Abstract
The distribution of goods in urban areas, together with private traffic flows, are among the main sources of energy consumption, air pollution and noise. As a consequence, in the 2000s, several EU cities started to implement logistical solutions for the sustainable city. In this context, this study addresses the implementation of a new eco-logistic system, which serves multiple adjacent cities by using electric vehicles to deliver goods of any type within their urban areas. This paper describes the results of a project developed in the province of Vicenza (northern Italy) and covering the main cities (Bassano del Grappa, Thiene, Schio and Valdagno) in the foothills (the so-called Pedemontana Veneta zone). The eco-logistic system aims to cover the last 50 miles of distribution (typical area of an Italian province) with a centralised platform that performs green deliveries with electric vehicles from/to the downtown areas. A preliminary and extensive “on field” analysis by means of door-to-door questionnaires was conducted to identify the performance required by the eco-logistic system. Therefore, the design of such a distribution system is performed to assess and define the conditions that make this solution profitable from both the economic and the environmental perspective.
Highlights
The aim of this paper is to propose a new urban eco-logistic model that can be applied to a set of well-connected neighbouring cities that share the objective of implementing green deliveries to urban areas
The economic sustainability of the proposed urban logistic model is strongly influenced by the number of points to be served and the CO2 equivalent emission savings demonstrate how the application of such a logistic solution can improve the environmental impact of urban distribution
Because of the high population, lack of infrastructure and pollution problems, urban freight transport faces a lot of difficulties
Summary
The aim of this paper is to propose a new urban eco-logistic model that can be applied to a set of well-connected neighbouring cities that share the objective of implementing green deliveries to urban areas. City logistics identify ways to regulate access, circulation and the parking of commercial vehicles in urban centres and to implement policies without restrictions that harm economic and social prosperity and are conducive to relocation of economic activities and population [1]. Such logistical activities are necessary for the harmonious growth of every urban area, even if they are the main cause of pollution, noise and accidents. A recent study of EU countries shows that in 60% of cities, there are significant difficulties in terms of urban logistics management; 55% of vehicle emissions are caused by goods distribution and 40% of these goods is delivered to city centres [3]
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