Green construction logistics – a multi-actor challenge

Abstract

Construction transport have a severe environmental impact. To address the environmental problems requires that the complexity of construction, including the many different actors and their goals, is captured. The purpose of this article is to propose a new conceptual model for construction logistics systems, with the aim of advancing the transition to more environmentally friendly construction transport. The conceptual model was developed based on different theoretical frameworks, and also improved based on practitioner's workshops. The conceptual model is based on five interconnected layers of activities: urban land use; construction; construction supply chain; transport; and infrastructure and three subsystems. The model indicates on what layers different actors in the subsystems act and how different actors can influence the environmental performance of construction logistics systems by their decisions. In relation to similar multi-layer models, construction logistics also need to embrace municipal actors. For example, the traffic planning may offer available infrastructure to improve fill rates and energy efficiency, but fill rate is the direct result of the suppliers decisions, which is indirectly affected by the main contractor's schedule. In particular, modal split is influenced by a range of decisions by different actors, complicating the selection of a more environmentally friendly transport mode.