Improving energy efficiency in logistics systems: On the road to environmental sustainability
Doctoral thesis, 2020
The thesis draws from a series of five studies in order to critically examine road freight transport before expanding focus to logistics at the point of consumption and, in turn, to post-consumption flow of household waste. First, as a basis for the research, logistics system levels suitable for improving energy efficiency are identified, and the flow of goods towards the point of consumption is investigated, especially in terms of underutilised capacity and means of mitigation. Second, the fulfilment of logistics in the last mile before consumption is analysed, particularly concerning the end consumer’s role, by pinpointing the characteristics of energy efficiency that various fulfilment options afford. Third, the transformation of logistics service providers into environmentally sustainable actors is evaluated, along with their maturity in those roles. Fourth, focussing on the post-consumption flow of household waste, the logistics of waste collection are assessed. Therein, the household is viewed as a co-producer of the waste collection service that can increase the value of waste as a resource and boost energy efficiency during waste collection. Fifth and last, by using modularity as a concept and service blueprinting as a tool for improving energy efficiency, the design of logistics services is analysed by disassembling services for waste collection into their various components and modules.
In sum, the thesis compiles five papers based on three semi-structured interview studies and two case studies. Multiple qualitative methods were applied in conjunction with data collection via site visits, brainstorming sessions and a focus group as well as secondary data collection addressing the flow of goods to the point of consumption and in the post-consumption flow of household waste. By mapping current industrial activities performed by multiple actors in different logistics systems, the thesis proposes opportunities for improving energy efficiency in logistics systems and for contributing to environmentally sustainable development. Viewed from a systems perspective, logistics systems are examined as operating in steady interaction with their environments, and service logic is applied to understand the provider and customer ends of logistics services and their interaction.
road freight transport
service modularity
service logic
logistics fulfilment
Capacity utilisation
point of consumption
first mile
service blueprint
household waste
distribution structure
system levels
systems perspective
value co-creation
last mile
Author
Jessica Wehner
Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics
This thesis sets out by exploring characteristics of structures that shape energy efficiency in logistics systems. Furthermore, the thesis examines the provider end of the supply chain by investigating energy efficiency initiatives taken by logistics service providers. Finally, this thesis investigates the customer end of the supply chain by analysing the provider–customer interaction with respect to logistics services. The thesis conceptualises energy efficiency as a value to provider and customers, that is co-created by both actors. Practical implications contain the maturation of the logistics industry, involvement of customers in the process of creating logistics services and the provision of tools to do so, such as the service blueprint.
The Fifth Fuel - Energy Efficiency Through Effective Freight Transport in Sustainable Urban Areas
Swedish Energy Agency (38872-1), 2014-06-01 -- 2017-12-01.
ELIN: Energy efficiency of logistics services -- inside-out
Swedish Energy Agency (P43314-2), 2016-12-06 -- 2019-12-31.
Driving Forces
Sustainable development
Areas of Advance
Transport
Subject Categories
Transport Systems and Logistics
Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified
Environmental Management
Energy Systems
ISBN
978-91-7905-226-3
Doktorsavhandlingar vid Chalmers tekniska högskola. Ny serie: 4693
Publisher
Chalmers
Vasa C, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8
Opponent: Nathalie Fabbe-Costes, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France