GREEN-LOG co-creation workshops bring about insights on last-mile logistics

In a series of lively and collaborative workshops, the EU-funded GREEN-LOG project, which counts on the participation of POLIS members Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen and Barcelona, has been making strides towards its goal of revolutionising last-mile logistics across Europe.

The workshops, held in five Living Labs - Ispra, Barcelona, Athens, Flanders, and Oxfordshire - brought together stakeholders, experts, and local communities to brainstorm innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of each area.

Next-generation Delivery: Robots on the Move!

Kicking off the journey in Ispra, Italy, on September 29, 2023, stakeholders gathered to hash out efficient last-mile delivery solutions. Hosted by e-NOVIA at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) premises, the event aimed to boost efficiency and cut down on errors in food delivery operations at the Centre. Imagine a fleet of delivery robots and cargo bikes seamlessly integrated with a slick booking system - that's the vision for this GREEN-LOG Living Lab.

You can learn more about GREEN-LOG’s Ispra Living Lab here and the workshop here.

Getting Multimodal in Barcelona

Fast forward to November 16, 2023, in sunny Barcelona, where stakeholders explored multi-modal solutions for sustainable logistics. The focus was on train stations in suburban areas, where greener delivery methods have not quite taken off like in the bustling city centre of the Catalan capital. From cargo-bike hubs to robotic delivery options, the discussions revolved around collaboration and data sharing to make innovative delivery models a reality.

You can learn more about GREEN-LOG’s Barcelona Living Lab here and the workshop here.

Cargo Bikes and Automated Vehicles: The Future in Oxfordshire

On December 1, 2023, Oxfordshire played host to stakeholders eager to scale up zero-emission last-mile deliveries. The discussions centred on movable consolidation points,  new cargo-bike designs, and a digital marketplace to boot. With parcel deliveries on the rise and sustainability goals in mind, stakeholders brainstormed ways to make last-mile delivery both efficient and green.

You can learn more about GREEN-LOG’s Oxfordshire Living Lab here and the workshop here.

Collaborating for Greener Parcels in Athens

In Athens, on February 16, 2024, stakeholders strategised sustainable parcel distribution for the bustling city. The plan? Establishing a network of logistics service providers and introducing electric vehicles to shake up urban logistics, while exploring the set-up of micro consolidations centres. With concerns over unreliable delivery services, the focus was on refining the GREEN-LOG project to better align with European objectives.

You can learn more about GREEN-LOG’s Athens Living Lab here and the workshop here.

Logistics-as-a-Service in Flanders

Finally, the journey wrapped up in Flanders, Belgium, where stakeholders from Ghent, Mechelen, and Leuven gathered to discuss Logistics-as-a-Service (LaaS). Picture a platform where urban logistics data links supply and demand, all aimed at improving sustainability. The region of Flanders and the three cities involved are prioritising the development of the LaaS as a strategic challenge to improve efficiency in last-mile deliveries.

You can learn more about GREEN-LOG’s Flanders Living Lab here and the workshop here.

These workshops showcased the power of collaboration and creativity in shaping sustainable last-mile solutions tailored to each region's needs. As the GREEN-LOG project continues to evolve, it promises to deliver efficient, user-friendly, and eco-conscious services to communities across Europe.

Want to know more?

You can follow GREEN-LOG on LinkedIn or X.

You can contact Cláudia Ribeiro, Raffaele Vergnani or Zsófia Jákói.