? This is one of the questions explored in “Navigating the 15-minute City: First Learnings and Discussions from the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership” a recent publication by the European partnership Driving Urban Transitions to a sustainable future (DUT). Authors describe the 15-minute City as a concept envisioning liveable neighbourhoods where city dwellers should be able to cover the vast majority of their essential needs within a 15-minute radius by walking and cycling. It also considers connecting city dwellers to larger distances by other forms of sustainable transport. However, one of the challenges identified when implementing the 15-minute City vision is the role of logistics. 

Urban logistics that are predominantly based on private transport (trucks, cars, etc.) are particularly problematic, contributing to traffic congestion, increased air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, space constraints, and inefficient delivery routes and schedules. To address these issues, cities are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions within their scope of action. These include green vehicles, the introduction of zero emission zones, and innovative delivery methods.

However, these solutions require specific infrastructure adaptations, including the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations, the construction of micro-hubs, and dedicated infrastructure measures for cycling, walking, and public transport. A group of experts from AustriaTech, University of Žilina, Universidad de Deusto and City of Venice identified three key issues that, once addressed, can drive  sustainable urban logistics and delivery in a 15-minute city.

Advanced technologies and digitalisation 

The implementation of rail-based approaches, such as parcel logistics using trams, presents a similar challenge to private transport due to capacity bottlenecks. Advanced technologies and digitalisation processes can support developing more efficient and sustainable logistics solutions in the context of the 15-minute City. 

This includes, for example, the implementation of intelligent traffic management systems and data sharing that can optimise traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks. Furthermore, collaboration of urban authorities with the private sector is essential, since logistics is a highly privatised sector, and cities need to involve key stakeholders to plan and harmonise urban freight. 

A shift in consumer behaviour

The role of the end consumer is crucial, especially in the choice of products and the delivery of goods. The acceptance of more flexible delivery times, such as in the use of central pick-up points, or the preference for local products play an important role in optimising logistics transport requirements. Especially the latter can be a key objective in creating more sustainable, efficient and resilient solutions for logistics systems in the 15-minute City. 

By targeting the specific needs and resources of local communities, logistics in the 15-minute City not only enable more efficient supply, but also significantly contribute to the development of a more resilient urban environment. One big challenge on the consumer-side remains however, how “buying local” can become not only the more sustainable but also the more affordable choice.

Research and innovation for new solutions

Local test zones and living labs can provide practical testing grounds, enabling the piloting of new and potentially disruptive solutions and create a space for learning. To illustrate this, one can look at DUT projects such as Car-goNE-City and ERGODIC, led by Chalmers Tekniska Högskola, which focus on fostering sustainable options for logistics in urban outskirts. One of the solutions explored are modular vehicles that could flexibly change capacity by adjusting the number of interconnected and separate cabins carrying either passengers, goods or micro-vehicles.

In the coming years, the European partnership Driving Urban Transitions will finance and support projects to make the 15-minute City concept a reality in Europe. A new DUT call for funding was released in July 2024.