Strategic Multi-Echelon and Cross-Modal CO2 Emissions Calculation in Parcel Distribution Networks: First Step Toward a Common Language

Abstract

Sustainability in distribution networks is currently the focus of study at institutional, academic, and commercial levels. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is on all the programmatic agendas, and the goals are clear for years toward carbon neutrality. As one of the main polluting sectors and growing trends with e-commerce, transport must align its efforts to contribute to the cause. In this paper, a strategic model is proposed for the calculation of CO2 emissions in the distribution of parcels. Novel in this research is that it integrates both line-haul transport and last-mile distribution at a strategic level and includes key elements such as time windows and population density in the calculation. Through an applied case in parcel distribution in Belgium, the calculation of CO2 emissions with the proposed model is illustrated. The model is enhanced by analyzing the time windows effect and the electrification of the last-mile fleet. The results concerning CO2 emissions in parcel distribution in Belgium show that it is possible to reduce emissions not only through the electrification of the fleet but also with an efficient distribution network. The effect of the network structure will be more evident with international shipments that include more polluting modes of transport. However, the results for Belgium show that the last mile is currently the most polluting segment. The proposed model could further be complemented by including reverse logistics, in-house calculation, and packaging emissions.